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
BREAKING Honda to get up to $5B in govt help for EV battery, assembly plants
Honda is set to build an electric vehicle battery plant next to its Alliston, Ont., assembly plant, which it is retooling to produce fully electric vehicles, all part of a $15-billion project that is expected to include up to $5 billion in public money.
BREAKING New York appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein's 2020 rape conviction from landmark #MeToo trial
New York’s highest court on Thursday overturned Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction, finding the judge at the landmark #MeToo trial prejudiced the ex-movie mogul with improper rulings, including a decision to let women testify about allegations that weren’t part of the case.
1 arrested in northern Alberta during public shelter order
Residents of John D'Or Prairie, a community on the Little Red River Cree Nation in northern Alberta, were told to take shelter Thursday morning during a police operation.
Secret $70M Lotto Max winners break their silence
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Remains from a mother-daughter cold case were found nearly 24 years later, after a deathbed confession from the suspect
A West Virginia father is getting some sense of closure after authorities found the remains of his young daughter and her mother following a deathbed confession from the man believed to have fatally shot them nearly two decades ago.
Monthly earnings rise, payroll employment falls: jobs report
The number of vacant jobs in Canada increased in February, while monthly payroll employment decreased in food services, manufacturing, and retail trade, among other sectors.
First in Canada procedure performed at London, Ont. hospital
A London man has become the first person in Canada to receive a robotic assisted surgery on his spine. Dave Myeh suffered from debilitating, chronic back pain that led to sciatica in his right now and extreme pain in his lower back.
Doctors say capital gains tax changes will jeopardize their retirement. Is that true?
The Canadian Medical Association asserts the Liberals' proposed changes to capital gains taxation will put doctors' retirement savings in jeopardy, but some financial experts insist incorporated professionals are not as doomed as they say they are.
Something in the water? Canadian family latest to spot elusive 'Loch Ness Monster'
For centuries, people have wondered what, if anything, might be lurking beneath the surface of Loch Ness in Scotland. When Canadian couple Parry Malm and Shannon Wiseman visited the Scottish highlands earlier this month with their two children, they didn’t expect to become part of the mystery.