Input Sought on City Council’s Strategic Plan

Published on: 2023/02/09 - in Releases

RELEASE — What do you want Kingston to be known for in 2026? Help build a collective and inclusive vision for your city by sharing your ideas for Kingston’s 2023 – 2026 Strategic Plan.

Strategic planning is the first step in setting priorities for each term of Council. Every four years following a municipal election, Council engages in this process to put forward a vision for the city and establish guiding principles to achieve that vision.

“This month, Council is collecting input on strategic priorities from members of the public to help inform the direction of the next Strategic Plan,” says Mayor Bryan Paterson. “The plan guides Council decision-making and the work of City staff over the next four years. Bringing together a wide variety of perspectives from across the community to build this plan is essential to making Kingston a leading and inclusive city.”

How to get involved

Community members are invited to share their priorities in one of the following ways:

  • In a brief online survey on Get Involved Kingston until Feb. 28;
  • At an in-person pop-up session:
    + Feb. 16 and 23 from 6 to 8 p.m.: Skate the Square in Springer Market Square.
    + Feb. 20 throughout the day: Family Day at Artillery Park Aquatic Centre, INVISTA Centre, Kingston East Community Centre, and Rideau Heights Community Centre;
  • Drop your idea in a ballot box at any community centre
  • Over the phone by calling 613-546-0000 and speaking with Customer Experience staff; or,
  • By emailing ContactUs@CityofKingston.ca. Please include the words “2026 Council Priorities” in the subject line of your email.
  • By mail. Call 613-546-0000 to request a postage-paid envelope to return your completed survey to City Hall.

Request an alternate format of any communications and public engagement documents by calling 613-546-0000 or emailing ContactUs@CityofKingston.ca

Community input will be compiled into a report and shared with members of Council for consideration as they choose their priorities. Not all ideas will be reflected in the priorities, but feedback is needed to ensure that the Strategic Plan addresses the diverse needs of the community now and in the coming years.

Council and staff will host strategic planning sessions March 27-30, which will be open to members of the public. Once Council has set its priorities, City staff will develop an implementation plan to guide their work and identify how the priorities will be met over the next four years. The implementation plan will be brought forward to Council for final approval in May.

Residents: Submit a request or question about municipal programs and services online or by calling Customer Services at 613-546-0000 Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. City staff will aim to respond within two business days.

Kingston’s vision of being a smart, livable, leading city is fast becoming reality. History and innovation thrive in our dynamic city located along the beautiful shores of Lake Ontario, an easy travel distance from Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, in the heart of eastern Ontario. With a stable and diversified economy that includes global corporations, innovative startups and all levels of government, Kingston’s high quality of life offers access to world-class education and research institutions, advanced healthcare facilities, affordable living and vibrant entertainment and tourism activities.