A Joint Statement on the Enforcement of Social Gathering Restrictions in Kingston

Kingston Police

City of Kingston

KFL&A Public Health 

COVID-19 rates remain low in KFL&A, and all members of the community must stay vigilant in the collective fight against this disease.  The community’s ability to contain disease spread depends on our commitment to following public health’s requirements and guidance. 

As we welcome the fall, residents are urged to continue to protect and respect each other by avoiding large gatherings.  It is important for our community to pay close attention to and learn from reports of surges of positive COVID-19 cases among young adults across Canada associated with social activities such as parties and other large social gatherings, and to take necessary precautions. 

Concerningly, the highest incidence of COVID-19 across Canada has been reported among people aged 20-29. Young adults are at increased risk for becoming infected with COVID-19 due to the nature of their social interactions. They may unknowingly transmit the virus, before they know they are sick, to people in the community, including older family members and people at high risk of serious illness.  Adhering to social gathering restrictions is an essential measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

KFL&A enforcement partners are asking residents not to attend unauthorized indoor and outdoor social gatherings.  Historically, these types of gatherings have been met with progressive enforcement and education and, while enforcement partners are still committed to educating individuals on the Nuisance Party Bylaw and related regulations wherever possible, a more immediate approach will be required to mitigate immediate health risks to the community this fall.  If Kingston Police, City of Kingston Municipal Enforcement Officers, and KFL&A Public Health officials encounter a nuisance party or social gathering of more than 50 people indoors or 100 people outdoors, partygoers can expect immediate enforcement under the pertinent legislation. This will apply to unsanctioned gatherings across the City.

Officers will be using their authority under the Nuisance Party Bylaw and the Reopening Ontario Act, 2020 to enforce these measures, with minimum penalties or fines ranging from $500 to $1,130, and increasing to mandatory court attendance with maximum individual fines of up to $100,000. Anyone refusing to identify themselves, if found committing an offence or failing to leave in these situations when directed to do so, can face further charges. 

Enforcement of gatherings posing an immediate risk to the community will be immediate, but enforcement partners will continue to work with the community, including our post-secondary institutions, to ensure that questions about the relevant legislation are addressed. Residents with questions can contact:

• Kingston Police – Sgt. Steven Koopman at skoopman@kingstonpolice.ca    
• City of Kingston Bylaw Enforcement at bylawenforcement@cityofkingston.ca or 613-546-4291 ext. 3135
• KFL&A Public Health email