Inside the City of Kingston | Recycling Depot Closure, New Awareness Campaign, Council Agenda & More Recycling Depot – The Kingston Area Recycling Centre depot will close Jan. 1, 2026 due to a lack of sustainable long-term provincial funding.  Awareness Campaign – 'See it. Name it. Change it!' launches to encourage the community to recognize and speak out against Intimate Partner Violence.  City Council – Dec. 16 agenda includes a new joint City–YMCA fitness and aquatics facility, and a motion to increase publicity about the benefits of measles vaccines.  Winter Services Response Plan– The City's Plan outlines supports available to people experiencing Homelessness, including emergency beds, overnight services, and warming centres. Toys for Tickets – Bylaw Enforcement thanks residents who participated in the Toys for Tickets campaign this holiday season.  Links and resources 📌 Recycling Depot Closure 'See it. Name it. Change it' Awareness Campaign Council agenda Winter Services Response Plan Toys for Tickets

Inside the City of Kingston | Winter Parking, Free Downtown Parking, Public Skating update, & More Overnight winter parking – Weather-based bans now in effect for all, including on-street permit holders, when snow or freezing rain is forecast.  Free Parking Downtown – Free parking Saturdays starting Dec. 6 for two weeks, plus Christmas and Boxing Day, in most City lots and on select streets (some exclusions apply).  City Council – Staff asked to study the use of community bonds to support affordable housing investments.  Council Survey – Public input open on Get Involved Kingston until Jan. 12 to guide recommendations on council workload and resources.  Public skating update – Ice building is underway at Springer Market Square, with outdoor rinks opening once conditions allow.  Snowplow Tracker – Live tracking available at cityofkingston.ca to see active plowing and estimated service times.  Links and resources 📌 Winter parking page Free Downtown Parking Council agenda Council Resourcing Review Survey Public Skating Snowplow tracker

Inside the City of Kingston | Winter Parking, New Fire Station & More In this episode: Overnight winter parking – Weather-based rules are in effect Dec. 1. Check the City site whenever snow is in the forecast. New Fire and Paramedic Station – Construction begins on Station 11 to support faster emergency response in the west end. City Council – Community bonds on the agenda plus a request for reduced docking fees for a tall ship at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour. Free AMO workshops highlight why diverse voices matter and what it takes to be a candidate. Restaurants and farmers invited to share feedback that will help shape the City's food framework. Celebrating Accessibility Awards honouring residents who strengthen inclusion! Kingston recognized worldwide for strong digital growth and community engagement. Toys for Tickets program wraps up Dec. 3. Links and resources 📌 Winter parking page Station 11 project page Council agenda AMO workshops Food surveys Accessibility Awards registration Intelligent Communities Toys for Tickets 

Inside the City of Kingston | Accessible transportation, Arts Awards & more In this episode: Taxi Commission – The City assumes oversight to keep accessible transportation available.  Jumpstart Inclusive Playground – Early prep is underway at Shannon Park; trees relocated as construction.  Council highlights Nov. 18 – 15% surcharge for non-residents using City recreation programs; councillor appointments to boards and committees finalized.  Rideaucrest Home earns exemplary standing from Accreditation Canada!  Mayor's Arts Awards – Celebrating local creators and arts champions Nov. 24 at 7 p.m., Memorial Hall.  Household Hazardous Waste facility seasonally closes Nov. 29  Stuff the Bus for Salvation Army Food Pantry happening on Nov. 22 at No Frills.  Holiday weekend – Free Kingston Transit on Nov. 22 for Nighttime Santa Claus Parade and Tree Lighting downtown!  Links & Resources 📌  Accessible taxi program Inclusive playground Council meeting Rideaucrest Home recognition Arts Awards Household Hazardous Waste

