What We Have Heard So Far

Official Plan and Integrated Mobility Plan Survey Results

The following summarizes responses to the Official Plan and Integrated Mobility Plan survey, which was open from January 29 to March 17, 2025. Results are presented by question and reflect the perspectives shared by participating residents.

1. Which of the following best describes your interest in the Official Plan and Integrated Mobility Plan projects? (select top three).

The responses to Question 1 indicate a strong interest in how the city develops, both in terms of personal lifestyle and broader future sustainability. Key areas of concern include infrastructure, long-term sustainability, and neighbourhood development. The highest number of respondents (306) care about how the city should develop over time for a better future for all, followed by those who care about infrastructure like streets, trails, and parks (238), and those who care about long-term sustainability (211). Additionally, there is significant interest in neighbourhood development and providing more choices for getting around.

2. Thinking about the next 25 years, what should Kingston prioritize in the new Official Plan? (select up to five).

The responses to Question 2 indicate that respondents prioritize protecting the natural environment, providing more parks, trails, and open spaces, and providing more convenient and dependable ways to get around. Other significant priorities include building more housing, supporting agriculture and local food, and enhancing employment opportunities and economic growth. Additionally, respondents highlighted the importance of conserving cultural heritage resources, designing urban public spaces, and addressing climate change impacts in shaping Kingston's future. The highest number of respondents (218) prioritize protecting the natural environment, followed by those who prioritize providing more parks, trails, and open spaces (194), and those who prioritize providing more convenient and dependable ways to get around (188).

3. What does your ideal housing arrangement look like in the year 2051?

The responses to Question 3 indicate a diverse range of preferences for ideal housing arrangements in the year 2051. The most popular choices are mid-rise apartment buildings in mixed-use areas (99 respondents) and houses or semi-detached houses in urban areas (96 respondents). Other significant preferences include houses on large rural lots (72 respondents) and houses or semi-detached houses in subdivisions (57 respondents). There is also interest in high-rise apartment buildings near frequent transit (31 respondents) and townhouses on or near main streets (22 respondents). A smaller number of respondents prefer secondary suites in someone else’s house (8 respondents).

4. What do you think makes Kingston special today (e.g., historic sites and buildings, parks, markets, arts, economy)? What would you like to see change or improve in the future? Leave blank if you would prefer not to answer.

Summarized Responses:

Historic Character & Heritage Preservation (Most Popular)

• Core Identity & Cultural Legacy:
  1. Many responses emphasize that Kingston’s historic downtown, heritage districts, and landmark buildings (e.g. Fort Henry, Kingston Pen, architecture, limestone structures) are what make the city unique.
  2. Several comments note that the city’s history—despite sometimes having an "uncomfortable" past—is central to its identity.
• Protection, Revitalization & Sensitive Growth:
  1. Calls to protect historic sites from overdevelopment or demolition (e.g., preventing large, unattractive high rises, preserving the Memorial Centre).
  2. Suggestions for adaptive reuse, higher design standards for new buildings, and integrating heritage-friendly features (like green roofs and masonry details) so new development complements the old.
• Balancing History with Innovation:
  1. Some responses envision Kingston building on its rich past toward an innovative, self-sustaining future—merging historic charm with modern amenities while retaining a small-town feel.

Walkability, Active Transportation & Sustainable Transit (Most Popular)

• Enhanced Connectivity & Safety:
  1. Strong demand for expanded pedestrian-only zones, continuous and uninterrupted cycling/walking paths (including along the waterfront from Ontario Park to the causeway), and safe, dedicated bike lanes.
• Transit Improvements:
  1. Calls for a reliable, accessible public transit system (with mentions of electric buses and improved bus stop infrastructure) that serves all community hubs—including religious and cultural centres.
• Reduced Car Dependency:
  1. Emphasis on redesigning streets to support a multi-modal transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve road conditions and maintenance.
     Waterfront Access & Natural Environment (Most Popular)
• Valued Natural Assets:
  1. Consistent praise for Kingston’s waterfront, parks, trails, and overall green spaces as key attractions for both residents and tourists.
• Development & Protection:
  1. Requests to enhance public gardens, boardwalks, and multi-use trails along the waterfront without allowing high-rise developments that block views or light.
  2. Emphasis on preserving the urban tree canopy, protecting natural resources (lakes, rivers, creeks), and promoting sustainable outdoor spaces.
• Recreational & Community Spaces:
  1. Suggestions include more accessible public events in green spaces, outdoor sports facilities, and continuous trails that connect different parts of the city.

Housing, Urban Development & Land Use

• Smart, Human-Scale Growth:
  1. Many responses advocate for mixed-use, low- to mid-rise housing that preserves Kingston’s small-town feel and avoids the over-densification seen in large apartment complexes.
  2. Calls for innovative affordable housing solutions (such as city-leased units or lease-to-own models) to serve working families and reduce homelessness.
• Controlled Expansion & Quality Standards:
  1. Concerns over urban sprawl, hastily built developments, and high-rise projects that might undermine the historic character and quality of residential streets.
  2. Emphasis on incentivizing the preservation and adaptive reuse of existing buildings while instituting design standards that respect the historic scale.

