Category Integrated Mobility Plan Show all
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What We Have Heard So Far
Over the past year, we have connected with community members from all walks of life, in a variety of different ways and places, to gather input on the city’s future. As part of our engagement process, we remain committed to reporting back on what we’ve heard and sharing how the community is shaping the project.
Today, we have published a public engagement report detailing what we have heard and learned so far. You can also review the results from the survey published earlier this year further below.
As these plans move forward, we will continue to share updates on what we’re hearing. If you have questions or require one of these documents in an alternate format, please email getinvolvedkingston@cityofkingston.ca or phone 613-546-0000
- Read the full What We Heard Report (PDF)
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:
- 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.
- Several comments note that the city’s history—despite sometimes having an "uncomfortable" past—is central to its identity.
- Protection, Revitalization & Sensitive Growth:
- Calls to protect historic sites from overdevelopment or demolition (e.g., preventing large, unattractive high rises, preserving the Memorial Centre).
- 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:
- 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:
- 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:
- 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:
- 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)
- Emphasis on redesigning streets to support a multi-modal transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve road conditions and maintenance.
- Valued Natural Assets:
- Consistent praise for Kingston’s waterfront, parks, trails, and overall green spaces as key attractions for both residents and tourists.
- Development & Protection:
- Requests to enhance public gardens, boardwalks, and multi-use trails along the waterfront without allowing high-rise developments that block views or light.
- Emphasis on preserving the urban tree canopy, protecting natural resources (lakes, rivers, creeks), and promoting sustainable outdoor spaces.
- Recreational & Community Spaces:
- 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:
- 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.
- 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:
- Concerns over urban sprawl, hastily built developments, and high-rise projects that might undermine the historic character and quality of residential streets.
- 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:
- Recognition of Kingston’s vibrant inner city—with its markets, independent shops, restaurants, and cultural events—as a central asset.
- Concerns over the potential corporate takeover of downtown and calls to support affordable rental opportunities for small businesses.
- Enhanced Public Spaces & Community Programming:
- 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:
- 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:
- 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:
- 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:
- 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:
- 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:
- Calls for community spaces and transit solutions that are inclusive for seniors, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups.
- Local Identity & Participation:
- 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:
- Repeated concerns about deteriorating roads, inadequate parking (even in downtown areas), and the need for better maintenance and visible road markings.
- 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:
- 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:
- Advocacy for sustainable building practices—such as green roofs, renewable energy, and environmentally sensitive materials—in new developments.
- Urban Greening & Climate Action:
- 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:
- 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:
- Develop and expand dedicated, physically separated bike lanes and multi-use paths that interconnect neighbourhoods, downtown, and waterfront trails.
- Ensure continuous, well-maintained sidewalks and safe crossings (e.g., raised crosswalks, push-button signals) for all users, including students and people with disabilities.
- 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:
- Widen sidewalks, add street furniture (benches, picnic tables), and incorporate greenery and public art to create inviting, human-scale spaces.
- 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.
- Ensure proper snow and debris removal on sidewalks and bike paths to keep them accessible year-round.
- Cycling Infrastructure Enhancements:
- Increase robust bike lanes (with physical separations) and consider innovative programs (e.g., scooter rental systems with integrated passes) modeled on European cities.
- 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:
- 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.
- Propose permanent closures of certain streets (e.g. Princess from Division to Ontario) to non-commercial traffic to enhance the pedestrian environment.
- Consider initiatives like car-free Sundays or seasonal pedestrian-only periods to test and promote people-friendly street use
- Traffic Calming & Lower Speeds:
- 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.
- Employ engineering solutions such as bollards and modal filters to force slower traffic and create a “human-scale” street environment.
- Improve traffic enforcement (increased red-light cameras, dedicated patrols) to hold inattentive drivers accountable.
- Enhanced Transit & Alternative Mobility:
- Invest in better public transit options (e.g., a free downtown bus loop, LRT proposals) to reduce dependence on cars and alleviate congestion.
- Encourage integration of transit with active transportation corridors, thereby providing viable alternatives to driving.
3. Urban Design, Public Spaces & Community Amenities
- Vibrant Public Realm:
- Increase green spaces and trees along streets, and create pocket parks, community gardens, and “little forests” to improve air quality and provide shade.
