While Kingston Police have completed their investigation of the scene of a double homcide near 661 Montreal Street, the fencing and police presence will remain in place, according to the City of Kingston. Photo by Daniel Tastard-Homer/Kingstonist.
Kingston Police have released the area they had restricted access to while investigating a double homicide in the area of 661 Montreal Street. Perimeter security fencing and police presence will remain in place and the Integrated Care Hub (ICH) at that address will remain closed, according to the City of Kingston.
The assaults — two of which were fatal — took place on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, and Kingston Police secured the scene at that time. According to a release from the City, the investigation is now complete, and the site has been released to the City of Kingston and related agencies providing services at the ICH.
“We remain deeply saddened and concerned for all impacted,” the City expressed.
Kingston Police, the City of Kingston, Addictions and Mental Health Services of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington (AMHS-KFLA), and Trellis HIV and Community Services have not responded to multiple requests for interviews and information about the next steps with regard to the ICH, the encampment, and the ongoing investigation. While police have responded to Kingstonist inquiries, no further details about the investigation have been disclosed — including any updates on the status of the victim who remained in hospital as of the last update from police.
According to the release from the City of Kingston on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, community agencies and the City “recognize that substantive operational changes need to be made to 661 Montreal St. to preserve the safety of the individuals accessing services, site staff, and the public.”
“It is important we take appropriate time to assess required changes to ensure service improvements and enhanced safety for all,” the City stated.
“The additional closure time will be used to review operations and safety/security matters of the building and area. Partners and City staff are committed to improving safety for everyone in this area. The services of the ICH are crucial to support the most vulnerable in our community and it will reopen and reopen safely. Further information and notice will be provided once a date has been confirmed.”
Over the coming days, the City and Partners will enable coordinated access for people who were sheltering in the encampment to access their personal belongings, according to the release. Partners will be available to offer support for this process during the interim period.
During this undefined extended closure, community agencies are providing street outreach and support to displaced individuals. AMHS-KFLA Crisis Lines are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week 613-544-4229 or toll free 1-866-616-6005. More support is available in the community, as reported in Kingstonist’s previous coverage here.
Addiction & Mental Health Services, Kingston Community Health Centres, Kingston Police and the City of Kingston remain committed to updating the community as measures to improve neighbourhood safety are implemented, according to the release. None of the organizations have responded with regard to when the ICH services will resume, nor if/when people will be allowed to return to the encampment.
The City said that further updates will be provided as soon as possible. Requests to speak with someone about the information announced today (just before 5 p.m.) received the following response from the City of Kingston.
“The City, along with other agencies and partners involved, intend to provide joint messaging at a later date. Further updates will be provided as soon as possible. At this time, the City of Kingston will not be providing media interviews,” the City said in an email to Kingstonist.
The City of Kingston, Kingston Police, and AMHS-KFLA all issued the same press release at the same time, indicating the messaging is a concerted effort.
Kingstonist will continue to provide updated coverage of this matter as more information becomes available.
