Police issue fines, make arrests after another weekend of parties near Queen’s University
Posted October 25, 2021 4:17 pm.
City officials say more than a dozen people have been arrested after another weekend of large, rowdy, unsanctioned parties near Queen’s University in Kingston, Ont.
The parties were held in the University District despite multiple warnings from authorities about the consequences of participating in such gatherings.
Kingston police Chief Antje McNeely says while there was a “slight improvement” from the previous weekend’s gatherings, officers continued to observe “aggressive, volatile, and disrespectful behaviour.”
The city says police made 14 arrests – most for public intoxication – and issued 83 fines (over 68,000) for provincial offences after the recent gatherings.
“We want to thank those students who exercised caution and found safe and responsible ways to gather,” said McNeely. “On the other hand, we continue to advise those who consistently ignore our warnings that any illegal behaviour will be addressed through appropriate fines and charges.”
RELATED: Multiple people arrested, fined after large, rowdy gatherings near Queen’s University
Police and the city’s bylaw enforcement officers also issued dozens of fines for attending, hosting or sponsoring the gatherings, failing to comply with an emergency order and noise.
Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson says the city will continue to fine, ticket and penalize anyone who ignores the law. Students should consider how one night of partying and reckless behaviour could affect their future.
“Not only were staff present on the ground to ensure that crucial services and infrastructure were not disrupted, but they also met with community partners to facilitate a coordinated community response that placed resident safety first,” said Paige Agnew, Commissioner of Community Services.
Kingston’s police force said its officers were assisted by several other local enforcement, including Durham Regional Police, the Toronto Police Service, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Public Order Unit, and York Regional Police.
Last week, Queen’s University announced it was taking action against those who displayed misogynistic signs at unsanctioned student parties.
Queen’s said on October 18th that signs were hung in front of houses over the weekend, and the occupants of those homes were told the school would take action under the Student Code of Conduct. The university did not specify what that action would entail.
A survey on sexual violence on Ontario university campuses conducted in 2018 indicated Queen’s had the second-highest rate of reported sexual harassment and ranked fourth for the prevalence of sexual assault.
Late last month, students at Queen’s organized a walkout to support survivors of sexual violence at universities across Ontario.
