City of Kingston Podcasts

When people think of Kingston, they usually name the waterways as their favourite feature. But what if you were a bird and one of the more than 250 bird species in the region? You would probably name the Atlantic Flyway. You see, Kingston is on this this major migratory route and millions of birds travel on the flyway each year on the way to their breeding and wintering areas. With so many feathered friends passing through, the municipality’s efforts to earn a Bird-Friendly City certification from Nature Canada is essential.  In this month's episode, meet Karen Santucci, director of Public Works and Solid Waste. She is on Kingston’s Bird Friendly team and the flying force behind the City of Kingston's bird-friendly certification efforts. We’ll learn what goes into certification, why community partnerships are important, and what residents can do to keep our year round and migratory birds healthy and safe. 

This episode of 'Tell Me More' features Tracy Snow, the Manager of Rural Economic and Community Development for Kingston. Tracy shares her journey and details her role, focusing on initiatives to support rural communities, small businesses, and agribusinesses in Kingston’s countryside and Pittsburgh districts. She highlights the city's efforts to create stronger connections with rural residents, including projects like the Rural Community Program Fund and collaborations with health services and libraries. Challenges such as transportation and infrastructure are discussed along with ongoing solutions. Tracy also emphasizes the importance of agriculture and the role of partnerships in enhancing rural life. Innovations like the new food framework aim to bridge the gap between urban and rural areas, showcasing Kingston's creative approach to community development. To find out more about these programs or to connect with Tracey, visit our website.  

In this epidsode of Tell Me More, Russell Horne, the manager of Facilities Energy and Asset Management at the City of Kingston discusses the municipaliy's decarbonization journey and the recent national awards they've received for their climate work. The conversation delves into the specifics of facility management, including energy efficiency initiatives, GHG emission tracking, and innovative pilot projects like the liquid desiccant dehumidification system and AI-driven fault detection diagnostics. The episode also highlights the importance of community partnerships and the role of education institutions in driving sustainability. Russell shares insights on the challenges and future plans for achieving net-zero goals, emphasizing the collaborative effort of the Facilities Management and Construction Services team.

Kingston, like cities across the country, is in a housing and affordability crisis that is compounded by insufficient addiction and mental health supports. These realities continue to put strain on the emergency shelter, transitional and supportive housing systems. These systems are part of the housing continuum, a conceptual framework that spans everything from emergency shelters to market housing. And to help us understand how the continuum guides supports and programs in the community, Jayne Hartley, Director of Housing and Social Services joins the podcast in the first of a series of conversations about municipal housing initiatives.  To learn more about how the City of Kingston is expanding housing options and working to improve service to people who are unhoused or precariously housed, visit our Strategic Priorities page. To find a list of housing programs, visit CityofKingston.ca/Housing.  Home Base Housing's Street Outreach team monitors homeless individuals. If you're homeless, or know someone in need, call 613-542-6672 ext.130 or email streetoutreach@kingstonhomebase.ca. If you or someone you know is in a crisis, please reach out to the Addictions and Mental Health - KFLA 24/7 Crisis Line at 613-544-4229 or 1-866-616-6005. In case of an emergency, call 911.

In this episode of Tell Me More, we’re going to talk about a topic that has drivers gripping their steering wheels a little tighter and cyclists checking their tire repair kits at this time of year….potholes. While potholes might seem like they appear over night, we’ll learn from Adam McDonald and Amy Dimock, two members of the City of Kingston Public Works team, why it seems like there more pot holes in the spring, how climate change and Kingston’s beautiful lakeside location create challenges for road maintenance and opportunities for innovation and with the help of AI and residents, potholes are being detected and more importantly repaired faster than ever.    Opening Track: Tell Me Twice by The Meringues – courtesy of The Meringues. TheMeringues.com   Podcast production by City of Kingston Communications & Public Engagement.

The Municipal Fee Assistance Program, what’s often referred to as MFAP, is an income-based program that provides certain City services for free or at a lower cost:  🚌 Transit passes  💪 Fitness memberships  🦷 Extended health benefits  🎫 PumpHouse Museum and Grand OnSTAGE tickets  🐶 Spay and neuter services  🍅 Fresh food pop-up markets  📃 Marriage licences  We are joined by Ruth Noordegraaf, Director of Community Development & Well-being and IIDEA, who tells us more about how MFAP supports low- and moderate-income households to build a more resilient and inclusive community.  We discuss the origins of MFAP, how program offerings have expanded over the years and how the range of health, transportation, recreation, household and cultural services support physical and mental well-being for recipients.  Visit CityofKingston.ca/MFAP to learn more about the program.  In addition to the Municipal Fee Assistance Program, the City offers a variety of other programs and services for low- and moderate-income households. Explore the links below to learn more and see if you qualify.  Homelessness Prevention Fund Homemaking Services Tax Assistance and Rebates  Energy Affordability Program (Utilities Kingston) Low-income Energy Assistance Program (Utilities Kingston) Ontario Electricity Support Program (Utilities Kingston)  Send us your questions or suggestions for future episodes at Podcasts@CityofKingston.ca.    Opening Track: Tell Me Twice by The Meringues – courtesy of The Meringues. TheMeringues.com   Podcast production by City of Kingston Communications & Public Engagement.

