The Jury's in on Homecoming and Fake Homecoming 2024

A safe and successful weekend for Kingston

Kingston Police and community partners celebrated a relatively calm and orderly Homecoming and Fake Homecoming weekend in 2024, with both events seeing manageable crowds and no significant incidents.

Homecoming (October 18-19, 2024) had a lower-than-usual turnout, with fewer students participating in traditional festivities. Despite this, police and community partners were prepared, and the weekend saw small house parties but no major issues. The football game, which was sold out and attended by alumni, proceeded without police-related incidents. The focus was on student cooperation, with no projectiles thrown and no serious injuries reported. Police charged 67 individuals for offenses like open liquor and public intoxication, while Bylaw Enforcement issued 24 tickets for issues such as amplified sound.

Fake Homecoming (October 26, 2024) saw more pedestrian traffic in the University District, with several house and backyard parties. Police reported polite and cooperative behavior, and operations ended by 8 p.m. The event was largely daytime, and police charged 6 for open liquor while Bylaw Enforcement issued 25 citations.

Policing efforts were bolstered by strong partnerships with Queen’s University, paramedics, fire services, and city services. Notably, the total cost of policing both events was $253,000, a 29% decrease from last year’s $359,000. Effective cost-management strategies, including shift changes and limiting overtime, contributed to the reduction.

The weekend’s success reflected a collaborative approach, with a focus on safety, student cooperation, and maintaining order throughout both events.