Local Economy, Vibrant Downtown & Public Amenities

• Downtown Vitality & Small Business Support:
  1. Recognition of Kingston’s vibrant inner city—with its markets, independent shops, restaurants, and cultural events—as a central asset.
  2. Concerns over the potential corporate takeover of downtown and calls to support affordable rental opportunities for small businesses.
• Enhanced Public Spaces & Community Programming:
  1. Requests for more pedestrian-only areas (e.g., market square, interlocked streets near City Hall), better parking solutions, and a broader array of cultural and community events.
• Tourism & Economic Diversity:
  1. Emphasis on leveraging heritage, arts, and unique local attractions (like farmers’ markets and live music) to boost tourism and diversify local employment opportunities.

Arts, Culture, Education & Economic Diversity

• Rich Cultural Scene:
  1. Frequent mentions of Kingston’s active arts and music venues, local festivals, and creative community, which are seen as integral to the city’s character.
• Educational & Institutional Assets:
  1. The presence of key post-secondary institutions (e.g. Queen’s University, RMC, St. Lawrence College) is celebrated for fostering innovation, research, and a dynamic cultural environment.
• Community Engagement in Culture:
  1. Calls for more proactive promotion of local events (beyond social media), including the use of traditional media like printed flyers or video billboards, to better engage all residents.

Equity, Social Inclusion & Community Engagement

• Affordable Housing & Inclusive Development:
  1. Strong emphasis on addressing housing affordability and ensuring that development supports working people rather than exclusively catering to students or profit-driven interests.
• Accessible Public Amenities:
  1. Calls for community spaces and transit solutions that are inclusive for seniors, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups.
• Local Identity & Participation:
  1. Desire for a greater sense of community and for local decision-making processes that safeguard Kingston’s unique culture and heritage—ensuring that all voices are heard.

Infrastructure, Public Safety & Maintenance

• Roads, Parking & Transit Infrastructure:
  1. Repeated concerns about deteriorating roads, inadequate parking (even in downtown areas), and the need for better maintenance and visible road markings.
  2. Specific calls for improvements to Kingston Transit, including dedicated lanes and pull-off zones, as well as safer intersections and winter upkeep.
• Overall Urban Maintenance:
  1. Emphasis on keeping the streets clean and well-maintained to support both residents and tourism, and on upgrading infrastructure to support sustainable urban growth.

Environmental Sustainability & Responsible Urban Growth

• Eco-Friendly Development:
  1. Advocacy for sustainable building practices—such as green roofs, renewable energy, and environmentally sensitive materials—in new developments.
• Urban Greening & Climate Action:
  1. Calls for increased tree planting, preservation of green spaces, and the creation of green corridors (e.g., “blooming boulevards” or butterfly corridors) to enhance biodiversity and climate resilience.
• Balancing Growth with Environmental Stewardship:
  1. Emphasis on ensuring that new development respects the city’s natural assets, prevents urban sprawl, and supports a self-sustaining, innovative future built on Kingston’s historical foundation.

5. What makes you feel connected to a place? (select all that apply).

The responses to Question 5 indicate that the most important factors that make respondents feel connected to a place are a sense of community (330 respondents), natural surroundings (329 respondents), and local businesses and services (284 respondents). Other significant factors include accessibility and transportation options (235 respondents), safety and security (231 respondents), and local food and agriculture (259 respondents).

6. Do you have suggestions for ways the city can create more people-friendly streets and public spaces? Leave blank if you would prefer not to answer.

Summarized Responses:

1. Active Transportation & Pedestrian Infrastructure

• Protected, Connected Networks:
  1. Develop and expand dedicated, physically separated bike lanes and multi-use paths that interconnect neighbourhoods, downtown, and waterfront trails.
  2. Ensure continuous, well-maintained sidewalks and safe crossings (e.g., raised crosswalks, push-button signals) for all users, including students and people with disabilities.
  3. Create pedestrian-only zones—whether permanent or seasonal (e.g., on parts of Princess or Ontario Streets)—to encourage walking and safe public gatherings.
• Enhancing Walkability & Comfort:
  1. Widen sidewalks, add street furniture (benches, picnic tables), and incorporate greenery and public art to create inviting, human-scale spaces.
  2. Improve sidewalk lighting, especially in areas used by students (such as near Frontenac High) and along neighbourhood cut-throughs, to enhance safety during evenings and winter months.
  3. Ensure proper snow and debris removal on sidewalks and bike paths to keep them accessible year-round.
• Cycling Infrastructure Enhancements:
  1. Increase robust bike lanes (with physical separations) and consider innovative programs (e.g., scooter rental systems with integrated passes) modeled on European cities.
  2. Address issues with poorly designed or merged bike lanes at intersections so cyclists have safe, predictable routes.

