On April 1, City Council passed a motion that directed staff to review potential amendments to the Property Standards By-law regarding the maintenance of privately-owned driveways, parking lots and walkways. Proposed amendments include:
Requiring surface repairs to be consistent with the original materials, and
Enforcing a 14-day repair timeline once a formal Order to Remedy is issued
We know that surface deficiencies such as potholes can negatively impact drivers and residents who use mobility devices. We also understand surfaces can be difficult to fix, especially with increased freeze thaw cycles impacting infrastructure.
To inform these proposed By-law amendments, we are seeking public feedback on the impacts of surface deficiencies and repairs on residents, property owners and contractors.
Current Enforcement Process
If a violation of property standards is identified, By-law staff issue a Notice of Violation, which outlines the deficiency and provides a specific timeframe for repair. This approach emphasizes education, with the ultimate goal of compliance. If the deficiency is not repaired within the specific timeframe, staff issue an Order to Remedy.
Oftentimes, the repairs are repaired to minimum standards, causing a recurring pattern of the same issue. This not only imposes a significant administrative burden on staff, but it also causes ongoing frustration from residents that continue to encounter poorly maintained, and often unsafe, surfaces.
The proposed changes aim to reduce the pattern of short-term temporary fixes in favour of more permanent repairs.
Potholes on Public Property
Public Works is continuously enhancing its efforts in pothole management for public property, including City streets. Using technology, staff can quickly pinpoint problem areas and address them more efficiently. This tech-driven approach aims to minimize disruptions, improve road safety and extend the lifespan of our infrastructure.
In addition to tech-driven detection, our crews work proactively throughout the city, addressing potholes they come across while also responding promptly to reports from residents.
Residents play an important role in keeping our roads smooth. For potholes on public property, you can report it on the MyKingston app.
On April 1, City Council passed a motion that directed staff to review potential amendments to the Property Standards By-law regarding the maintenance of privately-owned driveways, parking lots and walkways. Proposed amendments include:
Requiring surface repairs to be consistent with the original materials, and
Enforcing a 14-day repair timeline once a formal Order to Remedy is issued
We know that surface deficiencies such as potholes can negatively impact drivers and residents who use mobility devices. We also understand surfaces can be difficult to fix, especially with increased freeze thaw cycles impacting infrastructure.
To inform these proposed By-law amendments, we are seeking public feedback on the impacts of surface deficiencies and repairs on residents, property owners and contractors.
Current Enforcement Process
If a violation of property standards is identified, By-law staff issue a Notice of Violation, which outlines the deficiency and provides a specific timeframe for repair. This approach emphasizes education, with the ultimate goal of compliance. If the deficiency is not repaired within the specific timeframe, staff issue an Order to Remedy.
Oftentimes, the repairs are repaired to minimum standards, causing a recurring pattern of the same issue. This not only imposes a significant administrative burden on staff, but it also causes ongoing frustration from residents that continue to encounter poorly maintained, and often unsafe, surfaces.
The proposed changes aim to reduce the pattern of short-term temporary fixes in favour of more permanent repairs.
Potholes on Public Property
Public Works is continuously enhancing its efforts in pothole management for public property, including City streets. Using technology, staff can quickly pinpoint problem areas and address them more efficiently. This tech-driven approach aims to minimize disruptions, improve road safety and extend the lifespan of our infrastructure.
In addition to tech-driven detection, our crews work proactively throughout the city, addressing potholes they come across while also responding promptly to reports from residents.
Residents play an important role in keeping our roads smooth. For potholes on public property, you can report it on the MyKingston app.
This survey will take approximately 5 minutes to complete and asks residents for feedback on their experiences with potholes on private property. For potholes on public property, you can report it on theMyKingston app.
If you would like to receive an alternate format of the survey by email, please let us know by contacting GetInvolvedKingston@CityofKingston.caor calling 613-546-0000.
The survey closes June 3 2025.
Notice of Collection: All information received will be compiled and considered by staff for use under the purposes of this site. Information will be collected and used in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and other relevant privacy legislation. All comments made on this site are available to the public and may form part of public records.
To inform these proposed Property Standards By-law amendments, we are seeking feedback on the impacts of surface deficiencies and repairs. Key stakeholders including property owners, business owners and contractors who repair deficient surfaces are invited to join a meeting to provide feedback.
