Kingston Officials Anticipate Calmer Homecoming Weekend for Queen’s

Officials in Kingston, Ontario, expect this year’s homecoming weekend for Queen’s University to be notably quieter due to its coincidence with Reading Week. Many students are anticipated to celebrate on the following weekend instead. The university is collaborating with local authorities, including the City of Kingston, Kingston Police, and KFL&A Public Health, to promote a safe and respectful environment during this period.

Julie Brown, media relations manager at Queen’s University, emphasized the importance of this partnership. “The university has been in partnership with the City of Kingston and others to work on a collaborative concept to help us through the homecoming weekend,” she stated.

Anticipating activity over two weekends, Kingston Police are already implementing measures to ensure safety. Constable Anthony Colangeli, the police media relations officer, noted that while homecoming is scheduled for this Saturday, students have chosen to host a “faux coming” celebration the following weekend when they return to campus.

Police liaison teams are actively engaging with students in the community, focusing on sharing safety messages ahead of both weekends. Colangeli mentioned that the approach is non-enforcement and non-confrontational. “It’s a conversation with students saying, ‘We know you’re gonna have a party, we know you’re gonna have fun, here’s the way you can do it safely and avoid getting any fines and tickets,’” he explained.

This proactive strategy has been credited with reducing the number of infractions in recent years. Steve Mothersell, the city’s enforcement services manager, highlighted the success of the initiative. “I feel that just seeing over the last couple of years how the students are responding and we’re issuing less and less tickets, that it’s been a huge success,” he noted. He also recognized the role of police liaison teams in building rapport with students, which has fostered a more educational environment.

The University District Safety Initiative remains in effect until the first week of November, allowing the city to impose administrative monetary penalties while the university can take disciplinary action against any violations of bylaws. This initiative aims to ensure the safety of both students and the wider community during peak celebration periods.

With the collaborative efforts of the university, city officials, and local police, Kingston is preparing for a homecoming weekend that prioritizes safety, respect, and community engagement.