Kingston police say approximately 2,000 people attended a street party in the Queen’s University District Thursday morning.
Police say they arrested four people at the party for public intoxication. Ten people were also handed court summons for having open alcohol and one person was issued a court summons for underage drinking.
Meanwhile, Kingston city bylaw also attended the party on University Avenue, which they said was declared a “nuisance party” just after midnight.
“The university is appalled by these student parties. At the best of time they’re problematic for this community, but in still ‘step 3’ of pandemic management, they are irresponsible,” said Patrick Deane, the principal and vice-chancellor of the university.
The principal explained that those taking part in large gatherings are the minority, and majority of students are study-focused. However, the impact the parties are having on the Kingston community is “unacceptable.”
“We will continue working with the authorities who will refer cases to us of students who receive tickets or any other kind of penalty to bring them under the privy of the student code, and make them subject of the university’s disciplinary policies,” said Deane.
Kingston bylaw said a warning was announced over a PA system that University Avenue needed to be cleared by 1:30 a.m Thursday morning.
Bylaw officers administered three noise infractions for $200 each and five court summons for failing to leave the premises.
Each summons requires a mandatory court appearance and could result in a maximum fine of $1,000.
No Reopening Ontario Act charges were issued by bylaw enforcement or Kingston police.
Although this isn’t the first time Kingston police and bylaw officers were called out to the University District this week for street parties, this is by far the largest gathering in the area this week.
Queen’s University’s move-in dates span from Sept. 1 to Sept. 4.
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