The City of Kingston is proposing a new policy that would offer discounts to use municipal programs and services based strictly on a household’s income.
To provide the discounts to more residents with low incomes, the proposal would eliminate discounts now offered to youth and seniors in higher income brackets.
Currently, the City offers age-based discounts for youth and seniors at its cultural and recreational facilities and on Kingston Transit. Discounts to those same programs and services are also now provided to low-income residents through the City’s Municipal Fee Assistance program.
The proposal will also make the Municipal Fee Assistance program more accessible with the creation of an online application process.
“This is primarily about increasing access to our services to adults who are living in poverty, including those who may be working part-time and in low-paying jobs,” said Cheryl Hitchen, manager of social policy and strategic community development, in a release. “The discounts would go to those in the greatest financial need regardless of age,”
Community members are being asked to weigh in with their opinion about this proposal.
You can go to GetInvolved.CityofKingston.ca/municipal-discounts to take an online survey between November 14 until December 15.
Photo source: Limestone District School Board