2. Reducing Car Dependency & Reclaiming Public Space

• Reallocation of Road Space:
  1. Reduce the space dedicated to private vehicles—narrow lanes, fewer parking spots—and repurpose these areas for public amenities, cultural hubs, and vibrant outdoor plazas.
  2. Propose permanent closures of certain streets (e.g. Princess from Division to Ontario) to non-commercial traffic to enhance the pedestrian environment.
  3. Consider initiatives like car-free Sundays or seasonal pedestrian-only periods to test and promote people-friendly street use
• Traffic Calming & Lower Speeds:
  1. Lower speed limits generally and on specific roads (Hwy 15, Taylor Kidd Boulevard, Sydenham Road) to reduce accident severity and make streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
  2. Employ engineering solutions such as bollards and modal filters to force slower traffic and create a “human-scale” street environment.
  3. Improve traffic enforcement (increased red-light cameras, dedicated patrols) to hold inattentive drivers accountable.
• Enhanced Transit & Alternative Mobility:
  1. Invest in better public transit options (e.g., a free downtown bus loop, LRT proposals) to reduce dependence on cars and alleviate congestion.
  2. Encourage integration of transit with active transportation corridors, thereby providing viable alternatives to driving.

3. Urban Design, Public Spaces & Community Amenities

• Vibrant Public Realm:
  1. Increase green spaces and trees along streets, and create pocket parks, community gardens, and “little forests” to improve air quality and provide shade.
  2. Transform areas like Confederation Basin into licensed cultural hubs and pedestrian plazas that support outdoor events and local businesses.
  3. Enhance public seating, interactive art, and outdoor amenities (e.g., public washrooms, bike parking) to make streets inviting and multifunctional.
• Mixed-Use, High-Density Development:
  1. Encourage mid-rise, mixed-use buildings with setbacks that preserve public space, avoid overwhelming streets with high-rises, and include ample parking solutions (e.g., multi-storey parking garages) without sacrificing pedestrian areas.
  2. Integrate local commerce (e.g., cafes, shops, community centres) into neighbourhoods so that destinations are within walking or cycling distance.
• Aesthetic and Functional Improvements:
  1. Experiment with design elements (e.g. vibrant sidewalk colours) to enhance visual appeal and differentiate public spaces from car-centric areas.
  2. Provide community-oriented amenities such as outdoor fitness equipment, child-friendly playgrounds, and spaces that invite free public use without a purchase requirement.

4. Traffic Safety & Infrastructure Maintenance

• Safety Enhancements:
  1. Implement lower speed limits and redesign problematic intersections (such as those on Front Road and near key transit points) to reduce pedestrian risk.
  2. Increase traffic enforcement and monitoring to hold drivers accountable for violations (e.g. inattentive driving, illegal parking across sidewalks).
  3. Address design flaws such as missing or broken sidewalks and unsafe crosswalks, particularly near critical areas like schools and transit hubs.
• Infrastructure Upkeep:
  1. Prioritize regular repair and maintenance of roads, sidewalks, and bike lanes, especially around high-traffic areas (e.g. near KGH, the Rio Can Centre, and dense downtown corridors).
  2. Ensure that streets, sidewalks, and public areas are cleaned and well maintained (including rapid snow removal and proper waste management) to enhance safety and usability.

5. Integration, Connectivity & Accessibility

• Seamless Networks:
  1. Build or improve interconnected pathways (bike lanes, pedestrian bridges, trails) that connect downtown, suburban, and waterfront areas to create a continuous network.
  2. Develop dedicated transit corridors and consider converting streets like Brock Street into active transportation and transit corridors.
• Universal Accessibility:
  1. Ensure that all public spaces, sidewalks, and transit hubs are designed to be accessible to everyone—students, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families—through inclusive design practices.
  2. Engage communities in the planning process to address localized issues (e.g., poorly lit pathways, inaccessible crosswalks) and ensure that all demographics are served.
• Local Connectivity:
  1. Foster “fifteen-minute neighbourhoods” by promoting mixed-use developments that include nearby essential services, reducing the need for long trips by car.
  2. Improve local signage, public information kiosks, and wayfinding systems to guide residents and visitors through safe, pedestrian-friendly routes.

6. Social Considerations & Broader Community Impacts

• Addressing Homelessness and Mental Health:
  1. Provide more geared-to-income, affordable housing and robust mental health support, addiction treatment, and transitional housing for the unhoused.
  2. Create dedicated support hotlines and crisis teams (separate from police) to assist individuals in need, aiming to reduce visible social issues on the streets.
• Enhancing Public Safety & Community Well-Being:
  1. Increase police and bylaw enforcement presence in problematic areas to deter unsafe behaviour (e.g., aggressive panhandling, illegal parking) while coupling enforcement with compassion and social services.
  2. Develop community ambassador programs or kiosks at key intersections to offer assistance, disseminate information, and monitor public spaces.
• Fostering a Community-Centric Identity:
  1. Prioritize public events, festivals, and outdoor activities that bring communities together and make public spaces vibrant and welcoming.
  2. Ensure that urban planning puts residents first by integrating community feedback and balancing the needs of various groups (from students and seniors to small business owners).

