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KINGSTON, ONT./ Sept. 7, 2021 – The City of Kingston and Kingston Police are providing information on their efforts to enforce the University District Safety Initiative (UDSI) between Friday evening and Tuesday morning.

“We are witnessing an increasingly concerning trend of unlawful high-risk gathering,” says Kingston Police Chief Antje McNeely. “Such disrespect for the rights of others is unconscionable.  Besides putting everyone in our community at risk with the COVID virus still very much a concern, the invasion of our streets and parks by irresponsible revellers shows a disappointing lack of maturity.  The unsafe crowds and wanton and reckless behaviour place an inexcusable strain on resources for all community partners, whether police, by-law, paramedics, or hospital staff.”

While vaccination rates continue to increase in Kingston, large gatherings can also pose a significant risk to the community through COVID-19 transmission.

"Community enforcement partners have been working closely to address high-risk, illegal gatherings in the community,” says Kyle Compeau, Manager of Licensing & Enforcement for the City. “We will continue to respond to resident calls and issue fines and charges when necessary.”

Bylaw Enforcement reports the following fines and charges:

Friday, Sept. 3 evening – Saturday, Sept. 4 morning

  • Nine Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs) were issued for amplification of sound at a prohibited time, carrying a penalty of $200 each.
  • Two tenants received a Part Three Court Summons under the Re-open Ontario Act (ROA) for hosting a social gathering exceeding 100 attendees outside on Colborne Street.
  • Six tenants received a Part Three Court Summons under the ROA for hosting a social gathering exceeding 100 attendees outside on Albert Street.
  • Bylaw Enforcement is investigating violations under the ROA for a gathering that took place on Collingwood Street. for hosting a social gathering exceeding 100 attendees outside.

Saturday, Sept. 4 evening – Sunday, Sept. 5 morning

  • 20 AMPs were issued for amplification of sound at a prohibited time, carrying a penalty of $200 each.

Sunday, Sept. 5 evening – Monday, Sept. 6 morning

  • Six AMPs were issued for amplification of sound at a prohibited time, carrying a penalty of $200 each.
  • Three tenants received a Part Three Court Summons under the ROA for hosting a social gathering exceeding 100 attendees outside on Victoria Street.
  • A nuisance party was declared by Kingston Police at 1:11 a.m. on University Avenue.

Summary

  • A total of 11 individuals are being summoned to court for hosting illegal social gatherings. The minimum associated fine is $10,000.
  • 35 AMPs were issued. A total of $7,000 worth in penalty notices were issued over the weekend.

Kingston Police reports the following fines and charges:

Friday, Sept. 3 evening – Tuesday, Sept. 7 morning

  • 106 noise complaint calls for services
  • 53 fines for open liquor under the Liquor License Act
  • Seven Highway Traffic Act violations
  • One arrest and subsequent charge for public intoxication
  • Three AMPs for amplified noise

The infractions above occurred within the University District, with officers estimating crowds ranging  from 3,500 to 5,000 individuals at various times.

University District Safety Initiative remains in effect until Sept. 19

Residents are asked to avoid large gatherings, as the University District Safety Initiative (UDSI) is in-effect from 11:59 p.m. Aug. 27 to 11:59 p.m. Sept. 19.

The City can issue AMPs for Nuisance Party and Noise Bylaws infractions, meaning that fines for contravening these bylaws can now be issued and resolved directly through the City.

Kingston Police and City Bylaw Enforcement Officers still  issue fines through the standard process, meaning that a fine under the Nuisance Party Bylaw could still result in a Part One Court Summons and a mandatory court appearance.

Furthermore, provincial COVID-19 regulations under the Re-opening Ontario Act are still in effect, meaning that individuals violating these laws could receive a Part Three Court Summons and a maximum fine of $10,000.

Learn more about the many City measures in place to discourage unsanctioned large gatherings, including the Noise and Nuisance Party bylaws and the University District Safety Initiative.

 

Stay up-to-date with the City’s COVID-19 changes.

For more information about COVID-19, please visit KFL&A Public Health.