- Transform areas like Confederation Basin into licensed cultural hubs and pedestrian plazas that support outdoor events and local businesses.
- 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:
- 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.
- Integrate local commerce (e.g., cafes, shops, community centres) into neighbourhoods so that destinations are within walking or cycling distance.
- Aesthetic and Functional Improvements:
- Experiment with design elements (e.g. vibrant sidewalk colours) to enhance visual appeal and differentiate public spaces from car-centric areas.
- 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:
- Implement lower speed limits and redesign problematic intersections (such as those on Front Road and near key transit points) to reduce pedestrian risk.
- Increase traffic enforcement and monitoring to hold drivers accountable for violations (e.g. inattentive driving, illegal parking across sidewalks).
- Address design flaws such as missing or broken sidewalks and unsafe crosswalks, particularly near critical areas like schools and transit hubs.
- Infrastructure Upkeep:
- 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).
- 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:
- Build or improve interconnected pathways (bike lanes, pedestrian bridges, trails) that connect downtown, suburban, and waterfront areas to create a continuous network.
- Develop dedicated transit corridors and consider converting streets like Brock Street into active transportation and transit corridors.
- Universal Accessibility:
- 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.
- 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:
- Foster “fifteen-minute neighbourhoods” by promoting mixed-use developments that include nearby essential services, reducing the need for long trips by car.
- 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:
- Provide more geared-to-income, affordable housing and robust mental health support, addiction treatment, and transitional housing for the unhoused.
- 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:
- 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.
- Develop community ambassador programs or kiosks at key intersections to offer assistance, disseminate information, and monitor public spaces.
- Fostering a Community-Centric Identity:
- Prioritize public events, festivals, and outdoor activities that bring communities together and make public spaces vibrant and welcoming.
- 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:
- Prioritize new housing on underutilized parcels (e.g. the Novelis property, former industrial sites, unused parking lots) to fill gaps in the urban fabric.
- Encourage infill and gentle intensification in existing neighbourhoods rather than outward suburban sprawl.
- Development Types:
- Shift away from detached single-family dwellings toward mid-rise and multi-unit (duplexes, triplexes, four-plexes) developments, including “missing middle” housing.
- Support adaptive reuse of old buildings and brownfield sites to preserve heritage while accommodating increased density.
2. Location, Transit & Accessibility
- Transit-Oriented Development:
- Build new housing near existing transit hubs and along major arterial routes (e.g., near Sydenham Road, Division Street, Montreal Street, and transit corridors).
- Concentrate development in areas with strong transit, walking, and cycling networks—such as the downtown core—to create walkable, connected neighbourhoods.
- Geographic Priorities:
- 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:
- Prioritize affordable housing options—including rent-geared-to-income units and mixed-income developments—to serve current residents and newcomers.
- 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:
- Focus on housing strategies that prevent displacement, maintain affordability, and support a balanced mix of residents.
4. Zoning Reforms & Strategic Planning
- Regulatory Changes:
- Update zoning bylaws to eliminate single-family exclusionary policies and parking minimums, thereby enabling higher density and mixed-use developments.
- Rezone underutilized areas (e.g. parts of the former industrial or institutional lands) to allow for multi-unit, transit-oriented housing.
- Long-Term Planning:
- 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:
- 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:
- Promote green building standards, adaptive reuse, and energy-efficient design that respect Kingston’s historic character while meeting modern needs.
- Preserve Community Assets:
- 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:
- 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:
- 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:
- 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:
- 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:
- 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:
- 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).
- Proposals for free or discounted fares—especially for seniors, low-income riders, students, and people with disabilities—to reduce financial barriers.
- Ideas for innovative transit solutions such as small electric buses, express routes, trolley or dedicated bus lanes, and improved transfer options.
- Accessibility & Integration:
- 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.
- Linking transit improvements with land use planning (e.g., building affordable housing or mixed-use developments along transit corridors).
- System Audits & Quality:
- Conducting audits of existing routes and services to identify inefficiencies (e.g., looping routes, underused services) and to ensure that service quality is maintained.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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:
- Increasing affordable, rent-controlled, and mixed-income housing options distributed across neighbourhoods—not just concentrated in specific areas.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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:
- Improving access to essential services (e.g. healthcare, child care, education, mental health supports) in marginalized neighbourhoods.
