City: Weekend revelry ‘generally positive’ despite gatherings, charges laid

After a quiet weekend, City Bylaw Enforcement, Kingston Police and KFL&A Public Health are thanking residents for working together to avoid large gatherings and keep the Kingston community safe, according to a release from the City of Kingston, dated Tuesday, Mar. 16, 2021.

A drop in charges from the evening of March 12 to March 13 indicates that most residents are adhering to the March 4 Section 22 Order limiting gatherings of more than five individuals who do not live together, the City said.

“This is a promising trend as we head into the St. Patrick’s Day week,” says Kyle Compeau, Manager of Licensing & Enforcement for the City. “While there were relatively few calls relating to illegal gatherings, continued care and attentiveness is still needed. We need to keep working together to reduce the risk of community COVID-19 transmission. Even one illegal gathering poses a significant risk to the greater community.”     

While the trend was generally positive, the City said Bylaw Enforcement was troubled by one instance of an illegal gathering with more than 140 individuals in attendance on March 12, before the Section 22 Order went into effect. The situation is currently under investigation.

Continued vigilance needed

Over the weekend, Bylaw Enforcement and Kingston Police Officers were on patrol across the Kingston community responding to calls, according to the release.

From March 12 to 14, Bylaw Enforcement responded to eight calls for noise violations and four calls for social gatherings, resulting in four fines under the City’s Administrative Monetary Penalties program and one charge under the Section 22 Order limiting gatherings.

From March 13 to 14, Kingston Police responded to four noise complaints, resulting in two warnings issued.

According to the City, calls for enforcement were received from across the city and addressed everything from noise concerns regarding the operation of power tools and loud music to concerns about illegal gatherings.

Residents are reminded that fines for breaking COVID-19 regulations can range from $800 to $10,000 depending on a person’s role in the violation, the City said.

Businesses adapting to keep the community safe

Businesses with additional restrictions under the March 4 Section 22 Order have also been working hard to adapt and keep the community safe, according to the release. Requirements include, but are not limited to: closing between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. and restricting the sale of alcohol between 12 p.m. and 10 p.m. Live performances of music are prohibited and patrons must remain seated.

Further details on the St. Patrick’s Day regulations can be found here.