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
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
U.S. vetoes a widely supported UN resolution backing full membership for Palestine
The United States has vetoed a widely backed UN resolution that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for the state of Palestine.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn’t over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball’s highest scorer Caitlin Clark’s first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Bayer recalls hydraSense baby product over 'potential contamination'
Bayer announced Thursday it is recalling two lots of its hydraSense Baby Nasal Care Easydose due to a potential contamination.
N.L. gardening store revives 19th century seed-packing machine
Technology from the 19th century has been brought out of retirement at a Newfoundland gardening store, as staff look for all the help they can get to fill orders during a busy season.
Cat found on Toronto Pearson airport runway 3 days after going missing
Kevin the cat has been reunited with his family after enduring a harrowing three-day ordeal while lost at Toronto Pearson International Airport earlier this week.
Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, police allege
A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.