Kingston, Ont., mayor says party crackdown showing early results

A pilot project in Kingston, Ont., in which tickets come with mandatory court appearances already seemsto have tamped down some of the city's rowdiest student parties.

The city has long struggled with street parties, especially during Queen's University move-in week, homecoming, and on St. Patrick's Day.

Now a pilot project in the city's university district the area bordered byBarrie, King,Collingwoodand Johnson streets is designed to address that issue by changinghow the tickets police hand out are handled.

Previously, tickets for offences like public intoxication or blocking a city street could be paid online, by mail, or over the phone.

But under the University District Safety Initiative, those who'vereceived such tickets will have to make an appearance before a justice of the peace instead.

Those who end up being convicted couldalso face discipline from the university, including formal warnings,community service and the loss of certain campus privileges.

'A signal and a warning'

Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson said the city started issuing warningsearlier this week, but by the second night they beganhanding out tickets and noticed a real difference.

"We quickly saw street parties dissipate. And then the third evening, there was nothing," Paterson toldCBC Radio's All In A Day. "It really sent a signal and a warning."

There are lots of ways that you can party and not break any city bylaws.- Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson

He said Kingston police had given out about 115 tickets for a variety of offences in the first few days.

The pilot project was announced earlier this year so that no one would be surprised,Paterson said.

"We didn't want anybody to be hit with this unexpectedly," he said. "It was actually pretty surprising how quickly word spread."

Paterson said the City of Kingstonrecognizesstudents are going to have parties, but it wants to stopunsafe behaviour. He also said the city would be open to tweaking the pilot project to ensure it's working smoothly.

"The university experience should include having a good time. And partying can be part of that," Paterson said.

"But there are lots of ways that you can party and not break any city bylaws."