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
BREAKING Alice Munro, Nobel literature winner revered as short story master, dead at 92
Nobel laureate Alice Munro, the Canadian literary giant who became one of the world's most esteemed contemporary authors and one of history's most honoured short story writers, has died at age 92.
Latest updates on air quality alerts, and when the smoke may reach Ontario and Quebec
Wildfires have led Environment Canada to issue air quality advisories for parts of B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories, as forecasters warn the smoke could drift farther east.
Are these Canada's best restaurants? Annual top 100 list revealed
The annual list of Canada's top restaurants in the country was just released and here are the places that made the 2024 cut.
Attack on prison van in France kills 2 officers, inmate escapes
Armed assailants killed two French prison officers and seriously wounded three others in an attack on a convoy in Normandy on Tuesday and an inmate escaped, officials said.
Steal a car, lose your driver's licence for 10 years under new Ontario proposal
Repeat car thieves may face lengthy licence bans under proposed changes to Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act.
$1.6B parts plant for Honda electric vehicle batteries coming to Niagara Region
A Japanese company has announced it will build an approximately $1.6-billion plant in Ontario's Niagara Region that will make a key electric vehicle battery component as part of Honda's supply chain in the province.
B.C. brings in law on name changes on day that child killer's new identity revealed
The BC NDP have tabled legislation aimed at stopping people who have committed certain heinous acts from changing their names.
Manitoba premier to visit areas impacted by wildfire
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew will get a close-up look at the devastation from a large wildfire burning in northern Manitoba Tuesday.
1 killed, 3 injured including toddler, after Hwy. 417 crash in Ottawa
Ontario Provincial Police are responding to a fatal collision involving two vehicles on Highway 417 in Ottawa's west end on Tuesday morning.