- Prioritizing services for seniors, people with disabilities, low-income families, refugees, and the unhoused through free transit, subsidized housing, and supportive community programs.
- 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:
- Actively engaging residents via town halls, citizens’ assemblies, and participatory planning processes so that community needs directly shape public policy.
- 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:
- Integrating land use planning with transportation planning to ensure that development happens in areas with existing or potential transit and community infrastructure.
- Reforming zoning rules to allow for more mixed-use development, denser communities, and incentives for affordable housing, including inclusionary zoning policies.
- 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:
- Using tools (like GIS mapping) and community assessments to identify underserved areas and direct investments where they are most needed.
- 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:
- Addressing issues like high property taxes that may push out small businesses and contribute to inequitable development.
- 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:
- Calls for more community gardens in parks, vacant lots, residential areas, and even on rooftops.
- 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).
- 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:
- 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.
- 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:
- Repeated calls to expand and improve farmers markets across multiple hubs - including year‑round indoor markets - to increase accessibility, especially for residents without cars.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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:
- Advocacy for indoor farming, hydroponics, vertical and rooftop agriculture to increase local food production year‑round.
- Ideas to repurpose underused urban spaces—like empty fields, building rooftops, or warehouse roofs—for food production and educational greenhouses.
- Strengthening Local Supply Chains:
- 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:
- Concern about urban sprawl driving up land prices and displacing local farmers; many call for protecting existing agricultural lands and prioritizing infill development.
- 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:
- 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:
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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:
- 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).
- 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:
- 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:
- Numerous responses advocate for preserving farmland and protecting rural areas from unchecked urban sprawl, emphasizing that agricultural lands should remain dedicated to farming.
- 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:
- 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:
- 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).
- 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:
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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:
- 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:
- 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.
- 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:
- Several comments advocate for financial incentives (tax breaks, subsidies, and low‑interest loans) to support small farms, local food producers, and rural business development.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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:
- 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).
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YG220K Community Advisory Group Update #1
We’re kicking off this year with a quick trip back to 2024 to catch you up on what the Community Advisory Group has been up to. Comprised of over 20 members, the Community Advisory Group represents an exciting new way for the City to engage with residents on the new Official Plan and Integrated Mobility Plan. The first meeting was held on Sept. 28, 2024, and the next one is scheduled for late winter or early spring 2025.
What Happened at the First Meeting?
This initial gathering was focused on orienting advisory group members to the new Official Plan and Integrated Mobility Plan projects. City of Kingston staff introduced the city’s growth estimates and discussed some of the associated opportunities and challenges facing the City over the next two and a half decades. The meeting also gave participants a chance to get to know each other and to develop working relationships.
Tim Park, Director of Planning Services, speaks to the Community Advisory Group.
During the presentation, City of Kingston staff walked advisory group members through the key aspects of city planning and transportation including:
- Designing Mobility Options for All
- Sustainability and Environmental Impact
- Zoning and Urban Intensification
- Planning Policy and Budget
- Transportation Infrastructure and Connectivity
The goal was to ensure that all participants were working from the same shared foundation of knowledge and had opportunities for questions and discussions.
Visioning Exercise
Following the presentation and discussion, participants were tasked with imagining a future short news story about planning or transportation. Each story considered the future context of Kingston, what the future scene looked like, and the type of publication (real or fictional). The stories covered a wide range of future scenarios, including building new community hubs, expansion of car share options, and opportunities for cafes and community spaces serving as creative hubs.
Want to learn more about the Community Advisory Group? Check out a more detailed summary of what we heard below.
Next steps for the group will be to reconvene in the late winter or early Spring 2025 to connect about the work being done on the first draft of the new Official Plan policies, along with transformational conversations about traffic and mobility more broadly. Stay tuned!
Thanks for reading,
- YG220K Project Team
What We Heard
This is a summary of the comments and themes we heard from group participants during the first Community Advisory Group meeting in September 2024. The first section is focused on feedback and questions from the presentation while the second section focuses on what was expressed through the visioning exercise.