Customer service at an organization like the City of Kingston is vital; it’s what connects community members with the many municipal services and programs. These frontline staff provide answers to questions and can help solve problems. We invited Emily Caird, Manager of Customer Experience, to tell us more about work that is underway to update our Customer Service Strategy and how you can contribute your thoughts and ideas!  Visit GetInvolved.CityofKingston.ca to share your input as we update the Customer Service Strategy starting November 2024.  Send us your questions or suggestions for future episodes at Podcasts@CityofKingston.ca.  Opening Track: Tell Me Twice by The Meringues – courtesy of The Meringues. TheMeringues.com   Podcast production by City of Kingston Communications & Public Engagement.

Want to keep up with City Council but can’t make it to meetings, whether in person or virtual? Tune into Council Catch-up with Mayor Paterson every Wednesday after a Council meeting! He shares the key takeaways on big topics. Find links to the meeting agenda and reports below so you can dig deeper into what matters to you. View the agenda View the addendum

Those who work in land-use planning aim to create healthy, livable and sustainable communities using policies around how city spaces are used and developed. Heritage planners support these goals by recognizing the value heritage properties and landscapes add to a community.  So, how do we identify, protect and manage heritage assets – and why? Tune in as Joel Konrad, Manager of Heritage Planning, walks us through the essential know-how of heritage planning in Kingston.  Subscribe to Heritage Digest for unique heritage stories and important project updates. Delivered twice a year during spring and fall: www.cityofkingston.ca/subscribe   Please send us your questions or suggestions for future episodes at Podcasts@CityofKingston.ca.  Opening Track: Tell Me Twice by The Meringues – courtesy of The Meringues. TheMeringues.com   Podcast production by City of Kingston Communications & Public Engagement.

Want to keep up with City Council but can’t make it to meetings, whether in person or virtual? Tune into Council Catch-up with Mayor Paterson every Wednesday after a Council meeting! He shares the key takeaways on big topics. Find links to the meeting agenda and reports below so you can dig deeper into what matters to you. View the agenda View the addendum

Can you remember the last time you tested your smoke alarm or replaced the battery in your carbon monoxide alarm?  Testing your smoke or carbon monoxide alarms regularly could save your life. In this episode, Ted Posadowski, Chief Fire Prevention Officer and Richard Vasko, Fire Inspector from Kingston Fire & Rescue (KFR) joined us to talk about all things fire safety. Tune in to learn about Fire Prevention Week in October, the most common causes of fires and how KFR’s proactive inspections are helping reduce the number of incidents.  Visit our website to review our fire safety tips and to complete your own home fire safety checklist. Send us your questions or suggestions for future episodes at Podcasts@CityofKingston.ca.  Opening Track: Tell Me Twice by The Meringues – courtesy of The Meringues. TheMeringues.com   Podcast production by City of Kingston Communications & Public Engagement.

Despite being home to a medical school, many Kingstonians struggle to find primary care physicians. The shortage of family doctors is a critical issue impacting many residents and the City of Kingston is working to alleviate it. In this episode, we speak with Craig Desjardins, Director of Strategy, Innovation, and Partnerships, about the City’s efforts to recruit and retain family physicians. He leads us through the Physician Recruitment Incentives Program, initiatives like the Clinic Grant, Health Care Connect Campaign and collaboration with Queen’s University. As well as, innovative programs that are making a difference such as community-led initiatives like Well Baby Clinic. It’s a big topic and Kingston is taking steps to address this pressing issue, so listen in to find out what’s being done and how you can help support these efforts.   Opening Track:  Tell Me Twice by the Meringues – courtesy of the Meringues. TheMeringues.com  Find our closing track on YGK Music.

The City of Kingston is committed to fostering an inclusive and vibrant community that reflects its diverse population. As the city grows, so does its cultural fabric, making it essential to support and nurture this diversity.  In this episode, we speak with Vanessa Mensah, Manager of Indigenization, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility, about the city's initiatives to support diverse communities and why these efforts are crucial for Kingston's future.  Learn more about the programs and initiatives that are making a difference, from the Anti-Racism Taskforce, the Intercultural Arts Festival presented by Empire Life to Newcomers Day and the Anti-Hate Toolkit. Discover how the City is actively working to create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.  For information on the City's anti-hate toolkit visit the City's website. For more information and to stay updated, visit Get Involved Kingston.    Opening Track:  Tell Me Twice by the Meringues – courtesy of the Meringues. TheMeringues.com  Find our closing track on YGK Music.

