Kingston, Ont. police lift 'nuisance party' declaration in University District
Kingston police say a 'nuisance party' in the city's University District has been cleared, but officers remain in the area after thousands of people attended weekend St. Patrick's Day parties.
The city of Kingston imposed its "University District Safety Initiative" this week to crack down on large parties. Police and Bylaw officers can issue fines for nuisance party infractions, ranging from $100 for noise bylaw offences like yelling, screaming and shouting to $200 for amplified music and $2,000 for hosting a "nuisance party."
A nuisance party was declared around 2:30 p.m. Saturday on Aberdeen Street, police said, warning attendees that anyone who remained in the area could face the abovementioned fines, and the possibility of charges. It was lifted around 4 p.m. after the street cleared out.
Police said this year's enforcement aims to strike a balance between allowing students to have fun while preventing high-risk behaviours.
"Basically, the message is we’re not trying to intercept or get in the way of people having fun but there’s obviously limitations and of course the laws have to apply and behaviour will be responded to," Insp. Matt Funnel said in an interview with CTV News.
"A party would be fine, but as soon as the behaviour steps up and we see projectiles or bad behaviour, that’s when the enforcement kicks in and we’re going to be firm and fair this year."
Last year, police and bylaw officers issued three fines worth $2,000 each for hosting or sponsoring a nuisance party on St. Patrick's Day, and 18 tickets for amplification of noise. Police said 41 open liquor charges were also issued, along with seven for underage drinking.
--With files from CTV News Ottawa's Kimberley Johnson and Josh Pringle.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
RCMP arrest suspect in Montreal on terrorism allegations after tip from FBI
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) arrested an 18-year-old man from the Saint-Laurent borough of Montreal on Thursday morning in connection with allegations of terrorism.

Largest recorded Alberta earthquake not natural, from oilsands wastewater: study
The largest recorded earthquake in Alberta's history was not a natural event, but most likely caused by disposal of oilsands wastewater, new research has concluded.
Via Rail revisiting inclusion policies after Muslim man told not to pray at Ottawa station
Via Rail says it is working to improve its diversity and inclusion policies after a Muslim man was told not to pray at the Ottawa train station.
Upgrading Safe Third Country Agreement about reassuring Canadians: PM Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he feels it is his role to see the Safe Third Country Agreement upgraded, in order to make sure Canadians can continue to have confidence in Canada's immigration system.
Manhattan DA rejects GOP demand for info on Trump case
The Manhattan district attorney investigating Donald Trump rebuffed U.S. House Republicans' request Thursday for documents and testimony about the case, dismissing it as an "unprecedented inquiry" with no legitimate basis.
Zellers opens a dozen stores in Canada amid wave of nostalgia and price sensitivity
Canadian retail chain Zellers marked its official comeback on Thursday, opening a dozen stores in Ontario and Alberta and launching a new website.
South Carolina's top accountant to resign after US$3.5-billion error
Embattled South Carolina Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom will resign next month after a US$3.5 billion accounting error in the year-end financial report he oversaw.
Han Dong resigns from Liberal caucus, denies interference allegations
Han Dong has announced he will be sitting as an independent MP after being the subject of allegations involving interference by China in Canadian affairs.
Canada-wide warrants issued for 2 new suspects in Elnaz Hajtamiri investigation
Investigators with York Regional Police issued Canada-wide warrants for two men who they say are involved in the Richmond Hill attack on Ontario woman Elnaz Hajtamiri weeks before she was allegedly abducted.