7. At pop-up booths held across the city during the summer of 2024, we learned that walkability—having easy access to key destinations like stores, services, and community spaces—is important to many people in Kingston. What changes would make your neighbourhood more walkable? (select all that apply).

The responses to Question 7 indicate that respondents prioritize improved sidewalk conditions (235 respondents), more green spaces or parks along walking routes (216 respondents), and better pathway or sidewalk connections between key areas (202 respondents) as the most important changes to make their neighbourhoods more walkable. Other significant priorities include more destinations to walk to (196 respondents), more pedestrian crossings or safer intersections (185 respondents), and better accessibility for people with disabilities (158 respondents).

8. Kingston is expected to grow to about 220,000 people in the next 25 years. The new Official Plan needs to plan what the city will look like with 29,300 more homes and 33,400 more jobs. Where should new houses be built, and why? Leave blank if you would prefer not to answer.

Summarized Responses:

1. Urban Density & Infill Development

• Concentrated Growth:
  1. Prioritize new housing on underutilized parcels (e.g. the Novelis property, former industrial sites, unused parking lots) to fill gaps in the urban fabric.
  2. Encourage infill and gentle intensification in existing neighbourhoods rather than outward suburban sprawl.
• Development Types:
  1. Shift away from detached single-family dwellings toward mid-rise and multi-unit (duplexes, triplexes, four-plexes) developments, including “missing middle” housing.
  2. Support adaptive reuse of old buildings and brownfield sites to preserve heritage while accommodating increased density.

2. Location, Transit & Accessibility

• Transit-Oriented Development:
  1. Build new housing near existing transit hubs and along major arterial routes (e.g., near Sydenham Road, Division Street, Montreal Street, and transit corridors).
  2. Concentrate development in areas with strong transit, walking, and cycling networks—such as the downtown core—to create walkable, connected neighbourhoods.
• Geographic Priorities:
  1. Several responses favour the northwest corner, east end, and parts of the west end as areas for intensified development while preserving rural or greenfield land outside the urban boundary.

3. Affordable & Equitable Housing

• Housing for All:
  1. Prioritize affordable housing options—including rent-geared-to-income units and mixed-income developments—to serve current residents and newcomers.
  2. Ensure that new developments provide a range of housing types (from apartments and condos to townhouses) that meet diverse family and income needs.
• Community Impact:
  1. Focus on housing strategies that prevent displacement, maintain affordability, and support a balanced mix of residents.

4. Zoning Reforms & Strategic Planning

• Regulatory Changes:
  1. Update zoning bylaws to eliminate single-family exclusionary policies and parking minimums, thereby enabling higher density and mixed-use developments.
  2. Rezone underutilized areas (e.g. parts of the former industrial or institutional lands) to allow for multi-unit, transit-oriented housing.
• Long-Term Planning:
  1. Establish clear, data-driven growth projections and periodic reviews by independent experts to ensure that development targets align with the city’s long-term vision and infrastructure capacity.

5. Environmental Protection & Heritage Preservation

• Build Up, Not Out:
  1. Encourage vertical growth (mid-rise and low-rise apartments) within the existing urban footprint to protect greenfields, farmland, and environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands.
• Sustainable Design:
  1. Promote green building standards, adaptive reuse, and energy-efficient design that respect Kingston’s historic character while meeting modern needs.
• Preserve Community Assets:
  1. Ensure that new development respects and protects key cultural and natural heritage resources, maintaining a balance between growth and quality of life.

6. Mixed-Use Development & Adaptive Reuse

• Integrated Neighbourhoods:
  1. Develop mixed-use zones where residential, commercial, and community spaces coexist. For example, encourage housing above retail spaces (such as apartments atop big-box stores) and the creation of mini malls that blend low-rise housing with cafes, restaurants, and independent shops.
• Community Hubs:
  1. Redevelop underused or abandoned buildings (including industrial or government-owned sites) into vibrant, community-oriented spaces that support local businesses and provide amenities.

7. Infrastructure & Community Amenities

• Supportive Infrastructure:
  1. Ensure that new housing is paired with adequate infrastructure—such as public transit, roads, sewers, and utilities—to support higher densities without increasing sprawl.
• Local Amenities:
  1. Focus development near existing or upgraded amenities (parks, grocery stores, schools, employment centres) so that residents can easily access services and daily necessities without relying on cars.
• Neighbourhood Quality:
  1. Enhance community livability by integrating public spaces, green areas, and recreational facilities into new developments, promoting a complete communities concept.