Feedback Received
Throughout the meetings, participants shared comments and posed questions to the project team on topics related to urban and transportation planning. Below is a summary of the key interest points important to the Community Advisory Group.
Accessibility and Safety
- Affordability and Livability: Advocacy for affordable housing, community gardens, complete communities, and ensuring that growth meets the needs of residents.
- Accessible Maps: Request to improve map usability for individuals with visual impairments (colorblind-friendly maps) and provide maps tracking Official Plan amendments geographically.
- Transit Accessibility: Advocacy for accessibility on public transit, particularly for users of wheelchairs, strollers, and other mobility aids.
- Aging Population: Advocacy from several Community Advisory Group members for the needs of an aging population, including targeted support for seniors transitioning out of car ownership.
- Pedestrian Safety: Interest in road designs that prioritize pedestrian and cyclist safety, including the use of concrete islands and slower traffic designs. Public Transit Safety: Concern about safety on Kingston Transit, particularly for students and other vulnerable groups who rely on public transit daily.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
- Environmental Impact: Request to consider wildlife, ecosystems, and sustainable development practices during urban expansion.
- Sustainable Services: Interest in waste management, recycling, and how a growing population will affect these systems.
- Renewable Energy: Concern over how electric vehicles might impact the city’s power grid and interest in how the City can advocate for provincial support in upgrading infrastructure.
- Transportation Targets & Active Transport: Enthusiastic support for how the City is setting new transportation mode share targets, focusing on active transportation, transit use, and reducing car dependency in alignment with long-term sustainability goals.
Zoning and Urban Intensification
- Population Density: Concern over increasing population density and its impact on urban planning, infrastructure, and services.
- Urban vs. Rural Development: Interest in the expansion of the urban boundary and how to balance intensification in existing areas with developing new ones.
- Building Heights and Zoning: Curiosity about building height regulations and zoning bylaws.
- Parking and Transportation: Interest in parking requirements, with a focus on reducing vehicle reliance and supporting sustainable transportation.
Planning, Policy and Budget
- Engaging Youth: A push for including younger voices (children and teenagers) in the urban and transportation planning processes.
- Official Plan Amendments: Interest in the number of amendments made to the current Official Plan.
- Strategic Growth: Curiosity about the balance between expanding the urban boundary and intensifying existing areas, and how phasing infrastructure affects budget considerations.
- Long-Term Vision: While current decisions align with long-term goals and Council’s strategic priorities, Community Advisory Group members emphasized the importance of environmental conservation, livability and complete communities.
- Legislation & Government Influence: Interest in the impact of provincial government decisions, such as cycling path regulations, on local municipal plans, and how the City can ensure its strategies are aligned with evolving policies while advocating for community needs.
- Data Collection: Requests for more access to City data related to transportation and housing. There were also concerns about cybersecurity as more smart technology is used in transportation.
Transportation Infrastructure and Connectivity
- Neighbourhood-level Planning: Interest in how transportation patterns and mode share differ across Kingston’s various neighbourhoods and how land use policies will shape future infrastructure projects.
- Rail & Intercity Transport: Strong enthusiasm for connecting Kingston to other cities by rail, including plans for GO train expansion and advocating for improved high-frequency rail from Toronto to Montreal.
- Transit Infrastructure Updates: Curiosity about specific road and cycling infrastructure, such as the design of intersections and bike lanes, as well as bus capacity for mobility devices and strollers.
- Car & Ride Sharing Systems: Support for the introduction of car-share programs, drawing on examples from other cities to reduce dependency on car ownership in Kingston.
- Commercial Vehicles & Freight: Interest in managing commercial vehicle traffic through neighbourhoods and prioritizing deliveries, curb space, and access in business districts.
Visioning Activity - Future Kingston News Story
Community Advisory Group members were asked to write creative stories about their visions of Kingston in the future. Below are the key themes that emerged from participants’ news stories, implying their future aspirations for the City of Kingston.
Improved Transportation and Connectivity
- Sustainable Transport: Expansion of electric public transit, bike lanes, and shared mobility services.
- Airport Expansion and Connectivity: Interest in better access to major cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal via light rail, and hopes to expand Kingston airport.
