Queen's University condemns 'reckless behaviour' during homecoming celebrations in Kingston, Ont.
The principal of Queen's University is condemning the "reckless behaviour of some students and individuals" after thousands of people packed the University District in Kingston, Ont. for homecoming celebrations.
Unsanctioned celebrations filled residential streets near the campus of Queen's University Saturday afternoon and evening, with another large gathering reported in a city park early Sunday morning.
Kingston police, with assistance from the Ontario Provincial Police riot squad and Durham Regional Police, moved in twice on Saturday to clear students from streets and homes after declaring an "aggravated nuisance party". One police officer was injured Saturday afternoon when beer cans and water bottles were thrown at police on patrol.
"The last twenty-four hours have seen our community seriously disrupted by the reckless behaviour of some of our students, as well as by other individuals who came here for the sole purpose of causing trouble," said Queen's Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane in a statement Sunday morning.
"Thousands of people gathered throughout the day and night, ignoring the law and showing little or no respect or care for others."
Kingston police first reported large gatherings forming on Aberdeen Street just after 1 p.m. Less than 90 minutes later, approximately 8,000 people were in the area as police kept an eye on the festivities.
Saturday afternoon, police declared Aberdeen Street and William Street an "aggravated nuisance party" under the Mayor's Emergency Order, allowing officers to issue $2, 000 fines to people attending and hosting parties. Dozens of officers from the Kingston Police Service, Durham Regional Police and Ontario Provincial Police lined the streets to clear people out of the residential area.
The unsanctioned homecoming celebrations continued Saturday evening, with police declaring a second "aggravated nuisance party" in the area of University Avenue and Johnson Street just before 11 p.m.
Shortly before 2 a.m., Kingston police posted a video to Twitter showing hundreds of people in Victoria Park.
Police told CTV News Ottawa Saturday evening that a few arrests had been made, but no other details were available.
"Today we will be assessing the damage to our campus and the surrounding neighborhoods, working with student volunteers to clean up, and speaking with the City and local Police," said Deane.
"We know the last few years have been a struggle for young people, but such behaviour is dangerous, irresponsible, and ultimately inexcusable."
In a statement on Twitter, the Kingston Police Association condemned the incidents in the University District connected to homecoming.
"This behavior and total disregard for public safety is appalling. Our members and policing partners have been working around the clock," said the statement.
CTV News Ottawa has reached out to Kingston police to see if there were any charges or fines issued in connection to the homecoming celebrations.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
'A huge difference': These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
OPINION No reunion between Prince Harry and the King signifies a setback for royal unity
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Northern Ont. woman makes 'eggstraordinary' find
A chicken farmer near Mattawa made an 'eggstraordinary' find Friday morning when she discovered one of her hens laid an egg close to three times the size of an average large chicken egg.
How Drake and Kendrick Lamar's rap beef escalated within weeks
A long-simmering feud between hip-hop superstars Drake and Kendrick Lamar reached a boiling point in recent days as the pair traded increasingly personal insults on a succession of diss tracks. Here’s a quick overview of what’s behind the ongoing beef.
NEW For their protection, immigrants critical of China and India call for speedy passage of Canada's foreign interference legislation
Canadian immigrants threatened by hostile regimes are urging parliamentarians to quickly pass the 'Countering Foreign Interference Act' so they can feel safe living in their adopted home.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Spanish prosecutors recommend 2nd investigation into Shakira's taxes be thrown out
Spanish state prosecutors recommended Wednesday that an investigating judge shelve a probe into another alleged case of tax fraud by pop star Shakira.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.