City Welcomes Students and Urges Them to get Fully Vaccinated before Arrival

Published on: 2021/08/29 - in Releases

RELEASE — The City of Kingston and its community partners are preparing to welcome post-secondary students for the fall semester, and they are urging them to arrive in Kingston fully vaccinated.

“Welcome, students! You add such vibrancy and energy to our city and so we’re thrilled that in-person learning is now possible with COVID-19 measures in place. Our hope is that you take time to learn about the city and your community, that you become engaged citizens and really make Kingston your new home. As you explore stores, restaurants and other public facilities, please ensure you learn about the COVID-19 measures still in place to keep you and everyone in our community safe,” says Mayor Bryan Paterson.

Kingston 101

City programs and services have been altered due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please visit CityofKingston.ca/students (https://www.cityofkingston.ca/students) to learn more about how to access them. This page also includes “Kingston 101” information, especially for students who are not in residence, including: how to set up your Utilities Kingston account, details on parking permits, transit information and how to put your waste out at the curb in Kingston.

COVID-19 measures to ensure a safer semester

Queen’s University announced on Aug. 26 that all individuals who are participating in university activities in person must attest to receiving their first dose of a Health Canada – or World Health Organization (WHO)-approved vaccine before they come to campus via an online tool, which is expected to be launched by Sept. 1, and must receive their final required dose of vaccine no later than Oct. 15, 2021.

Unvaccinated students from areas with community outbreaks or active community transmission are encouraged to get tested for COVID-19, even without symptoms, at their local testing site before travelling to Kingston given that there is the potential for asymptomatic transmission. They are being asked to allow for enough time to receive their test results prior to departure.

Additional information on the Queen’s University return to campus can be found at Queensu.ca/SafeReturn.

Don’t participate in street parties

Students are asked to avoid large gatherings, which are especially risky during the ongoing pandemic. As a result, the University District Safety Initiative (UDSI) is in-effect from 11:59 p.m. Aug. 27 to 11:59 p.m. Sept. 19.

The City can issue Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs) for Nuisance Party and Noise Bylaws infractions. This means that fines for contravening these bylaws can now be issued and resolved directly through the City. However, Kingston Police and Municipal Enforcement Officers will still be able to issue fines through the standard process, meaning that a fine under the Nuisance Party Bylaw could still result in a Part One Court Summons and a mandatory court appearance.

Students are encouraged to learn more about the many City measures in place to discourage unsanctioned large gatherings, including the Noise and Nuisance Party bylaws and the University District Safety Initiative .

Watch for changes to other municipal pandemic measures over the coming weeks. Sign up for City Matters to receive pandemic-related updates on City services directly in your email.

Residents: heading downtown? Planned road closures and parking restrictions are in effect

As part of Queen’s University student move in, the streets listed below will be one-way and closed to through traffic Sept. 1 to 4 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.:

1. Bader Lane – University to Albert – traffic will be one-way westbound
2. Albert Street – Queen’s Crescent to King – traffic will be one-way southbound
3. Stuart Street – University to Albert – traffic will be one-way westbound
4. Collingwood Street – Queen’s Crescent to King – traffic will be one-way southbound

Various streets in the area will also have parking restrictions beginning 7 a.m. . Sept. 1 to 7 p.m. Sept. 4. Signage will be in place to identify those temporary changes.

If you see a vehicle blocking a driveway or access point, please call 613-546-0000. A complete summary of road closures is available at CityofKingston.ca/RoadClosures.

Stay up-to-date with the City’s COVID-19 changes.

Find answers to your COVID-19 questions from KFL&A Public Health.


Release source: City of Kingston
Photo: John Marino (cc)