HomeLocal NewsKingston Police ban drones over University District ahead of homecoming

Kingston Police ban drones over University District ahead of homecoming

On Friday evening, Kingston Police announced that they have received authorization from Transport Canada to restrict the airspace above Kingston’s University District ahead of Queen’s University’s Homecoming & “Fauxcoming.”

Police say they have made the move to assist with public safety and security throughout homecoming. The ban will go from 8:00 a.m. on Friday, October 21 until 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 23 and will be repeated on Friday, October 28 until Sunday, October 30.

During this time, “no aircraft, which includes drones, regardless of weight or classification, also known as UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) or RPASs (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) are allowed within a 0.5 nautical mile (926 meter) radius originating from the intersection of Aberdeen St at Earl St”

“In past years and events drones have been observed flying in contravention of Transport Canada safety rules, endangering pedestrians, interfering with vehicular traffic, and compromising the operations of police and other emergency responders,” said Kingston Police in a news release. “The community can expect to observe police-operated drones in the University District during these weekends for public and officer safety purposes.”

According to police, those found violating the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) under the Aeronautics Act can face fines up to $1,000. If it’s found to have committed an offence under the Criminal Code, police are warning that the device will be seized for evidence purposes.

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