City set to welcome Queen’s University Homecoming guests - please celebrate responsibly and safely

Queen’s University Homecoming is on Oct. 17-19, and the City of Kingston is excited to welcome alumni back to their alma mater, while reminding the Queen’s community of the University District Safety Initiative in effect from Oct. 17 to Nov. 2.  

As students and guests prepare to enjoy Homecoming activities across campus and throughout Kingston, here’s what you need to know to stay safe and have a great time: 

Check out events happening at Queen’s and around Kingston 

Several venues both on and off Queen’s campus will host events throughout the weekend. Explore the full schedule of alumni reunion dinners, open houses and more on the Queen’s University website. 

The University District Safety Initiative (UDSI) will be active from 9 p.m. on October 17 until 6 a.m. on November 2 

"The UDSI program has been very successful over the years in helping students and alumni feel welcome and valued as members of the community, while also ensuring that everyone celebrates in a safe and responsible manner,” says Kyle Compeau, Director, Licensing & Enforcement at the City of Kingston. “As always, we encourage students and guests to avoid high-risk behaviours and reckless partying that could result in fines or put unnecessary strain on emergency vehicles, and to be respectful towards each other and their neighbours.” 

While the UDSI is in effect, Bylaw Officers and Police will have an increased presence in the University District and individuals who commit an identified offence under the Nuisance Party Bylaw could be issued a Part I Court Summons or an Administrative Monetary Penalty (AMP). 

AMPs are authorized under section 434.1 of the Municipal Act. The AMP process means penalties under the Nuisance Party and Noise Bylaws can be issued and resolved directly through the City. Penalties include:  

• Host, conduct or sponsor a nuisance party: $2,000 

• Fail to comply with an order to leave premises: $500 

• Use a closed highway: $500 

• Noise bylaw offences – Various: $100-$200 

• Fail to comply with signs (Parks): $200 

As part of the UDSI, Gord Edgar Downie Pier and Breakwater Park beach will be closed to the public nightly from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Oct. 17 to Oct. 19, Oct. 24 to Oct. 26, and Oct. 31 to Nov. 2. The decision to close the park during these times is to ensure the safety of community members in the University District, as large unsanctioned gatherings in this area pose a major safety risk, particularly at night. 

Road construction and parking restrictions  

With road construction taking place on multiple streets in the University district, the City reminds students - past and present - to avoid construction sites and large street parties that may block other roads. You can find a map showing road construction projects on the City’s website. 

The following on-street parking restrictions are also in effect from Oct. 17 at 5 p.m. to Oct. 20 at noon and from Oct. 24 at 5 p.m. to Oct. 27 at noon. 

• Aberdeen St. from Johnson to Earl St. (already no-parking)  

• William Street from University Avenue to Division Street – on south side only (north side is already no-parking) 

• Earl Street from University Avenue to Division Street on south side only (north side is already no-parking)  

• Division Street from Johnson Street to Earl Street - on west side only (east side is already no-parking) 

• University Avenue from Earl Street to Johnson Street (already no parking) 

• Johnson Street (already no parking)