Queen’s will be writing the city a cheque for $175,000 as a gesture of goodwill in recognition of the efforts made during Homecoming weekend.
“It’s a donation, not a payment,” Principal Karen Hitchcock, who said she made the decision in consultation with the vice-principals.
Last year, the University gave the city $100,000 following Homecoming.
Hitchcock said the process for setting the amount was the same as last year and the increase is a reflection of the scope of the University’s partnership with the city.
“The partnership has grown and we decided to put some additional dollars with the donation, but there are no additional thought processes,” she said. “A lot of thought and discussion … went into that number this year as well as last year.” Vice-Principal (Academic) Patrick Deane told the Journal in an e-mail the University will also give money to the AMS in recognition of its efforts but the amount has yet to be determined. He said he doesn’t know when the decision will be made but expects it will be soon.
In November, council passed a motion asking Queen’s to pay the full cost of Homecoming.
The weekend cost Kingston police an estimated $257,000. In 2005, following a smaller ultimatum from the city, the University declined to donate any money.
Kingscourt-Strathcona District Councillor Steve Garrison said he’s disappointed with the decision.
“There’s been much made about it as though we’ve accomplished something from the city perspective, and I think it fell short,” he said. “As far as I’m concerned, the full amount should have been paid.” Garrison said he understands the desire to party as a part of the university experience but thinks the tradition of Homecoming has gone too far.
“I think a line has been crossed when you having a good time costs your fellow citizens hundreds of thousands of dollars.”
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