- Improved Transit Accessibility: Ideas for better bus stop technology, more frequent service, and enhanced transit user experience.
- Electric and Active Transport Initiatives: Community Advisory Group members envision electric buses to priority lanes for electric vehicles and pedestrian-friendly zones.
- Autonomous Vehicles: Future transportation via subscription-based autonomous services.
Sustainability and Green Living
- Eco-friendly Urban Design: Circular economy, sustainable community hubs, and neighbourhoods designed with green spaces.
- Low-income, Self-sustained Communities: Off-the-grid housing projects and local food production.
- Green Spaces and Pedestrian Walkways: Enhancing livability with parks, gardens, and pedestrian paths.
- Agri-commercial Development: Focus on local food production through urban agriculture.
Youth and Community Engagement
- Youth Involvement in Governance: A youth mayor and the desire for a Youth Council with equal voting power in city decisions. Inviting and Iterative
- Community Engagement: A community-centered engagement process that fosters meaningful participation by meeting people in comfortable, familiar settings and validating their input at multiple points throughout the planning process.
- Community Centers and Inclusivity: The opening of centres that serve diverse community needs, emphasizing fitness, health, and environmental sustainability.
Technological Innovation
- Smart City Technologies: AI-powered transit apps for optimizing travel, smart traffic signals, and mobile route planning tools.
- Modern Infrastructure: Improved signage, LED displays, and real-time information at bus stops.
Urban Growth and Development
- Population and Housing Growth: Rapid urbanization with new housing developments integrated with local services and student housing projects that blend with the community.
- Cultural and Creative Evolution: Kingston’s transformation into a vibrant urban centre, celebrated in its cultural spaces and artistic evolution.
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Fall 2024 Update
With the end of 2024 near it’s a great time to provide an update on the progress of the City’s new Official Plan and Integrated Mobility Plan. There’s been a lot that’s happened since June and a lot yet to happen.
Summer Engagement Highlights
We launched ‘YG220K’ in June with the application process for the Community Advisory Group and making appearances at several key community events. Between June and September, we connected with the Kingston community at six pop-up events, including the Princess Street Promenade, the Cataraqui Centre, Kingston PRIDE and the Memorial Centre Farmer’s Market, where we had the chance to see this year’s zucchini races and if you haven’t seen that before, you should!
The YG220K booth at Kingston Pride in June.
During these events, we spoke with hundreds of people across a wide spectrum of Kingston life and experience. We encouraged Kingstonians to apply for the Community Advisory Group and conducted an interactive activity that invited participants to envision themselves as a City Planner and let us know what they prioritize.We also hosted a back-to-school colouring contest, providing activity sheets to local schools. The sheets sparked discussions around the dinner table, and students who completed them had a chance to win a prize pack, including Grand Theatre tickets.
Community Advisory Group Launches
After receiving more than 200 applications over the summer, the Community Advisory Group Members were selected through an adapted civic lottery process. In September the Community Advisory Group held their first meeting where participants were introduced to the project and Kingston’s context. This included learning about the ways Kingston is projected to grow and the history of land use and transportation planning in Kingston. The session also included an interactive group activity where participants imagined what Kingston might look like in 25 years, helping to shape the policy needed to get there.
Tim Park, Director of Planning Services, speaks to the CAG.
Integrated Mobility Plan Gets Moving
In late October the Notice of Commencement was published for the Integrated Mobility Plan project. This is part of the Environmental Assessment process and formally begins the project. In early November, we facilitated small group workshops where participants created journey maps to understand their personal lived experiences travelling around Kingston.
The City also launched Kingston Moves, our household travel survey. While not directly part of this project, the data from that survey will be used to help inform the work on the Integrated Mobility Plan. The survey is being conducted by an external research firm (R.A. Malatest & Associates Ltd.) who has mailed out unique survey codes to randomized addresses in Kingston. If you happened to receive one, please take the time to fill it out – it goes a long way in helping the City plan for the future!
What’s Happening Now and What’s Next?
Writing of the draft Official Plan has started. This is an effort to begin foundation building based on feedback from the City’s strategic plan and informed by the visioning work over the summer. This is still in the very early stages and a lot of work is still to come.