9. What types of services are missing from your neighbourhood? (select all that apply).

The responses to Question 9 indicate that respondents feel the most missing services in their neighbourhoods are restaurants or cafés (162 respondents), retail stores (158 respondents), and cultural or community centres (100 respondents). Other significant missing services include banks or ATMs (100 respondents), fitness centres or gyms (98 respondents), and grocery stores (106 respondents).

10. How can the Official Plan help ensure everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources, especially people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized (e.g. improving access to public transportation, increasing job opportunities in all areas of the city)? Leave blank if you would prefer not to answer.

Summarized Responses:

1. Public Transportation Improvements

• Expanded, Reliable Service:
  1. Increasing frequency, extending operating hours (including off-peak and night service), and ensuring dependable transit in underserved areas (e.g., Woodhaven, Westbrook, routes linking to major employers, schools, and community centres).
  2. Proposals for free or discounted fares—especially for seniors, low-income riders, students, and people with disabilities—to reduce financial barriers.
  3. Ideas for innovative transit solutions such as small electric buses, express routes, trolley or dedicated bus lanes, and improved transfer options.
• Accessibility & Integration:
  1. Upgrading bus stops (adding shelters, ramps, better lighting, direct access to essential destinations such as healthcare, places of worship, and shopping) and ensuring that transit routes connect seamlessly with residential areas and mixed-use developments.
  2. Linking transit improvements with land use planning (e.g., building affordable housing or mixed-use developments along transit corridors).
     
     
• System Audits & Quality:
  1. Conducting audits of existing routes and services to identify inefficiencies (e.g., looping routes, underused services) and to ensure that service quality is maintained.
  2. Ensuring that transit planning is responsive to community needs and that residents have a voice in how services are expanded or modified.

2. Active Transportation & Pedestrian Infrastructure

• Enhanced Non-Motorized Networks:
  1. Expanding and improving sidewalks, bike lanes, pedestrian-only zones, and crosswalks. Respondents noted the absence of sidewalks, poor lighting, and unsafe streets that favour cars over pedestrians or cyclists.
  2. Emphasizing maintenance: fixing cracks, removing snow/ice, ensuring continuous and well-maintained bike lanes, and providing secure bike parking (with surveillance and proper signage).
• Accessibility for All Users:
  1. Designing streets and pathways that account for the needs of the elderly, children, people with disabilities, and those who cannot afford cars—such as wider, well-lit sidewalks and accessible crossings.
  2. Ensuring that active transportation infrastructure is part of a broader strategy to create a walkable, bike-friendly, and less car-dependent city.

3. Affordable Housing & Mixed-Use Development

• Inclusive Housing Options:
  1. Increasing affordable, rent-controlled, and mixed-income housing options distributed across neighbourhoods—not just concentrated in specific areas.
  2. Ensuring that housing is built in or near existing transit corridors and community services so that residents can access essential amenities on foot or by public transit.
  3. Addressing barriers in current zoning and design rules (such as large minimum yard requirements) to foster denser, mixed-use, and accessible communities.
• Mixed-Use Zoning & Community Amenities:
  1. Promoting zoning that blends residential, commercial, and community uses to allow essential services (grocery stores, hardware stores, pharmacies, medical offices) to be within a short walk from residents.
  2. Incentivizing developers to build projects that include public amenities, green space, and community centres while preserving affordable housing options.

4. Social Equity, Community Inclusion & Engagement

• Targeted Support for Vulnerable Groups:
  1. Improving access to essential services (e.g. healthcare, child care, education, mental health supports) in marginalized neighbourhoods.
  2. Prioritizing services for seniors, people with disabilities, low-income families, refugees, and the unhoused through free transit, subsidized housing, and supportive community programs.
  3. Ensuring that transit and public infrastructure are designed with the needs of all—including those who can’t afford a car—in mind (e.g. safe, accessible routes and amenities near places of worship, food banks, and employment centres).
• Inclusive Planning & Community Voice:
  1. Actively engaging residents via town halls, citizens’ assemblies, and participatory planning processes so that community needs directly shape public policy.
  2. Calling for a neutral, bipartisan Official Plan that balances developer interests with community priorities, ensuring that public funds and services truly benefit the broader population.

5. Urban Planning, Land Use, & Policy Reforms

• Official Plan & Regulatory Changes:
  1. Integrating land use planning with transportation planning to ensure that development happens in areas with existing or potential transit and community infrastructure.
  2. Reforming zoning rules to allow for more mixed-use development, denser communities, and incentives for affordable housing, including inclusionary zoning policies.
  3. Revising policies that currently favour developers or large-scale projects over community needs, such as reducing burdens from heritage designations or minimum yard requirements, to create more livable neighbourhoods.
• Data-Driven & Equitable Planning:
  1. Using tools (like GIS mapping) and community assessments to identify underserved areas and direct investments where they are most needed.
  2. Focusing on decentralizing employment opportunities and community services so that residents have shorter commutes and more local options, reducing the reliance on cars.
• Fiscal & Policy Considerations:
  1. Addressing issues like high property taxes that may push out small businesses and contribute to inequitable development.
  2. Ensuring that public investments (e.g., in transit, public housing, and community amenities) are sustainable and responsive to demographic changes and local needs.