Inside the City of Kingston | Automated Speed Cameras, CO Alarm Rules & More In this episode:  Automated Speed Cameras – Kingston's two cameras have been deactivated under new provincial legislation. CO Alarm Requirements – New provincial rules take effect in January.  Council Meeting; Nov. 18 – Highlights include public awareness work on property standards bylaws and an update on the red-light camera program.  Lasalle Causeway – The final marine navigation closure of the year is Sunday, Nov. 16, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.,  Winterlight: Warm and Cozy – The McLachlan Woodworking Museum hosts a fun winter outing on Nov. 22 with hands-on activities exploring how people and animals stay warm.  Links & Resources 📌  ASE CO requirements Council meetings Lasalle Causeway Winterlight

Inside the City of Kingston Kingston | VIA Rail Survey, Veterans Crosswalks & More In this episode: VIA Rail survey – Kingston and neighbouring communities invite residents to share their input on existing service and potential late-night trains from Toronto.  Veterans Commemorative Crosswalks – Two new painted crosswalks downtown honour those who served.  Council Updates; Nov. 4 – Child safety zones, special constables, and business licensing processes are on the agenda.  Digital Tools survey – Share ideas on how interacting online with the City could be easier and more convenient.  Blue Jays livestreams – Watch all World Series games in Springer Market Square, first pitch at 8 p.m!  Links & Resources 📌  VIA Rail survey Veterans crosswalks Council agenda Digital360 survey Blue Jays livestreams

Inside the City of Kingston | Reaction Hub, Local Government Week & More In this episode: Reaction Hub Opens – Kingston's new green chemistry and cleantech centre launches! Bystander Intervention Training – Nov. 5 session teaches safe intervention skills.  Students at City Hall – Grade 5 and 6 students explore municipal work during Local Government Week.  Council Updates – Child safety zones debated, supportive housing purchases approved. Dawn House Shelter – New 20-bed emergency shelter for women opens.  Kingston Transit Hiring – Recruitment event Nov. 5 to hire bus operators.  Links & Resources 📌 Reaction Hub Bystander intervention training Local Government Week Council agenda Dawn House Kingston Transit hiring

Inside the City of Kingston | UDSI, Council & Committees In this episode: City Committees – Applications open until Nov. 7! Share your ideas and help shape City priorities.  University District Safety Initiative – In effect through Nov. 2 to keep Homecoming celebrations safe.  Council Agenda – The upcoming Oct. 21 meeting includes a motion on child safety zones, and information about sidewalk plowing near schools and supportive housing land needs.  City Birds – Meet Kingston's official birds: the crow and the cardinal!  Links & Resources 📌 CommitteesUDSI detailsCouncil agendaBird Friendly Kingston

Inside the City of Kingston | UDSI, Transit Updates & Community Highlights In this episode: UDSI – University District Safety Initiative returns Oct. 17–Nov. 2 with extra police and Bylaw presence to help stay safe. Transit changes – Temporary route adjustments are now in effect to keep travel smooth during construction. Council highlights – At the Oct. 7 meeting, Council recognized Oct. 23 as Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater (W3) Operator Appreciation Day, shared progress on connecting residents with family physicians, and passed a motion urging Via Rail to maintain service through Kingston. Great Lakes Coastal Cleanup – 115 volunteers collected 400 kilograms of litter and 40 tires at Richardson Beach on Sept. 28 Public Works open houses – We're hiring temporary seasonal drivers and labourers: join sessions Oct. 16 (4–7 p.m.) or Oct. 21 (11 a.m.–1 p.m.) at 701 Division Street.  📌 Links & Resources: UDSI info Transit updates Council meeting Great Lakes Coastal Cleanup Public Works open houses

As Kingston continues to grow, its transit system must evolve to meet the changing needs of the community. That's why the City of Kingston is undertaking a Transit Service Review to develop a community-supported transit system that is designed with the future in mind. The City has partnered with Dillon Consulting Limited to create new guidelines for transit service and to conduct a comprehensive review of the City's transit system. Learn from Ian Semple and Victor Copetti what is involved in the service review, why the timing is right for a service review now and how to offer feedback. Get involved: https://getinvolved.cityofkingston.ca/kingston-transit-service-standards