FAQs
By‑Law concerns
Garbage pickup
Clean Neighbourhood Program supplies
Park maintenance issues
By‑Law concerns
Garbage pickup
Clean Neighbourhood Program supplies
Park maintenance issues
By‑Law concerns
Garbage pickup
Clean Neighbourhood Program supplies
Park maintenance issues
Why are dogs required to be on a leash in Patterson Park?
Under the City’s Parks By‑Law 2009-76, pets must remain leashed unless in a designated off‑leash area. This requirement helps ensure the safety and comfort of all park users, including children, families, and other pets. Standardized dog‑control signs are posted at park entrances to support enforcement. Additional signage will be added at the southern entrance.
Can the City increase enforcement for off‑leash dogs?
The City has increased enforcement presence in Patterson Park, With By-Law Enforcement Services conducting regular patrols, particularly during peak usage times. Residents are encouraged to report ongoing concerns through Contact Us during business hours. While additional enforcement can support compliance, long-term success relies on a combination of public education, signage, and responsible pet ownership. Staff will continue to monitor activity levels and adjust patrols while operationally feasible. During evening and overnight periods, or where immediate assistance is required, Kingston Police may be contacted.
Are open-air fires or bonfires allowed in City parks?
No. Open-air fires, including campfires and bonfires, are not permitted in City parks unless specifically authorized by permit.
Anyone who sets a fire without a permit may be subject to a fine and may also be required to pay costs associated with a fire department response as per the Open Air Fires By-Law 2021-53.
To report an unauthorized fire in a park, please call 911 if there is an immediate danger or active fire emergency. For non-emergency concerns, contact the City’s by-law enforcement or customer service line.
Can the City limit park use to dawn‑to‑dusk only?
No. The City is not considering dawn‑to‑dusk restrictions for Patterson Park. Under Parks By‑Law 2009‑76, City parks generally remain open 24 hours a day. Patterson Park operating parameters remain consistent with other City of Kingston parks.
Can on‑street parking be limited to dawn‑to‑dusk only?
At this time, limiting on-street parking to specific hours is not planned. Any time-based parking restriction would apply to all vehicles, including residents who rely on street parking, and would not be consistent with parking regulations in similar areas of the city.
Much of Sunny Acres Road is already subject to existing No Parking restrictions installed last year, with the exception of the east side of the road just north of the park. The City will continue to monitor parking conditions and consider adjustments if operational or safety concerns arise.
Why are there concrete blocks in the park, and can they be removed?
The blocks are in place to prevent vehicles from driving onto the grass and down to the beach. Many are half‑height to reduce visual impact. Removing them would allow vehicles to access the shoreline. There are currently no plans for replacement with alternative barriers, however changes will be considered in the future.
Will the City consult residents about future park improvements?
Patterson Park is identified in both the City’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan and Waterfront Master Plan as an area for potential future improvement. Community consultation will be undertaken at time of park redevelopment. Timelines of any park redevelopment initiatives are subject to project prioritization and future capital budget approval.
What is being done about increased parking and traffic?
Patterson Park is a City park open to all residents. While usage cannot be limited, the City installed signage to limit on street parking to the east side of Sunny Acres Road in 2025. At the same time the parking areas were limited within the park to prevent cars from accessing the beach and cars parking in the green space. While there have been requests to increase the size of the parking lot, this development of a parking lot is subject to project prioritization and future capital budget approval.
Sunny Acres Road was also selected as part of the City’s annual traffic calming program in 2024. To support safer vehicle speeds and neighbourhood conditions, seasonal traffic calming bollards and “SLOW” pavement markings were installed.
How is the City addressing partying, noise, and garbage?
The City is taking a coordinated approach to address concerns related to partying, noise and garbage at Patterson Park. By-Law Enforcement Services continue to respond to complaints and conduct proactive patrols during evenings and weekends to address noise, liquor, and nuisance-related issues.
Public Works increased weekend servicing of the park during the summer of 2025, including Friday and Monday visits, to deal with garbage issues. Public Works will continue this increased level of service for 2026.
Residents who assist with cleanup can access the Clean Neighbourhood Program for bags and gloves, with pickup arranged through Contact Us.
If residents have concerns with:
Daytime (8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.)
Use Contact Us for:
After Hours
For noise, parties, or by‑law issues: Kingston Police Non‑Emergency Line: 613‑546‑4660
What happens with parking issues after 4:30 p.m.?
Bylaw enforcement services are available Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday to Saturday from 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m., and on weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. After hours, residents should call the Kingston Police Non‑Emergency Line (613‑546‑4660). Police will dispatch By‑Law when available.
Can the barricades be moved so cars can turn around without entering the park?
Staff can review the placement of barricades; however, any changes must still prevent vehicles from accessing the beach. In addition, there is a Utilities Kingston Vault inside the park that must remain accessible for emergency response. Changes to the barricades must ensure that this area is not barricaded off.
Can a fence be installed to prevent access to the Dupont property?
Installing a fence to fully prevent access to the Dupont property from the park side would not be practical or effective. Water levels in the area change over time, making it difficult to install and maintain a fence that would consistently block access to the shoreline.
The City’s experience with fencing in other locations has shown that fences intended to restrict access are often damaged or cut to create entry points, resulting in ongoing maintenance, repairs, and replacement costs. In some locations, staff responses to damaged fencing can occur as frequently as daily.
As the owner of the adjacent private property, the property owner may also choose to install fencing or other measures on their own lands, subject to any applicable approvals or regulations.
What is the plan if a fire breaks out in the wooded shoreline area?
In the event of a fire in the wooded shoreline area, emergency response would be led by Kingston Fire & Rescue Services in coordination with other emergency services as required. Response actions would depend on the size, location, weather conditions, and accessibility of the fire.
Residents and park users are encouraged to report any smoke, fire, or unsafe activity immediately by calling 911.
Preventing unauthorized fires and reporting concerns quickly are the most effective ways to help protect the area and surrounding neighbourhood.
Will additional parking signs be installed?
Yes. Parking and “no vehicles past this point” signs will be within the parking area in the park.
Can more garbage bins be added?
Public Works removes garbage cans during winter months, but will reinstall cans prior to the May 24 long weekend. Garbage cans are typically put at the entrance to the park or in areas that are accessible to the garbage collection vehicle.
Can the City install “Fine for Littering” signs?
Patterson Park has been identified for inclusion in the City’s 2026 park signage program. Through this program, the park will receive updated standard park signage, which may include information related to park rules, expectations, and applicable by-laws.
The City uses a consistent signage approach across parks to help ensure clear communication and uniform enforcement throughout the park system.
What about sidewalks in the neighbourhood?
Sidewalk installation is outside the scope of park operations. In this area, constructing sidewalks would require significant changes to the street. This location has been noted for future consideration; however, at this time there are no current plans or timelines for sidewalk construction on Sunny Acres Road.
Can the City prevent parking on the grass so the green space is preserved?
Yes. The City has implemented measures to protect the green space by clearly defining designated parking areas. Parking curbs and signage are being installed to discourage vehicles from parking on the grass and preserve the condition of the park. By-Law Enforcement Services will continue to monitor compliance, and enforcement may be undertaken where vehicles are parked outside of designated areas.
How do residents contact the City about issues?
Daytime (8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.)
Use Contact Us for:
After Hours
For noise, parties, or by‑law issues: Kingston Police Non‑Emergency Line: 613‑546‑4660