The City of Kingston will be kicking off a new Official Plan and Integrated Mobility Plan. The city is growing and expected to reach 220,000 people in the next 25 years and these two plans will set the foundation for how the City will plan for future land use and transportation. How we plan today will shape how Kingston is in 2051  In this episode we speak with Laura Flaherty and Matt Kussin, who are leading development of these two plans about what they are and why they matter to everyone.   There will be much more to come, to learn more and sign up for updates visit Get Involved Kingston.     Opening Track:  Tell Me Twice by the Meringues – courtesy of the Meringues. themeringues.com  Find our closing track on YGK Music. 

Over the last 15 years Kingston Transit has evolved with improvements like the addition of Express Routes or real time tracking but what comes next?   Join us for a conversation about what the future hold with Ian Semple, Director of Transportation and Transit, and Christopher Norris, General Manager of Kingston Transit. From improvements to the customer experience making it easier to ride or pay, to routes that adapt to our changing City, future infrastructure improvements and more!  Want more info on Kingston Transit’s future? Check out this Council education session From February 2024 .   For more information and career opportunities with Kingston Transit, visit City of Kingston | Bus Operator.    Opening Track: Tell Me Twice by the Meringues – courtesy of the Meringues. themeringues.com Find our closing track on YGK Music.

It’s no secret that Kingston is steeped in history. Just visit any of the 24 museums and historic sites in the community, including two City-owned museums, and you’ll get a sense of how deep our respect for and commitment to the preservation of heritage is. But who takes care of all the stories our city tells? In this episode we sit down with Melanie Banks, manager of Heritage Programming, to talk about her team’s role in maintaining the City of Kingston’s historical artifact collection and public art pieces, as well as the programs and exhibits coming to Kingston in 2024. Get excited about the future of history! Want to learn more? Visit the History page on our website.   Opening Track:  Tell Me Twice by the Meringues – courtesy of the Meringues. themeringues.com  Find our closing track on YGK Music. 

On our first episode of 2024, we meet with Committee Clerks, Iain Sullivan and Christine O'Connor. Their job is to help provide residents with the chance to directly advise City Council and make a difference in our community. Sit back and relax as we tell you more about Advisory Committees. Want to learn even more about The City of Kingston's committees and boards? Visit our Committees & Boards page. Have an idea for our next episode? Email us at Podcasts@CityofKingston.ca   Opening Track: Tell Me Twice by the Meringues - courtesy of the Meringues. themeringues.com Find our closing track on YGK Music.

Innovation requires collaboration, ideation, implementation and value creation – how you do that though, well that’s the challenge. What is the Mayor's Innovation Challenge? Why should I participate? Will the construction work taking place outside our podcast studio ruin the season finale? These questions - and more - will be answered. Joining us for the occasion is Amber Bryant-Peller who works on Special Projects for the Strategy, Innovation & Partnerships Office. Interested? Learn more about the Mayor's Innovation Challenge and how to participate on our about page. Opening Track: Tell Me Twice by the Meringues - courtesy of the Meringues. themeringues.com Find our closing track on YGK Music.

Starting in 2025, Kingston will begin transitioning garbage and green bins to an automated cart system. Between now and then there is a lot of work that has to happen. This month Adam Mueller joins us to chat about this switch, why now and how province-wide changes to recycling collection may impact Kingston. Want to stay up-to-date on the waste cart rollout? Sign up for updates at Get Involved Kingston Opening Track: Tell Me Twice by the Meringues - courtesy of the Meringues. themeringues.com Find our closing track on YGK Music.

Applying the academic with the Queen’s University PhD Community Initiative. It matches students pursuing advanced degrees and Kingston organizations who need an academic edge. It’s a program that the City of Kingston has benefited from, by leaning on the research skills in the Queen’s community. In this episode of Tell Me More, Craig Desjardins, Director of Strategy, Innovation and Partnerships at the City of Kingston, joins us to talk about the Queen’s University Community PhD Initiative and how the City and community have benefitted from this program. Looking to learn more? Check out this miniseries podcast produced by students in the Initiative. They speak with Civic and University leaders about the Sustainable Development Goals. Find out more about the Queen’s University PhD Community Initiative. Opening Track: Tell Me Twice by the Meringues - courtesy of the Meringues. themeringues.com Find our closing track on YGK Music.