11. How can the city be more accessible and friendly for people of all ages? Select all that apply.

The responses to Question 11 indicate that respondents prioritize safer streets for walking and biking (288 respondents), better public transportation options for all ages (266 respondents), and more senior-friendly and accessible housing options in all neighbourhoods (215 respondents) as the most important changes to make the city more accessible and friendly for people of all ages.

12. The design of neighbourhoods, buildings, public facilities, and public spaces can greatly affect how people move around, connect with others, and experience their community. This has a direct impact on public health and wellbeing. How should neighbourhoods be designed to better support physical, emotional, and mental health? (select all that apply).

The responses to Question 12 indicate that respondents prioritize safe, well-lit walking and biking paths (295 respondents), better support for active transportation (280 respondents), and more parks, public spaces, and green spaces for outdoor activities and relaxation (286 respondents) as the most important design elements to better support physical, emotional, and mental health in neighbourhoods. Other significant priorities include spaces to gather and connect with others (245 respondents), natural areas for rest and mental relaxation (237 respondents), and green roofs, community gardens, and other eco-friendly spaces (233 respondents).

13. Thinking about your neighbourhood, what can the city do to better support agriculture and local food initiatives (e.g. more farming support or options in the rural area, allowing indoor farming in more areas, allowing small food and local food stores in urban neighbourhoods, more community gardens, farm-to-table choices and farmers' markets)? Leave this blank if you would prefer not to answer this question.

Summarized Responses:

1. Community Gardens & Urban Agriculture

• Expansion & Accessibility:
  1. Calls for more community gardens in parks, vacant lots, residential areas, and even on rooftops.
  2. Proposals include easing permit requirements (e.g., allowing in-ground beds without expensive raised structures) and providing support (starter kits, subsidized materials, water access, and even a dedicated city position to coordinate efforts).
  3. New ideas suggest using underutilized spaces—such as the roofs of city buildings or community centres (e.g., Rideau Heights Community Centre)—to install greenhouses for year‑round food production, education, and program delivery.
• Education & Engagement:
  1. Numerous responses emphasize the value of educational programming, from free gardening classes and seed swaps to community food forests that teach residents about gardening in small spaces.
  2. Innovative ideas include creating model farms outside the city where families can visit, learn, and participate in farm activities.

2. Farmers Markets & Local Food Retail

• Improved Local Access:
  1. Repeated calls to expand and improve farmers markets across multiple hubs - including year‑round indoor markets - to increase accessibility, especially for residents without cars.
  2. Support for local food stores or “green grocers” in neighbourhoods, providing fresh, locally produced food as an alternative to big box chains.
• Market Quality & Support:
  1. Emphasis on ensuring that these markets remain truly local (i.e., run by local farmers rather than large businesses) and affordable, with suggestions for reducing regulatory barriers and offering incentives or marketing support.
  2. Continued support for established markets such as the Memorial Centre market is seen as essential.

3. Support for Local Food Production & Farm-to-Table Initiatives

• Innovative Production Methods:
  1. Advocacy for indoor farming, hydroponics, vertical and rooftop agriculture to increase local food production year‑round.
  2. Ideas to repurpose underused urban spaces—like empty fields, building rooftops, or warehouse roofs—for food production and educational greenhouses.
• Strengthening Local Supply Chains:
  1. Proposals to connect local farms directly with consumers through community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, farm-to-table initiatives with restaurants, and partnerships with local institutions.

4. Protection of Agricultural Land & Smart Urban Planning

• Preservation & Infill:
  1. Concern about urban sprawl driving up land prices and displacing local farmers; many call for protecting existing agricultural lands and prioritizing infill development.
  2. Suggestions to preserve agricultural property (e.g., protecting sites like the “Salt of the Earth” farm) and incorporate zoning changes that encourage local agriculture rather than unrestrained development.
• Zoning & Land-Use Incentives:
  1. Proposals include revising zoning by-laws to allow indoor farming, community gardens, and small local food retailers in urban neighbourhoods while discouraging large-scale developments that consume farmland.

