Kingston Officials Prepare for Calmer Queen’s Homecoming Weekend

UPDATE: Kingston officials are gearing up for a notably quieter Queen’s University homecoming this weekend, as it coincides with Reading Week. Most students are expected to celebrate a week later, leading to a significant shift in festivities.

Julie Brown, media relations manager at Queen’s University, confirmed that the university is working alongside the City of Kingston, Kingston Police, and KFL&A Public Health to ensure a safe and respectful atmosphere during the homecoming weekend. “We are focusing on collaborative efforts to navigate this weekend effectively,” Brown stated.

In a proactive measure, the Kingston Police are preparing for two weekends of activities, anticipating that students will primarily engage in celebrations on the following weekend. Const. Anthony Colangeli remarked, “The homecoming is on Saturday, but students have indicated they will have a ‘faux coming’ next weekend when they return.”

Police liaison teams are visiting student residences to promote safety messaging ahead of both weekends. “We aim to have a non-enforcement, non-confrontational approach,” Colangeli explained. “We know parties will happen, and we want to provide guidance on how to celebrate safely and avoid fines.”

The City of Kingston reports that this collaborative approach has reduced the number of infractions in recent years. Steve Mothersell, enforcement services manager, noted, “We’ve seen fewer tickets issued, which is a testament to the success of our initiatives and the rapport developed between police and students.”

The University District Safety Initiative remains active until the first week of November, allowing the city to impose administrative monetary penalties and the university to take disciplinary action against any violations.

As Kingston prepares for this unique homecoming weekend, officials encourage students to prioritize safety and community respect while celebrating their university spirit. The city is hopeful that these efforts will lead to a fun and incident-free atmosphere.

Stay tuned for further updates as we monitor the situation throughout the weekend.