What we heard: AMP Focus Groups

Why we engaged

The goal of the Focus Groups was to:

  • Discuss the survey results;

  • Dive further into the Asset customer level of service; and

  • Identify priorities for current capital investments that would assist to maintain current level of service (LOS).

Participants for the Focus Group completed the Asset Management Plan survey and over 100 indicated an interest in continuing with engagement on this topic. Invitations were sent directly to this group to join one of two online Focus Groups for the Asset Management project scheduled on May 22, 2025 (afternoon or evening).

How we engaged

Each 1-hour online session consisted of a 15-minute introduction and presentation, 15 minutes for the three scenario exercises (5 minutes each), 15 minutes for the budget exercises (7.5 minutes each), and 10 minutes for closing remarks.

A total of nine (9) community members participated across the two sessions and were joined by staff from both the City of Kingston and Dillon Consulting. The exercises were delivered in a breakout room, which included the public participants and one facilitator from Dillon, to create a safe space for discussion without City staff in attendance.

What we heard

The three scenario exercises examined when and how to repair and improve road, sidewalk, and park infrastructure. These asset types were specifically selected for the Focus Group as they were identified in the survey as requiring more investment.

Both Focus Groups emphasized the need for user safety across all infrastructure types. A high level of concern was placed around vulnerable users, such as children, seniors, and those with mobility issues. Participants noted that needs may vary across neighbourhoods, and that repair work should be prioritized to ensure that the most at-risk people, and the highest quantity of people, are being served first by any repair and or renewal work.

The afternoon and evening Focus Groups both placed emphasis on increasing the budget across many of the infrastructure categories to help improve service quality and range, but earmarked Roads for a possible reduction as more people move towards non-private vehicle transportation methods.

The highest focus of funding increases was around parks, intersections and pedestrian crossings, public transit, and sidewalks and pathways. Parking equipment, lots and structures and solid waste infrastructure both received mixed feedback on desired budget funding.

Outcome Themes and Recommendations

The following key Levels of Service themes arose from the two Focus Groups:

  • Prioritize repairs on arterial streets and sidewalks, focusing on potholes, cracks, and overgrown vegetation to improve safety for all users. Continue to consider how residents with limited mobility may be impacted by asset conditions.

  • Maintain smooth and connected sidewalks, bike lanes, and infrastructure for electric bikes and scooters to encourage increased sustainable transportation options. Our transportation asset management should consider the future of electric and micro-mobility options.

  • Address drainage and flooding issues and incorporate emergency preparedness into infrastructure planning. Ensure that asset management plans consider our changing climate and its impacts.

The following themes relate to future considerations of planning, not directly related to current levels of service:

  • Tailor the park amenities to community needs and ensure equipment is safe and well-maintained to increase usage. Ensure that parks in areas with young families or where housing does not typically have yards are prioritized when spending must be limited.

  • Upgrade waste management assets with animal-resistant bins to enhance user experience.

The recommendations include:

  • Consider how the condition of certain assets at time of consultation may influence reporting outcomes and consider ongoing engagement to collect feedback throughout seasons and repair cycles of asset categories

  • Find opportunities to continue to engage with the over 100 survey respondents who expressed interest in staying connected on the Asset Management topic, such as future Focus Groups; and

Next Steps

A full report including the results from the scenarios and budgeting exercises, and verbatim feedback has been shared with the internal Asset Management Plan Steering Committee.

Feedback from the Focus Group sessions (along with other public engagement input) will assist to inform decision-making recommendations for proposed levels of service (10–20-year targets) and a corresponding financing strategy to achieve the proposed levels of service.