It’s homecoming weekend at Queen’s College, and after issuing $88,000 value in fines final yr, Kingston Police will as soon as once more have an elevated presence on and round campus in 2024.
“We work tirelessly to make it a protected atmosphere for the group and the scholars,” stated Steve Mothersell, supervisor of enforcement companies for the Metropolis of Kingston.
The “College Security Initiative” is in impact within the space till Nov. 3, which permits the division to situation fines for nuisance events, noise infractions and liquor licence offenses.
The high-quality for internet hosting a nuisance social gathering is $2,000. One other $2,000 may very well be added if a nuisance social gathering is said and the offender fails to adjust to an emergency order. There’s a further $200 high-quality for noise complaints.
In 2023, Kingston Police issued 134 tickets for carrying open alcohol.
College students instructed Ontario Chronicle on Saturday they’ve seen the elevated presence.
“Extra police, and undoubtedly much less exercise,” stated fourth yr scholar Connor. “No matter they’re doing, it’s working.”
Aberdeen road is often the place college students will collect to social gathering, however this yr, it’s below building and isn’t almost as busy as common.
A number of home events had been nonetheless being held alongside College Avenue, Frontenac Road, Earl Road and others inside shut proximity to campus. Homecoming weekend is centered round a soccer recreation between the Queens Golden Gaels and Waterloo.
Officers are making ready for the encompassing streets to be taken over as an alternative.
“The road takeovers are a priority,” stated Mothersell.
“If it does happen, we wish to ensure that we’re placing parameters in place so that everybody is protected.”
College students and bylaw officers are additionally turning their consideration to subsequent weekend, with what’s being dubbed as “Fauxcoming.”
Queens studying week is simply concluding this weekend, so some college students nonetheless aren’t again in Kingston after heading residence to go to household. Which means “Fauxcoming,” or an unofficial model of homecoming, may very well be simply as rowdy.
“We’ve been collaborating with metropolis companions and Queens College for a number of months now, main as much as this occasion after which the ‘Fauxcoming’ doubtlessly subsequent weekend,” stated Mothersell.
