Frosh Week Outdoor Concert

When we heard rumours in Spring 2011 that City Council might be requested to approve the relocation of the frosh week outdoor rock concert back to the Queen's campus instead of Fort Henry, we asked for a meeting with the AMS.

At that meeting, we were presented with a rational case to support the request. The cost of having the outdoor concert off-campus was substantial--over $80,000 more costly than on-campus.

The organizers proposed that the concert end one hour earlier, at 11:00pm instead of midnight. And they promised to liaise closely with the band and monitor the volume levels.

After considerable thought, SONAG decided NOT TO OPPOSE the return of the concert to campus. We felt that since things are improving--albeit slowly--regarding Aberdeen Street and Homecoming, we should make a positive gesture towards improving town-gown relations.

Also, SONAG has reassessed its priorties. Our three main concerns are: (1) alcohol, (2) non-acacemic discipline, and (3) yard trash. One evening of elevated sound levels, ending at 11:00pm, does not fall within these three main concerns. And we note that official activities of the entire frosh week are non-alcoholic.

SONAG will remain active. We will have little tolerance for violations of liquor laws by residents of our neightbourhood. We will continue to post the names of persons convicted of liquor law offences. And we will not rest until the Queen's Senate has taken back prime responsibility for non-academic discipline from the AMS, only as regards complaints against students by non-students. Peer complaints--student against student, can continue to be handled by the AMS

But by withdrawing our objection to the return to campus of the frosh week rock concert, we hope that this will be seen as a positive move towards improving student-community relations.