The City of Kingston and Queen’s are preparing for an unsanctioned St. Patrick’s Day gathering in the University District, with safety initiatives and increased enforcement planned throughout the weekend. The City’s University District Safety Initiative (UDSI) will be in effect from 12 a.m., March 13 until 6 a.m., March 18, bringing increased bylaw and police presence to the neighbourhood surrounding campus.
The initiative, which is implemented annually around large student gatherings such as St. Patrick’s Day, Homecoming, and Fake Homecoming, aims to reduce harm and prevent nuisance parties in the University District.
“As always, our number one priority is keeping everyone safe, and we all have a part to play in making sure parties don’t get of control, creating risks for yourselves and others,” said Kyle Compeau, director of Licensing and Enforcement Services with the City of Kingston, in a statement.
The AMS is also participating in outreach efforts aimed at informing students about the UDSI.
Under the UDSI, individuals who violate the City’s Nuisance Party Bylaw or Noise Bylaw may receive an Administrative Monetary Penalty (AMP) or Part 1 court summons.
Fines can range widely depending on the offence. Hosting or sponsoring a nuisance party can carry a $2000 penalty, while failing to comply with an order to leave a premises or using a closed roadway can result in $500 fines. Noise bylaw violations range between $100 and $200, according to the City.
Parking restrictions will also be in place in parts of the University District to ensure emergency vehicle access. From 1 a.m., March 14 until 7 a.m., March 15, parking will be prohibited on portions of Division Street, William Street, and Earl Street, with vehicles subject to towing if parked in restricted areas.
Alongside enforcement measures, Queen’s and community partners say they are focusing on education and harm reduction ahead of the expected gatherings.
According to the University, outreach efforts include social media campaigns, door-to-door information sharing in the University District, and peer-led education initiatives designed to inform students about the UDSI and encourage safer behaviour.
Several safety reminders were emphasized, including avoiding climbing on structures such as roofs or lamp posts, keeping roadways clear for emergency vehicles, practicing safer substance use, and staying from construction sites.
On-campus resources will also operate during the period to support student safety. Queen’s Campus Observation Room, a non-medical detox space will operate overnight from 9 p.m.
Health Promotion’s Peer Health Educator Substance Use Team will distribute “Safe Party-Goer Kits” on March 12 and provide “Party-Thrower Kits” for students planning gatherings.
A campus health resource map is also being circulated to help students quickly locate medical assistance if needed.
Residence policies will also change for the weekend. All residence buildings will be closed to guests, and staff will conduct increased rounds to monitor safety and compliance.
Tags
St. Paddy’s, The City of Kingston, UDSI, University District Safety Initiative
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