City of Kingston to enforce University District Safety Initiative as students prepare to return to class

There will be increased police and by-law enforcement plus Gord Downie Pier and Breakwater Park will both be closed nightly starting Friday.

With post-secondary students starting or returning to school soon, the City of Kingston is announcing their University District Safety Initiative.

Starting this Friday, there will be an increased presence from Kingston Police, City By-Law Enforcement, and other community partners in the university district. The Gord Downie Pier and Breakwater Park will both close at 7 pm each night and reopen at 6 am the following day.

The purpose of the initiative is to educate the public about large, non-sanctioned gatherings. The City says these gatherings pose a safety risk and puts unwated strain on emergency services.

By-law enforcement will be tasked to issue monetary fines for non-compliance of noise, nuisance, or other by-laws.

The initiative will remain in effect until 6 am Sept 13.

There will also be traffic and parking restrictions in effect during move-in weekend on Sept 4 and 5.

Starting 4 pm on Sept 4, there will be no overnight parking on the following streets:

• Albert Street, between Queen’s Crescent to King Street 
• Stuart Street, between University and Albert 
• Collingwood Street, between King Street and Albert Street  
• Bader Lane 
• Queen’s Crescent 
• Earl Street, between Frontenac Street and Alfred Street 
• St. Lawrence Avenue, East Side 
• King Street, from Lower University Avenue to Beverley Street 

There is no on-street parking between 7 am and 5 pm on Sept 5 on the following streets:

• Arch at Union Street 
• George Street at Stuart Street 
• O’Kill Street at George Street 

In addition, a number of streets will be temporarily designated as one-way streets between 7 am and 5 pm on Sept 5:

• Albert Street, southbound between Johnson Street and King Street 
• Queen’s Crescent, westbound from Albert to Collingwood Street 
• Bader Lane, westbound 
• Stuart Street, westbound between University Avenue and Albert Street 
• St. Lawrence Avenue, southbound from Stuart Street to King Street 
• Collingwood Street, southbound from Queen’s Crescent to King Street 
• University Ave, southbound from Earl Street to Stuart Street 

The City is encouraging incoming post-secondary students to review the Good Neighbour Guide that will show how the City operates, available opportunities, and build a foundation of trust and respect with other residents.

Story by Ken Hashizume