Queen’s announces funding, initiatives to ‘support community safety’ in Kingston

Queen’s University has announced that they will make annual contributions to the City of Kingston totalling $750,000 over five years, in recognition of the additional pressures on some City services as a result of events that occur throughout the year.

The announcement was made by Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane, and will see the university make annual contributions of $150,000 each year for five years, according to a release from the university on Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022.

“The university felt that a financial contribution to the City was an appropriate way to acknowledge and address some of the additional pressures placed on our municipal services throughout the year,” said Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane. “As an active and supportive member of the Kingston community, the university recognizes and appreciates the hard work of our many municipal and community partners.”

Earlier this month, the City of Kingston proposed amendments to the Nuisance Party Bylaws in an effort “to cover enforcement costs incurred by the City in responding to and addressing a nuisance party.” One amendment would see property owners penalized for the misbehaviour of their tenants.

Kingston City Council heard feedback from multiple delegates at the Council meeting on Tuesday, Feb 15, 2022, who said that landlords eating the cost of nuisance party violations would be an unfair solution. The amendments were deferred to June 21 to allow the City to further consult with landlords.

On the same date, Queen’s announced a municipal partners task force to be chaired by Principal Deane in an effort to address large street parties in the community. Both the monetary contribution and the task force are part of the university’s ongoing commitment to strengthening ties with the City and build a safe and welcoming community for all, according to the release.

“Our universities, and our society, are grappling with significant social issues that require working together on strategies that will lessen the burden on city and other social services. The challenges we face are complex and as members of the Kingston community, we are committed to doing the work alongside our partners required to introduce real and lasting positive change,” said Principal Deane.