Sir John A. Pins to be Given Out at Some City Hall Tours

Published on: 2015/06/08 - in Releases

History buffs may want to plan to take a free tour of Kingston’s stately City Hall on dates when the City of Kingston will be giving out free pins commemorating the bicentennial of the birth of Sir John A. Macdonald.

“City Hall is filled with artifacts that help tell the story of our community and country, from Sir John A.’s desk, when he served as a councillor for Kingston before becoming our first prime minister, to the photos of where he laid in state,” said Mayor Bryan Paterson. “I invite all Kingstonians to take a tour of City Hall and explore local history with our wonderful volunteer tour guides.”

This national historic site has been an iconic Kingston landmark and civic centre since 1844 and is one of the finest 19th century buildings in Canada.

The collectible pin features the Sir John A. bicentennial logo and will be given out for the first time on First Capital Day – the day Kingston celebrates its role as the first capital of a united Canada. One free pin per person will be given out during City Hall tours on these special 2015 dates:

• First Capital Day – Friday, June 12
• Doors Open Kingston – Saturday, June 20 • Canada Day – Wednesday, July 1 • Culture Days – September 25 to 27

Sir John A. MacDonald

See the Sir John A. bicentennial logo at CityofKingston.ca/SirJohnA.

Take a guided tour of City Hall free:

• June, September and until October 16: Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• July and August: daily 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visitors may tour City Hall on their own weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Self-guided tour guides are available in English, French, Mandarin, German and Spanish.

Guided tours are in English, but French tours (and school tours) can be arranged by calling 613-546-429, ext. 1520.

Find out more about historic City Hall at  cityofkingston.ca/Explore/Culture-history/History/City-hall.

If you plan to travel their by bus, check out Google Transit to plan your trip.

About the City of Kingston
The City of Kingston provides municipal services to 120,000 residents living in this visually stunning, historic city, often ranked one of the best places to live in Canada. In 2014, it was named a Top 7 Smart Community by the Intelligent Community Forum. Our vision – to become Canada’s most sustainable city – focuses our efforts on: environmental responsibility, social equity, economic health and cultural vitality. Please visit and join the conversation on social media.

Twitter: @CityofKingston
Facebook: facebook.com/TheCityofKingston