Workshops were also held with Indigenous community members after the YG220K team reached out through community contacts. These online workshops are a space to hear Indigenous insight about the Official Plan and Integrated Mobility Plan.
Coming Soon: Survey Time!
It’s almost SURVEY TIME! That’s right, in January 2025 we will be releasing a survey that asks for some specific feedback on topics important to the development of both the Official Plan and the Integrated Mobility Plan. We’ll send out another update when that survey is live. So please keep your eyes peeled for that, we’re very excited to start this part of the process.
Thank you again for your interest and your time, this update was not brief but there’s a lot of ground to cover. If you have questions please reach out to newofficialplan@cityofkingston.ca and mobilityplan@cityofkingston.ca.
We’ll be in touch soon,
YG220K Project Team
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Kingston Official Plan Update & Integrated Mobility Plan Community Advisory Group - Terms of Reference (June 2024)
About This Document
These Terms of Reference (ToR) outline the roles and responsibilities of the Kingston Official Plan Update & Integrated Mobility Plan Community Advisory Group (CAG) members and staff. This document will be reviewed during the first meeting and agreed upon by all CAG members. Any changes to the ToR will be made in consultation with the Project Team and CAG members.
Let’s Talk About Kingston’s Official Plan & Integrated Mobility Plan
Project Background
It’s an exciting time for Kingston! With a fresh strategic plan and continued growth on the horizon, it’s an increasingly desirable place to live. The update of the City of Kingston’s Official Plan (OP) and the development of a new Integrated Mobility Plan (IMP, formerly the Transportation Master Plan) have aligned to take place at the same time, creating an incredible opportunity for alignment at a policy level in planning for the City’s future.
The timing couldn’t be better. Though there are incredible opportunities ahead, Kingston faces challenges too. The City could see the population rise by as much as 32% by the year 2051, with planned growth of 220,000, and currently, population growth outpaces development. Council’s Strategic Plan highlights their focus on housing affordability, environmental stewardship and climate action, building an active, connected, caring and inclusive community and prioritizing innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth. These projects have the potential to realize this vision laid out by Council.
City of Kingston Official Plan Update
An Official Plan (OP) is a policy document that guides the short-term and long-term development of your community. The City of Kingston is required to update the OP every five years in accordance with the requirements of the Planning Act, which is provincial legislation that sets out the ground rules for land use planning in Ontario. The OP plan will outline what can be built in the city, and where, acting as a guide for the next 25 years. Kingston is growing and the Official Plan will ensure that the city continues to be livable, diverse, equitable and prosperous.
This plan will be used as the basis of other plans and bylaws the City will develop and update, including the servicing plans, the zoning bylaw, parks plans, recreation plans, and more. They all build on the details in the Official Plan.
City of Kingston Integrated Mobility Plan
The Integrated Mobility Plan (IMP) focuses on how people will move throughout the city to get to where they need to go from now to 2051. The plan will lay out a blueprint for roads, frequent transit corridors, and active transportation infrastructure over the coming years. To accommodate the growth that is envisioned sustainably, equitably, and efficiently, our future transportation network will need to provide options for people of all ages and abilities.
The integrated mobility plan will follow a few months behind the Official Plan, allowing the two plans to be strategically aligned.
What is a Community Advisory Group?
A Community Advisory Group (CAG) is a panel of up to 25 community members who are selected to provide advice to the City of Kingston on a project based on their specific connection to a project, knowledge and/or experience.
The Kingston Official Plan Update & Integrated Mobility Plan Community Advisory Group (CAG) will help guide the City of Kingston in the development of these plans. CAG members may draw from their personal and/or professional experiences to provide local insights to shape these plans that will ultimately shape how Kingston will develop and grow in the years to come.
The selection process is data-driven, ensuring that the perspectives of historically marginalized communities, as well as those of future residents, are considered. The result is a CAG that has a diverse makeup, where the representation of equity-deserving communities is prioritized.
CAG members must live in the City of Kingston or represent a group or organization that is active in Kingston. CAG will be composed of 18 to 20 community members and 5 to 7 representatives of community groups or organizations that are active in Kingston.
Who is the Project Team?
The Kingston Official Plan Update & Integrated Mobility Plan CAG is a project collaboratively managed by the City of Kingston’s Growth & Development Services and Transportation & Transit Services, and the engagement consultant team at SAFFY.
