Thousands gathered this weekend for Queen’s University homecoming, which saw alumni return to campus and street parties flare up throughout Kingston’s university district.
Kingston Police say that crowds were smaller than in previous years and that they saw more “cooperation” with law enforcement. Despite this, police and City Bylaw say that they still dealt with a “substantial number of residential parties, along with a complete street takeover that posed safety risks to the community.”
A Nuisance Party was declared on Aberdeen Street from Johnson to Earl just after 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 21. At that time, traffic to the area was restricted, and attendees were ordered to disperse or be liable to penalties. The gathering was lifted by 4:00 p.m.
In total, about $88,000 in fines were levied to students throughout the weekend. This includes over $4,000 for hosting a nuisance party and $45,000 in tickets for failing to disperse after a nuisance party has been declared.
Kingston Police say that Administrative Monetary Penalties were also issued for failure to comply with signs and park closures at Breakwater Park and Gord Downie Pier.
“We’re disappointed to have had to issue tickets to individuals trespassing at Gord Downie Pier,” says Curtis Smith, the City’s Director of Licensing and Enforcement. “There was blatant disregard for signs prohibiting the use of the park. Alcohol plus open water is an incredibly dangerous combination, and we put these measures in place to keep people safe.”
Some first responders also expressed concern by students who climbed roofs.
“This is exactly the sort of risk that puts paramedics in danger and adds unneeded demand pressure to the emergency medical system,” Frontenac Paramedics wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Queen’s issued a statement regarding Homecoming festivities on Sunday, thanking students for their cooperation.
“Thank you to our campus and community partners for their collaboration to keep the Queen’s and Kingston communities safe this weekend,” the statement read. “There were significantly fewer unsanctioned street gatherings thanks to the collective efforts of our partners. We also want to thank everyone who celebrated safely and respectfully.”
Homecoming weekend also saw the Queen’s men’s football team secure a home playoff game through its win over the Ottawa Gee Gees. Queen’s won with a score of 12-8.
