Mayor Bryan Paterson has issued an emergency order to close the Gord Edgar Downie Pier for 18 days due to the recent large gatherings in the nearby University District.

Police and city officials in Kingston, Ont., said they've had to close a popular pier and beach due to crowding and issue a number of tickets since thousands of students flooded back into the city earlier this month.

The emergency order will remain in effect for 28 days, unless the city decides to extend it further.