SAFFY was hired by the City of Kingston to develop, facilitate and maintain the Kingston Official Plan Update & Integrated Mobility Plan CAG. SAFFY will be the CAG members’ main point of contact, although CAG members will engage with many Project Team members at committee meetings.
When specific projects are brought to the committee for feedback and deliberation, CAG members can expect to hear from City staff at Planning, Transportation & Transit, and other City divisions.
Terms of Reference: Community Advisory Group Members
Purpose
The purpose of the Kingston Official Plan Update & Integrated Mobility Plan CAG is:
- To act as an advisory body to the City on matters related to the Official Plan Update and Integrated Mobility Plan, at key decision points during the public consultation process for city-wide and project-specific considerations;
- To represent the key impacted parties of Kingston and ensure the best interests of the community they represent are considered, and;
- To ensure that the plans endeavour to make Kingston a welcoming, equitable and sustainable place for all to enjoy.
The role of the group is to provide guidance and advice on behalf of the community to the Project Team. The Kingston Official Plan Update & Integrated Mobility Plan CAG is not a decision-making body. The CAG is not responsible for the decisions made by the Project Team or City Council.
Meeting Details
The Project Team anticipates convening the Kingston Official Plan Update & Integrated Mobility Plan CAG for a minimum of three (3) meetings over the next two years, beginning in the summer of 2024.
Additional meetings may be called when additional consultation is required for the Kingston Official Plan Update & Integrated Mobility Plan.
The first Meetings will typically be held on weekday evenings, in an attempt to accommodate the schedules of a range of CAG participants.
Meetings will primarily be held virtually. A link to the meeting will be available in advance.
The first meeting will take place in person (location TBD) on Saturday, September 28 from 11am - 2pm.
Compensation
CAG members will be be compensated $225 upon completion of the project, at a rate of $75 per meeting for their participation, at the end of the project.
Conditions of Membership
Active participation and attendance of CAG meetings from all members is essential and CAG members attend meetings as representatives of their respective groups/organizations.
CAG members are required to abide by the Community Guidelines. Failure to do so may result in removal from the Kingston Official Plan Update & Integrated Mobility Plan CAG.
CAG members are required to abide by the Terms of Reference detailed in this document. Failure to do so may result in removal from the Kingston Official Plan Update & Integrated Mobility Plan CAG.
CAG members are expected to provide feedback to the Project Team based on the group they represent.
CAG members who are absent for 2 or more meetings may be removed from the Kingston Official Plan Update & Integrated Mobility Plan CAG.
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If a CAG member is representative of a group/organization:
Only one member of each group/organization may be in attendance at each meeting.
If a CAG member cannot attend a meeting, they may send one representative from their group/organization in their place.
The organizations represented by CAG members will be shared publicly, on the project website and in other project communications.
Term Limits and Conditions
CAG members’ participation in the Kingston Official Plan Update & Integrated Mobility Plan CAG shall be for a minimum of two (2) years.
CAG members may end their participation in the Kingston Official Plan Update & Integrated Mobility Plan CAG at any time, including prior to the term limit of two (2) years. It is the responsibility of the CAG member to notify the Project Team of their intent to end their participation.
It is the responsibility of CAG members to remain in communication with the Project Team by replying to emails, responding to calendar invites, and through other modes of communication. Failure to respond to the Project Team’s communications for a period of 6 weeks or more may result in removal from the Kingston Official Plan Update & Integrated Mobility Plan CAG.
Conflict of Interest
A Conflict of Interest is defined in accordance with the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, as any member having a financial interest with respect to the agenda item being reviewed — a financial interest that is larger than what would reasonably be assumed to exist for an average Kingstonian.
CAG members must declare any conflict of interest with respect to any agenda items being reviewed, and take direction from the Project Team about their participation in the review of any such agenda items.
If members are not sure about whether there is a conflict of interest, they are responsible for seeking clarification from the Project Team. Any declared conflicts will be recorded in the meeting summary.
CAG members are expected to be transparent with the Project Team and with other committee members about any personal, professional, civic or other roles they hold that may present a conflict of interest, regardless of whether they are formally representing those interests on the Kingston Official Plan Update & Integrated Mobility Plan CAG.
