St. Patrick’s Day result in a smoother weekend

March 21, 2024

Conversations with students ahead of St. Patrick’s Day result in a smoother weekend in the University District, say officials

The City of Kingston and Kingston Police have released a summary of actions taken during St. Patrick’s Day weekend. And while they report handing dozens of fines, the consensus from many involved is the weekend was one of the best in recent memory.

“Overall, we're glad about how things went this weekend. We had a lot of compliance and did not have any serious safety concerns that came out of the event,” says Kyle Compeau, Manager of Enforcement at the City of Kingston. “Attendees were mostly respectful and cooperative, and when the street was taken over, we saw it dispersed quicker than in previous years.”

Compeau attributes this success to “the student engagement with Kingston police liaison teams and by-law enforcement in the weeks leading up."

The University District Safety Initiative was in effect from March 11 until March 18. During this time, Bylaw Enforcement, Kingston Fire & Rescue, Kingston Police and Frontenac Paramedics had an increased presence in the University District.

A Nuisance Party was declared on Aberdeen Street between Earl and William just before 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 16. Officers immediately restricted traffic to the area and attendees were ordered to disperse or be liable to penalties. The crowd was successfully cleared, and the declaration was lifted at 3 p.m.

By-law Enforcement reports the following fines and charges: 

• 6 x $2000 Hosting a Nuisance Party Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs)
• 18 x $500 Failure to Comply with an Order to Leave Premises AMPs
• 17 x $200 Amplified Sound AMPs
• 5 x $200 "Yelling & Shouting” violation AMPs

Kingston Police reports the following fines and charges:

• Liquor Licence and Control Act Charges:
  • 99 Open Liquor charges, resulting in a court summons
  • 2 Public Intoxication charges, resulting in an arrest
  • 2 Underage Drinking charges, resulting in a court summons
• Administrative Monetary Penalties:
  • 1 X $500 Failure to Comply with an Order to Leave Premises AMP

“The utilization of our Liaison Teams and enforcement are clearly making an impact at mass gathering events,” states Kingston Police Chief Scott Fraser. “The Kingston Police developed an operational plan and executed that plan with professionalism and precision. The entire organization working together led to a successful St. Patrick’s Day event. Our community partners contributed to ensure the safety and security of attendees and property. Despite increasing our enforcement, initial observations would include the reduction of charges laid. Our goal is to reduce our footprint at these events without jeopardizing safety or security.”

“As we consistently communicate and deliver enforcement, we are seeing an increase in compliance,” he adds. “This compliance will allow the Kingston Police to pivot from enforcement to crowd management as we move forward. I would personally like to thank our Civilian and Sworn staff, along with City partners and Community partners for a job well done!”

The City of Kingston and Kingston Police are grateful to all Community Partners involved in this weekend’s operations, including Queen's University, Frontenac Paramedics, Kingston Health Sciences Centre and Kingston Fire & Rescue, who once again worked together in the preceding weeks and over the weekend to ensure safety for the entire community. City staff and Police will continue collaborating with Queen’s University administration and student representatives throughout the year, in anticipation of future events.