5. Policy, Regulation, and Community Support

• Regulatory Relief & Incentives:
  1. Calls to reduce red tape, for example, lowering permit fees and easing restrictions on backyard gardens, to enable small farmers and local food vendors to thrive.
  2. Suggestions include offering tax credits or grants to support local food initiatives, and even creating a framework that incentivizes green roofs and urban agriculture as part of new development standards.
• Municipal Role & Partnerships:
  1. Some respondents believe the municipality should support local agricultural initiatives by providing space (for markets or farming), offering educational programs, and consulting with local farmers. Others caution that the city should let private initiatives drive agriculture while removing unnecessary regulatory burdens.
  2. Emphasis on aligning policies with sustainability and food security goals, ensuring that all residents have access to locally produced, fresh food.

14. Outside of protecting agricultural areas, how can the Official Plan best support a vibrant rural area (e.g. more farming or farm-related businesses, allowing more housing, tourism or rural businesses to develop, improving transportation options between rural and urban areas)? Leave blank if you would prefer not to answer.

Summarized Responses:

1. Transportation & Transit Improvements

• Enhanced Urban–Rural Connectivity:
  1. Many respondents call for improved public transportation that spans both urban and rural areas (e.g., dedicated bus routes, shuttle services, park-and-ride lots, dial-a-bus options, and reliable mini-bus routes).
  2. Emphasis on creating safe multi‑modal transit options—including protected bike lanes and well‑located bus stops (even on highways and at rural nodes)—to ensure that both rural residents and urban visitors can move freely between regions.
• Active Transportation:
  1. Several responses stress the importance of safe bike routes and multiuser trails (e.g., improvements along Highway 2 and on trails like the K&P) to support non‑motorized travel.

2. Rural Preservation & Smart Land Use

• Protecting Agricultural Land:
  1. Numerous responses advocate for preserving farmland and protecting rural areas from unchecked urban sprawl, emphasizing that agricultural lands should remain dedicated to farming.
  2. Calls for zoning and land‑use measures that restrict the subdivision of large lots, limit housing developments on prime agricultural land, and prevent over‑development that would erode rural character.
• Balanced Rural Housing:
  1. Some respondents support moderate housing expansion in rural areas—such as higher‑density or townhome developments with local services—provided it is carefully planned to maintain the rural fabric and does not displace farming.

3. Support for Local Agriculture & Food Systems

• Strengthening Local Food Production:
  1. Many comments emphasize supporting local farmers through subsidies, tax incentives, and funding for small, diversified farms (e.g., small plots for specialized farming such as beekeeping, flower, or tree farms).
  2. There is robust support for enhancing farmers markets—both outdoor and indoor year‑round—and for establishing more local food retail options (green grocers, farm stands, and dedicated local stores) to improve food access.
• Innovative & Educational Farming Initiatives:
  1. Ideas include developing model farms or “farm-for-a-day” programs for families, promoting indoor and vertical (or hydroponic) farming, and utilizing roofs of city buildings for food production.
  2. Respondents also advocate for community education (farm tours, school partnerships, and agricultural workshops) to build awareness of local food systems and regenerative practices.

4. Urban–Rural Integration & Economic Development

• Bridging Communities:
  1. Several responses highlight the need to integrate rural and urban areas by creating strong links—via improved transit, trails, and active transportation—that help urban residents access rural attractions and local products.
  2. There is support for programs that connect rural businesses and farms with urban consumers (e.g., food tours, co‑operatives for retail spaces, and partnerships with tourism initiatives).
• Local Business & Agritourism:
  1. Proposals include supporting farm-related industries (processing, agritourism, and farm‑to‑table restaurants) and encouraging rural commercial zones that bolster the local economy without compromising farmland.

5. Policy, Regulation & Governance

• Transparent Land-Use Planning:
  1. Respondents call for clear, community‑informed planning processes and stricter zoning regulations that prevent the conversion of agricultural land into large-scale housing or tourism projects.
  2. Concerns are raised about rezoning decisions made without proper public consultation and the need to protect natural and agricultural heritage through honest, transparent governance.
• Incentives & Support:
  1. Several comments advocate for financial incentives (tax breaks, subsidies, and low‑interest loans) to support small farms, local food producers, and rural business development.
  2. There is also an emphasis on aligning municipal policies with sustainable practices (such as requiring green roofs on new buildings) and minimizing bureaucratic hurdles.

6. Environmental Sustainability & Community Spaces

• Preserving Natural Assets:
  1. Some responses underscore the importance of conserving natural areas (trees, wetlands, wildlife corridors) and reclaiming spaces—like parking lots or underused fields—for parks, trails, or community gardens.
  2. Calls are made for environmentally sensitive development that prioritizes green spaces, reduces empty lots, and maintains a balance between built-up areas and nature.
• Community Vibrancy & Mixed-Use Development:
  1. A few comments focus on promoting density in existing neighbourhoods, mixed‑use buildings that encourage vibrancy and community interaction, and ensuring that new developments are integrated with public transit and green spaces.

15. Outside of protected agricultural and environmental areas, do you support the creation of more residential properties (lot creation through property division) in the rural area?

