Kingston, Ont. prepares for another Queen's University homecoming weekend under COVID
As Queen’s University homecoming weekend begins, officials in Kingston, Ont. say they don’t want to see a return of large street parties thrown by students.
Homecoming traditionally brings the students and alumni to the city, and unofficial events of years past have included massive street parties throughout the weekend.
However, under Ontario's COVID-19 rules, parties with more than 100 people outside and 25 inside are banned.
In September, the start of the school year was plagued by large, unsanctioned gatherings, attended by thousands in the University District. It’s something Kyle Compeau of Kingston Bylaw, says the city has spent weeks preparing to see again.
"We’re bracing for that," he confirms.
In the past, an increased police presence would be felt for the official homecoming weekend. Compeau says that new enforcement measures mean extending a crackdown for a full three weeks, and putting every officer on shift.
"For the next three weekends, on Thursday, Friday, Saturdays, they’ll be boots on the ground, a heavier enforcement presence in the University District and continuing with a zero tolerance approach," said Compeau.
Police numbers confirm thousands attended the street parties in the fall, with dozens of various charges laid in September alone.
Queen’s University has had to foot the bill, giving $350,000 to the city of Kingston to help pay for costs associated with the illegal gatherings.
Still fourth-year students like Lauren Strathdee say while they themselves will stay away, they expect the parties will happen anyway.
"I don’t think that anything’s going to be able to stop the first and second years that haven’t had the opportunity to celebrate a big Homecoming like this."
Queen’s University students have to be vaccinated to be on campus, and official homecoming events have been moved online.
Still, on Thursday, Principal Patrick Dean sent a message to students, asking them to not to attend larger events.
"I am asking for your assistance in helping contain the social gatherings and to act responsibly over the coming weekends," read the letter. "Being fully vaccinated is not a pass to ignore Ontario’s gathering limits...As members of both the Queen’s and Kingston community, we all must demonstrate leadership, respect one another and be mindful and aware of the provincial laws and local bylaws that are in place to protect us. No one is above the law."
Homecoming usually draws alumni and other visitors to Kingston. In a statement, Mayor Bryan Paterson says he hopes this year they reconsider.
"The pandemic is not yet behind us and the risks at large gatherings remains real," said Paterson. "If you’re considering coming to Kingston to attend a party and you’re not from here, now is not the time. I suggest you take the time to read through my recent emergency order, the fines and consequences associated with attending a party that violates provincial allowances, and the other measures we have in place to address unsanctioned parties.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Saskatoon woman made checklist while planning abduction, court documents allege
A Saskatoon mother made an apparent 'checklist' while planning to vanish with her son, according to court documents

Sask. Amber Alert suspect Benjamin Moore has history of sexual offences with children: RCMP
The suspect at the centre of a Saskatchewan Amber Alert has a history of sexual offences, RCMP confirmed during a press conference Tuesday.
EXCLUSIVE | 'Train surfer' under police investigation speaks about his dangerous adventures
The man who claims to be one of the people seen 'surfing' on the roof of a moving subway train in Toronto is speaking exclusively to CTV News about his stunts and the looming threat of a police arrest.
FBI's search of Trump's Florida estate: Why now?
The FBI's unprecedented search of former president Donald Trump's Florida residence ricocheted around government, politics and a polarized country Tuesday along with questions as to why the Justice Department – notably cautious under Attorney General Merrick Garland – decided to take such a drastic step.
Ontario nurse facing charges after alleged assault that left 2-year-old in hospital
An Ontario nurse is facing charges in connection with the alleged assault of a two-year-old boy with “significant medical limitations” in Niagara Region.
Exposure to synthetic 'forever chemical' linked to liver cancer, study finds
Exposure to synthetic ‘forever chemicals’ often polluting the environment has been linked to the most common type of liver cancer, according to a recent study.
Heavier flow, breakthrough bleeding reported among some individuals after COVID-19 vaccine: study
A new study found that people with regular menstruation cycles and those who typically do not menstruate either experienced a heavier flow or breakthrough bleeding after being vaccinated against COVID-19.
RCMP's spyware tools are 'extremely intrusive,' privacy experts say
Expressing concerns over the RCMP's yearslong use of spyware in major investigations, privacy and civil liberties experts say the previously undisclosed tools are 'extremely intrusive' and they are calling for stronger oversight and regulation of spyware Canada-wide.
Senegalese diplomat arrested by Quebec police owed former landlord more than $45,000
The detention and alleged beating by Quebec police of a Senegalese diplomat last week came as a bailiff was attempting to seize property at her residence to pay for a judgment against her.