UPDATE: City to close pier and beach overnight due to persistent partying

UPDATE:
The City of Kingston has updated the hours of the closure of Gord Edgar Downie Pier and Breakwater Park Beach through the morning of Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023.

In an update release, issued shortly after 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept 8, 2023, the City noted that the area will reopen to the public at 6:30 a.m. each day, instead of the originally stated 8 a.m.

Kingstonist reached out to the City to find out what prompted this change, but no response was immediately received.

Original article:

After multiple Nuisance Parties were declared in the University District over the Labour Day weekend, the City of Kingston has stated that Gord Edgar Downie Pier and Breakwater Park Beach will be closed to the public nightly, from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. on Sept. 7, 2023, until the morning of Sept. 10, 2023. 

According to a release from the City, the decision to close the park areas follows the declaration of multiple Nuisance Parties last weekend, including one at the Pier on the evening of Sunday, Sept. 3. Large unsanctioned gatherings in this area pose major safety risks, especially at night, necessitating the closure of the park and pier, the City stated.

City Bylaw Enforcement and Kingston Police will monitor and patrol the park and surrounding areas during the hours above. The City also noted that active video surveillance is in place. 

Under Section 3 of City of Kingston By-Law Number 2009-76, it is an offence to enter or use a park where entry or use is prohibited by notice, the City explained. According to the release, fencing and signage are being installed to prevent night-time access to the Gord Edgar Downie Pier and the beach area at Breakwater Park. Daytime access is still available through openings in the fence. 

Under the University District Safety Initiative, City Bylaw Enforcement and Kingston Police have been out in the community educating residents about the risks associated with large unsanctioned gatherings, including strains on emergency services. According to the City, the closure emphasizes the importance of all community members behaving in a safe and responsible manner and allows Police and Bylaw Enforcement to proactively respond to potential disruptions.

In the release, the City noted that residents who attempt to access the Gord Edgar Downie Pier and beach area at Breakwater Park during the closure period, even alone, can be issued a $200 Administrative Monetary Penalty (AMP) under the City’s Parks By-Laws for failure to comply. Fines issued under the City’s AMPs must be paid and appealed directly through the City. For further information about Administrative Monetary Penalties, visit CityofKingston.ca/AMPS.