Queen’s University outlines planning measures ahead of St. Patrick’s Day

In line with communications from the City of Kingston and Kingston Police, and Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC), Queen’s University has provided an outline of its efforts and partnerships aimed at quelling unruly partying ahead of St. Patrick’s Day 2022.

The University said it has been working with a number of community partners in the weeks leading up to St. Patrick’s Day, including representatives from the City of Kingston, Kingston Police, City of Kingston Bylaw Enforcement, KHSC, KFL&A Public Health, and Frontenac Paramedic Services. Together, those partners and the University have “coordinated outreach activities that promote safe behaviours and remind students that they could face fines and possible non-academic sanctions if they engage in dangerous activities like climbing on rooftops, blocking roadways or disrespecting the community and first responders.”

With KHSC urging party-goers to exercise caution for St. Patrick’s Day, as local hospitals are already dealing with high patient volumes, Queen’s said volunteers with Queen’s First Aid will be working with its Campus Security and Emergency Services. Additionally, Queen’s Student Wellness Services will be running an expanded on-campus walk-in clinic staffed by an emergency physician on St. Patrick’s Day to triage and treat injuries, including cuts, bruises, sprains, and strains. The University’s Campus Observation Room (COR) will also be operational starting at 9 a.m., offering a judgement-free, non-medical detox service for students who have had too much to drink. These measures are meant to “help alleviate any additional demands on Kingston’s hospitals, according to the Queen’s Gazette.

Queen’s has also made efforts to communicate information and answer questions regarding local bylaws, the University District Safety Initiative, and harm reduction through a door-to-door information campaign in the area. Part of those communications include the fact that violations of the University District Safety Initiative could result in monetary fines up to $2,000 and a court date, and that students may also subsequently face sanctions under the Queen’s University’s Student Code of Conduct.

Finally, the Queen’s University Alma Mater Society (AMS) has arranged for a food truck and will help distribute snacks and water throughout St. Patrick’s Day to encourage those students who choose to drink to do so safely, and the University has created an online resource hub for students with information and resources related to St. Patrick’s Day.

“As we head into St. Patrick’s Day, our priority is the safety and well-being of our students and the Kingston community,” Mark Green, Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic) at Queen’s University said in a statement.

“The pandemic restrictions have been hard on everyone, and with many restrictions off campus being lifted, it is important that students make efforts to gather responsibly and respectfully.”