Skip to main content

Community Characteristics

Kingston is located on the East end of Lake Ontario at the south end of the Rideau Canal, situated at the beginning of the St. Lawrence River and at the mouth of the Cataraqui River. It is situated halfway between Toronto and Montreal. To the east and west, it is near the Thousand Islands, a popular tourist destination, and Prince Edward County.

The Blend of Heritage and Modernity 
It is a mix of Canadian history, Vibrant culture, and stunning nature. The city is known as the Limestone City because of its beautiful 19th-century buildings made of local limestone. Kingston has a rich history and a lively modern vibe. It consistently ranks as one of the best cities in Canada to live and was named one of the seven most intelligent communities in the world in 2014.  

History
Kingston has a strong military history because it's where three important rivers meet. In the 1600s and 1700s, the French and British both built forts there. After the War of 1812, they replaced the old fort with Fort Henry and added defense towers like Cathcart Tower and Murney Tower.
 
Kingston Advantages
The place is considered as a regional centre of education and health care, has two major universities, a large vocational college, and three major hospitals.


Weather

Spring (March to May)
Experience a shift from cool to pleasantly warm temperatures starting at 2.1°C in March and reaching 15.3°C in May. Spring brings refreshing rain, and daylight gradually extends, allowing you to enjoy the outdoor activities.

Summer (June to August)
Feel the rising temperatures with 19.8°C in June, reaching their peak at 24.1°C in July. and indulge in outdoor activities. This season is perfect for exploring historical sites, enjoying parks, and embracing the pleasant weather

Fall (September to November)
Enjoy moderate temperatures with a high of 20.2°C in September gradually decreasing to 6.4°C by November. Feel the city's transformation with the beautiful colors of fall.

Winter (December to February)
Brace for colder temperatures from -5°C to -15°C, or even lower during particularly cold spells in January, indicating the peak of winter, potential snowfall, and shortened daylight hours, creating a cozy atmosphere for winter activities in Kingston.

SOURCE - Yearly & Monthly weather - Kingston, Canada (weather-atlas.com)


Population Characteristics

Demographics
Kingston is a diverse community with approximately 132,485 residents, according to the latest census in 2021, representing a mix of cultures, ages, and household types. The City About 3.6% of residents identify as Indigenous, and 12% are immigrants, with 9.3% arriving since 2011. These details showcase the city's diversity and vibrancy, making it an ideal place to live, work, and raise a family.

Future Projection
According to a report shared with City Council, Kingston's population is expected to surpass 200,000 by the year 2051. With the potential of continued growth and development in the years to come, this exciting future suggests a city on the rise. Kingston presents itself as an inviting destination to be a part of a lively and exciting environment, with a growing community and a promising future.

SOURCE- Kingston council to look at population projections | Brockville Recorder & Times

Language

English
Widely used in education, government, business, and daily life. English is essential for communication and plays a key role in the city's diverse culture. It helps connect communities and contributes to Kingston's inclusive atmosphere.

French
French language services and institutions cater to the Francophone community, enhancing accessibility and ensuring equal participation in civic life. The bilingual nature of Kingston promotes understanding and cooperation between English and French speakers, fostering a sense of unity in the community.

To learn more about the language demographic in Kingston and different areas of living please refer to the demographics provided by the City of Kingston on the Possible Made Here page.
 
Some francophone services are:

  1. ACFOMI
  2. Gestion des urgence
  3. Cour des infractions provinciales
  4. Garde d'enfants
  5. Logement
  6. Marinas
  7. Ontario au travail

For more information, please visit - Parcours d’intégration francophone - Possible Made Here

Indigenous Languages

Indigenous people speak various languages, such as Mohawk and Ojibwe. These languages are important to Indigenous cultures, tying people to their history and the land. KILN is working hard to revive these languages and traditions, aiming to make the Indigenous community in Kingston stronger.

For more information, please visit - Kingston Indigenous Language Nest – Our voices matter.

Public Safety

Keeping Kingston Safe
Kingston is committed to keeping everyone safe. The city has strong emergency services and works together with the community and law enforcement. Kingston has a municipal police organization called Kingston Police that serves the community of Kingston, Ontario. The city is dedicated to creating a secure living environment for everyone.

Crime Statistics and Trends
Kingston excels in safety satisfaction, boasting a high rate of 93%, surpassing Ontario and Canada with 89% and 88% respectively. Over the past decade (2008-2018), Kingston has shown a modest 5% change in its police-reported crime rate, showcasing a steadier trend compared to Ontario and Canada, which experienced declines of 16% and 17% respectively.
For more information, visit - Statistics Canada
SOURCE-Safe Cities profile series: Key indicators by census metropolitan area - Kingston, Ontario (statcan.gc.ca)

Kingston's Online Police Assistance
The Kingston Police welcome its residents to its 24/7 Non-Emergency Online Police Reporting System. Easily report incidents from your smartphone or computer at any time. This user-friendly platform simplifies the reporting process, making it easy to share important information with the police
For more information, visit - Kingston Police

Get the latest information from the Kingston Police Facebook Page - Facebook

SOURCE -Kingston Police

Traffic Safety & Daily Commute

The city works a lot towards keeping the road. The roads are well-maintained, with clear rules, and community initiatives. Educational campaigns promote responsible driving, creating a secure environment for everyone in Kingston.

Community Safety Zones
These zones ensure that vehicles are operating in regions, like those close to schools, where there are more pedestrians and other vulnerable road users. Driving regulations remain unchanged in a community safety zone.
For more information, please visit Neighbourhood Road Safety - City of Kingston

Neighbourhood Area Speed Limits
This program assists in lowering the thresholds for increased safety in areas such as Westwoods and Strathcona Park. 

Traffic Safety Unit
The Kingston Police actively work every day to reduce unsafe drivers and unsafe vehicles on the roadways through deterrence, education, and enforcement.

Road Closures & Delays
Sometimes, there may be road closures and delays due to various reasons like construction, events, or maintenance work. It's a good idea to stay updated on the traffic announcements to plan your routes accordingly. These closures and delays are temporary inconveniences, but staying informed can help you navigate the city with minimal disruption.

For more information, please visit - Road Closures & Delays - City of Kingston

SOURCE- Neighbourhood Road Safety - City of Kingston

Neighborhoods

Each neighborhood in Kingston is distributed across the city, each with its own unique features.
 
North End
Most of Kingston's North End is made up of residential buildings, a mixture of houses and apartments. There are parks and schools in this quieter region. Activities include enjoying Grass Creek Park, the Rideau Trail, and being close to the Cataraqui River. 

South End
The South End of Kingston is vibrant and dynamic, being close to Queen's University. It features a blend of residential and commercial areas, with a notable student population. Attractions include Queen's University campus, Kingston General Hospital, Richardson Memorial Stadium, and various shops and restaurants along Princess Street. 

East End
The East End of Kingston is mainly residential with suburban features, providing a variety of housing options, schools, and parks. Activities include the Invista Centre, an arena and recreational facility, along with several parks and green spaces.

West End
The West End of Kingston is a blend of residential and commercial spaces, featuring shopping centers, schools, and parks. It's known for being a family-friendly area. Activities include visiting the Cataraqui Town Centre (a shopping mall), exploring the Lemoine Point Conservation Area, and enjoying various parks. 
Source- Census Map - Possible Made Here