Community Guidelines
As a member of the Kingston Official Plan Update & Integrated Mobility Plan CAG, you agree to abide by the City of Kingston’s Public Engagement Guidelines for Participation:
Be respectful of all participants;
Be open to all ideas;
Adhere to the established process and time frame;
Change process during a session only by group decision, if necessary;
Allow everyone the opportunity to speak;
Allow people to speak without interruption;
Try to include everyone; and
Turn cell phones off/mute.
Additional Community Guidelines may be introduced to ensure the CAG remains a safe, equitable and inclusive environment for all members to participate.
Building Consensus
As an advisory group, the CAG will operate using a consensus-based approach, where members seek general agreement on guidance and advice to the Project Team.
A consensus-based approach assumes that participants can openly discuss ideas, experiences, and viewpoints, and are willing to work together to develop common ground and minimize areas of disagreement to the best of their ability. Differing viewpoints and opinions will be documented in the CAG meeting notes.
Media Relations
As a member of the Kingston Official Plan Update & Integrated Mobility Plan CAG, you agree to:
CAG members may speak to the media about their individual perspective on the project.
As individual members’ opinions are not necessarily representative of the views of the entire CAG, in the event that members receive media inquiries about the Kingston Official Plan Update or Integrated Mobility Plan and/or the CAG, those inquiries should be referred to the City media relations by emailing communications@cityofkingston.ca.
Members should avoid speaking on behalf of the larger Community Advisory Group in any formal public setting, unless prior arrangements have been made with City staff.
Terms of Reference: Project Team
Meeting Governance
The Kingston Official Plan Update & Integrated Mobility Plan CAG meetings will be facilitated by SAFFY and members of the Project Team. The role of the facilitator is:
To facilitate the smooth and effective functioning of the Kingston Official Plan Update & Integrated Mobility Plan CAG.
To ensure the communication of project information to the Kingston Official Plan Update & Integrated Mobility Plan CAG.
To accurately capture feedback from Kingston Official Plan Update & Integrated Mobility Plan CAG members and report back to the City of Kingston’s Growth & Development Services and Transportation & Transit Services, and other relevant Project Team members.
Maintaining Membership
Quorum for meetings will not be required; however, if less than half of the members are able to attend a given meeting (indicated through an RSVP), the Project Team may reschedule the meeting to allow for broader participation.
The project Team is responsible for soliciting applications from relevant stakeholder groups and onboarding new members in a timely manner.
When members leave the Kingston Official Plan Update & Integrated Mobility Plan CAG (whether due to term limits or voluntary and/or involuntary resignation), the Project Team is responsible for ensuring timely replacement of their seats on the committee.
Our Commitments as a Project Team
As process stewards, we, City Project Team staff and SAFFY staff, commit to:
Providing fair and equal access to the public engagement process to all who are interested in participating.
Maintaining an atmosphere that is respectful of all participants and other staff members.
Ensuring that the project outcomes and/or staff recommendations are informed by participants’ concerns, interests and desires.
Being advocates for the integrity of the public process and ensuring it reflects as much as possible directions contained in the Council-approved "Kingston’s Turning Point: A Growth Plan for Land Use and Transportation.”
Undertaking and encouraging actions by other City staff that build trust and credibility for the process among all participants.
Providing the information participants need to meaningfully participate.
Procedures and Practices
The Project Team will set meeting agendas based on the needs of the Official Plan update and Integrated Mobility Plan.
The agenda and any supplementary background information will be shared approximately one (1) week before the meeting. Members are expected to review this material prior to each meeting.
The Project Team will use various tools and methods to facilitate conversation and gather feedback from members of the Kingston Official Plan Update & Integrated Mobility Plan CAG.
If CAG members require additional accommodation, support or training to meaningfully participate or use the tools or methods provided in the meeting, it is the responsibility of the CAG member to notify the Project Team, ideally with two weeks advance notice where possible.
The Project Team will be responsible for providing adequate support and resources to the CAG member to ensure their full participation.
Project Team will ensure notes are taken and a summary circulated to members for review following each of the meetings.
Meeting summaries will be posted to the project webpage after members have had the opportunity to review them.