City of Kingston Podcasts

Inside the City of Kingston | Holiday collections, Bird-Friendly City & more In this episode: Holiday impacts – No green bin or garbage pickup on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year's Day. Holiday transit schedules are also in effect.  Bird-Friendly City – Kingston earns entry-level Bird Friendly-City certification, following the naming of the cardinal and crow as official city birds.  City Council – Council seeks regional support to urge the province to build a new west end hospital and backs continued independence of local conservation authorities.  Accessible taxi update – Kingston Access Bus now manages eligibility for the Accessible Taxi Program; contact them to register.  Links & Resources 📌  Holiday impacts Bird-friendly City City Council Accessible Taxi Program

Inside the City of Kingston | Recycling Depot Closure, New Awareness Campaign, Council Agenda & More Recycling Depot – The Kingston Area Recycling Centre depot will close Jan. 1, 2026 due to a lack of sustainable long-term provincial funding.  Awareness Campaign – 'See it. Name it. Change it!' launches to encourage the community to recognize and speak out against Intimate Partner Violence.  City Council – Dec. 16 agenda includes a new joint City–YMCA fitness and aquatics facility, and a motion to increase publicity about the benefits of measles vaccines.  Winter Services Response Plan– The City's Plan outlines supports available to people experiencing Homelessness, including emergency beds, overnight services, and warming centres. Toys for Tickets – Bylaw Enforcement thanks residents who participated in the Toys for Tickets campaign this holiday season.  Links and resources 📌 Recycling Depot Closure 'See it. Name it. Change it' Awareness Campaign Council agenda Winter Services Response Plan Toys for Tickets

Inside the City of Kingston | Winter Parking, Free Downtown Parking, Public Skating update, & More Overnight winter parking – Weather-based bans now in effect for all, including on-street permit holders, when snow or freezing rain is forecast.  Free Parking Downtown – Free parking Saturdays starting Dec. 6 for two weeks, plus Christmas and Boxing Day, in most City lots and on select streets (some exclusions apply).  City Council – Staff asked to study the use of community bonds to support affordable housing investments.  Council Survey – Public input open on Get Involved Kingston until Jan. 12 to guide recommendations on council workload and resources.  Public skating update – Ice building is underway at Springer Market Square, with outdoor rinks opening once conditions allow.  Snowplow Tracker – Live tracking available at cityofkingston.ca to see active plowing and estimated service times.  Links and resources 📌 Winter parking page Free Downtown Parking Council agenda Council Resourcing Review Survey Public Skating Snowplow tracker

Inside the City of Kingston | Winter Parking, New Fire Station & More In this episode: Overnight winter parking – Weather-based rules are in effect Dec. 1. Check the City site whenever snow is in the forecast. New Fire and Paramedic Station – Construction begins on Station 11 to support faster emergency response in the west end. City Council – Community bonds on the agenda plus a request for reduced docking fees for a tall ship at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour. Free AMO workshops highlight why diverse voices matter and what it takes to be a candidate. Restaurants and farmers invited to share feedback that will help shape the City's food framework. Celebrating Accessibility Awards honouring residents who strengthen inclusion! Kingston recognized worldwide for strong digital growth and community engagement. Toys for Tickets program wraps up Dec. 3. Links and resources 📌 Winter parking page Station 11 project page Council agenda AMO workshops Food surveys Accessibility Awards registration Intelligent Communities Toys for Tickets 

Inside the City of Kingston | Accessible transportation, Arts Awards & more In this episode: Taxi Commission – The City assumes oversight to keep accessible transportation available.  Jumpstart Inclusive Playground – Early prep is underway at Shannon Park; trees relocated as construction.  Council highlights Nov. 18 – 15% surcharge for non-residents using City recreation programs; councillor appointments to boards and committees finalized.  Rideaucrest Home earns exemplary standing from Accreditation Canada!  Mayor's Arts Awards – Celebrating local creators and arts champions Nov. 24 at 7 p.m., Memorial Hall.  Household Hazardous Waste facility seasonally closes Nov. 29  Stuff the Bus for Salvation Army Food Pantry happening on Nov. 22 at No Frills.  Holiday weekend – Free Kingston Transit on Nov. 22 for Nighttime Santa Claus Parade and Tree Lighting downtown!  Links & Resources 📌  Accessible taxi program Inclusive playground Council meeting Rideaucrest Home recognition Arts Awards Household Hazardous Waste