The responses to Question 15 indicate that a majority of respondents (179) support the creation of more residential properties in the rural area through lot creation and property division. However, a significant number of respondents (110) are opposed to this idea, while 115 respondents are unsure, and 17 respondents have no opinion on the matter. This suggests that while there is support for rural residential development, there are also considerable concerns and uncertainties among the respondents.

16. What do you think are the best ways to address climate change in the new Official Plan? (select all that apply)

The responses to Question 16 indicate that respondents prioritize planting more trees (299 respondents), supporting the reuse of old buildings (287 respondents), and building complete communities with more stores, jobs, and services that people can walk, roll, or bike to (286 respondents) as the best ways to address climate change in the new Official Plan. Other significant priorities include protecting ecosystems from development (249 respondents), building more compact neighbourhoods with flexibility for smaller homes (244 respondents), and building more high-density housing near transit (240 respondents).

17. How important are the following features in making Kingston Transit a more viable option for you in the future? (rate each from 1 = not important to 5 = very important)

Increased service frequency (less planning required, fewer full buses).

Extended service hours (early morning/late evening).

Improved reliability (confidence that you won’t be late).

Lower fares or fare incentives (more affordable).

Better connections to key destinations (it goes where you want it to).

Cleaner, safer, and more comfortable transit stops and buses.

More Park and Ride locations.

On-demand transit service connecting currently unserved areas (e.g., rural areas) to existing routes.

The responses to Question 17 indicate that increasing service frequency, improving reliability, and providing better connections to key destinations were rated as the most important features to make Kingston Transit a more viable option. Lower fares and incentives, extended service hours, and cleaner, safer transit stops also received relatively high importance ratings. Features like on-demand service in unserved areas and Park & Ride options received moderate importance ratings by comparison.

18. Kingston is anticipating continued significant growth, which could increase congestion and delays for drivers if not managed effectively. Which strategies do you think would be most effective in managing traffic congestion? (select up to three options).

The responses to Question 18 suggest that building a protected and maintained cycling network (246 respondents), encouraging more amenities near or within neighbourhoods to shorten travel distances (216 respondents), and adding dedicated transit lanes or rail to move more people efficiently along major corridors (206 respondents) are considered the most effective strategies to manage traffic congestion. Creating additional Park & Ride facilities (161 respondents) and prioritizing smarter, more connected traffic signal systems (156 respondents) also received significant support, while road widening (69 respondents) was selected much less frequently.

19. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements about Kingston’s transportation network and future priorities? (select one option for each statement: strongly agree, agree, neutral, disagree, strongly disagree or not sure)

I support reallocating available road space to support transit, cycling, and pedestrian trips to move people more efficiently while requiring less space and lowering public costs and emissions.

Everyone, regardless of age or ability, should have access to connected, safe, and efficient options to get around.

Providing alternatives like walking, cycling and transit benefits those who need to drive by reducing the number of people driving and competing for space.

Cargo e-bikes and other emerging mobility options should be encouraged as alternatives for transporting goods (e.g., trips to the grocery store).

Kingston’s transportation network should be designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet climate action goals.

Improving active transportation options, like building protected bike lanes and safe pedestrian crossings, is essential for improving community mobility.

Larger commercial vehicles, such as transport trucks, should have designated routes along main roads to support efficient movement while also prioritizing the safety of vulnerable road users.

The responses to Question 19 show strongest support for the idea that everyone, regardless of age or ability, should have access to connected, safe, and efficient transportation options — with 386 out of 420 respondents (92%) either agreeing or strongly agreeing. Other highly supported statements included the importance of improving active transportation (341 respondents, 86%) and recognizing that alternatives like walking, cycling, and transit benefit drivers by reducing congestion (325 respondents, 85%). The statement with the lowest level of support was reallocating road space to support transit, cycling, and pedestrian trips, which still received majority agreement (292 respondents, 74%).

Across all statements in Question 19, an average of 75% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the statements presented, while 9.5% disagreed or strongly disagreed.

20. Many households in Kingston rely on more than one car to meet their transportation needs. What changes would make it easier for households to be less reliant on multiple vehicles? (select up to 3 options).

The responses to Question 20 indicate that more reliable and frequent public transit (247 respondents), more services and destinations within walking distance (240 respondents), and better cycling infrastructure and secure bike parking (201 respondents) would most help households rely less on multiple vehicles.

21. More than half of trips made by private vehicles in Kingston are under five kilometres. Excluding changes to land use policies, which of the following potential changes would most enhance transportation options for shorter trips? (check all that apply).

The responses to Question 21 highlight that improved winter maintenance of sidewalks and cycling routes (293 respondents), dedicated and protected bike lanes along main roads (232 respondents), and more frequent and connected public transit options (219 respondents) would do the most to support short trips under 5 km. Respondents also emphasized the importance of safer pedestrian crossings and sidewalks (214 respondents), better neighbourhood cycling routes (190 respondents), and enhanced lighting and amenities along walking and cycling routes (180 respondents).