The University District Safety Initiative is in effect from: THURSDAY, AUGUST 29 at 11:59 PM to MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 09 at 11:59 PM     Historically, Kingston has struggled with recurring unsanctioned street parties that have drawn thousands of people to the University District. Unsafe and disruptive behaviours often accompany these parties and put the community at risk by putting a significant strain on emergency services and creating dangerous situations when roads and traffic are blocked. UDSI is implemented throughout the year when large street gatherings have typically taken place. This includes Move-In, Orientation, Homecoming and St. Patrick's Day. Under the UDSI, individuals charged with certain offences may need to appear in court, no matter where they live. Please educate yourself and others.
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 6:30 a.m., from the evening of Aug. 30 to the morning of Sept. 9. The decision to close the park during this time 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.
What type of behaviour is the University District Safety Initiative intended to address?
Below is a list of offences that the initiative captures:
- Create, cause, host, sponsor, conduct, continue, permit a nuisance party, s. 4.2
- Fail to comply with order to cease or leave a nuisance party, s. 4.6
- Permit subsequent nuisance party after receipt of warning notice, s. 4.10
- Use closed highway, s. 5.3
- Remove or deface a device placed on closed highway, s. 5.4
- Obstruct or hinder an officer, employee or agent, s. 6.2
- Attempt to obstruct or hinder an officer, employee or agent, s. 6.2
- Person under 19 years having or consuming liquor, s. 30(8)
- Having liquor in open container or consuming liquor in other than licensed premises, residence or private place, s. 31(2)
- Being intoxicated in public place, s. 31(4)
- Make, cause, permit noise by operating a device for the amplification of sound at prohibited time, s. 4.2, Sch. B, s. 6
- Make, cause, permit noise by yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling, singing or the playing of musical instruments at prohibited time, s. 4.2, Sch. B, s. 15
Nuisance Party Bylaw
The City of Kingston has a Nuisance Party Bylaw and you will be required to attend court if a summons is received. Should you see suspicious activity and/or negative behaviour, we encourage you to report it to Kingston Police and/or Queen's Campus Security. These are the dates the community can expect the initiative to be enforced:
- Move in
- Orientation Week
- Homecoming Weekend
- St. Patrick's Day Weekend