Kingston, Ont. police, bylaw expect 16,000 people at University District parties
Officials are expecting up to 16,000 people to descend on the University District in Kingston, Ont. this weekend, more than double the number at parties last weekend during Queen’s University’s homecoming celebration.
About 8,000 people gathered in the residential area near Queen's campus last weekend, with more than 100 fines issued for violations. On two occasions, police declared the area an aggravated nuisance party, moving officers in to clear the streets and handout tickets for attending or hosting an illegal party.
Now, with students back in Kingston after the Fall Reading Week, Kingston Bylaw says larger parties are expected this weekend for a second weekend of homecoming festivities.
"The blatant disregard for the enforcement stance that we had for last weekend, there's no tolerance for this and there continues to be zero tolerance for this," said Kyle Campeau of Kingston Bylaw, adding all officers would be deployed this weekend.
In a statement on Friday, the city said law enforcement and first responders are "prepared for illegal gatherings and high-risk behaviours like the ones witnessed last weekend."
"It was Reading Week for the university and the majority of the students were at home, which is scary situation," said Campeau about the situation last weekend. "Now going into this weekend, with the students, we're anticipating there's going to be more activity this weekend."
Queen's University is urging students to 'think again' and avoid large unsanctioned gatherings this weekend.
"For your own personal safety and that of others, I urge you to re-think your participation in these activities – especially if drugs or alcohol are involved, as there is a risk of being insufficiently aware of your surroundings and of potential danger posed by others," said Patrick Deane, Principal of Queen's University.
"We continue to work with all of our community partners to communicate the potential for harm, and also to underline the fact that large unsanctioned gatherings provide openings for opportunistic criminals to commit crimes and acts of violence that could put you, or someone you care about, at risk."
Officers from Brockville police, Durham Regional Police and the Ontario Provincial Police swat team were deployed to Kingston last weekend to assist with policing.
Among the 100 fines issued last weekend were 58 tickets worth $2,000 each for hosting, attending or sponsoring an aggravated nuisance party. Twenty-eight charges for public intoxication and 33 charges for open liquor were also issued.
In the letter to students this week, Deane acknowledged that some students and community members felt the police presence in the University District last Saturday "was oppressive."
"Legal gathering limits are however still in force and you should expect there will be consequences for ignoring them. Everyone must adhere to the law," said Deane.
"The police will have an increased presence again this weekend as they are expecting large crowds and an influx of visitors. Whatever your personal opinion may be on policing, law enforcement officials have a responsibility to keep the community safe, something which is increasingly challenging to do when crowds grow."
The local MP says a zero-tolerance approach by police and bylaw isn't enough, and it's time Queen's University does more to control the parties – including suspensions for students.
"Bylaw, the mayor and council have done all that they can. But at the end of the day a $2,000 fine is just not making a difference," said Mark Gerretsen, MP for Kingston and the Islands. "As a matter of fact. that many students will take that fine and proudly display it as a badge of honour."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.