City of Kingston

Environment, Infrastructure & Transportation Policies Committee

Minutes

2025-02

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

6:00 P.m. - 9:00 P.m.

Council Chamber

Members Present:

• Councillor Stephen
• Councillor Chaves
• Councillor Cinanni
• Councillor Hassan
• Councillor Tozzo

Regrets

• Councillor Amos

Staff Present:

• Kyle Compeau, Manager, Licensing and Enforcement
• Allison Hannah, Committee Clerk
• Nolan Kelly, Transportation Policy & Program Coordinator
• Matt Kussin, Manager, Transportation Policy & Programs
• Laird Leggo, Manager, Licensing, Parking Operations & Policy
• Greg McLean, Policy & Program Coordinator, Transportation & Transit
• Adam Mueller, Operations Manager, Public Works & Solid Waste
• Karen Santucci, Director, Public Works & Solid Waste
• Kayla Stratford, Supervisor, Solid Waste Disposal

Others Present:

• Stuart Anderson, Principal, BA Group

  Kristie Ellis, Associate, BA Group

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1.

Call to Order

The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

2.

Approval of the Agenda

• Moved by: Councillor Cinanni
  Seconded by: Councillor Hassan

  That the agenda be amended to include the addendum, and as amended, be approved.

  Carried

3.

Confirmation of Minutes

• Moved by: Councillor Tozzo
  Seconded by: Councillor Chaves

  That the minutes of Environment, Infrastructure and Transportation Policies Committee Meeting Number 2025-01, held Tuesday, December 10, 2024, be approved.

  Carried

4.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

Councillor Tozzo declared his potential pecuniary interest with respect to Clause 13 of the Recommendation to Report Number EITP-25-001 as he has a dependent that utilizes an accessible parking pass.

5.

Delegations

There were none.

6.

Briefings

1.

BA Group

Stuart Anderson, BA Group Principal, and Kristie Ellis BA Group Associate, spoke to the Committee regarding the Parking Rate and Fine Review Report. A copy of the presentation is available upon request through the Clerk's Office.

Councillor Tozzo noted similarities between the City of Kingston and the City of Guelph. He inquired about parking rates in the City of Guelph. Ms. Ellis explained that comparator data could be found in Appendix B to the report. She added that hourly on-street and surface lot rates in the City of Guelph were three dollars per hour.

Councillor Hassan asked if expanding the area for which paid parking is required was considered during the study. He inquired if this would result in a significant increase in revenue for the City of Kingston. Mr. Anderson explained that expanding the area for which paid parking is required was not considered during the study. He added that this could lead to higher expenditures for the City of Kingston such as enforcement costs.

Councillor Chaves noted a lack of parking in the downtown core. He asked about the number of parking spaces downtown and the usage of these spaces. Mr. Anderson stated that parking usage downtown was surveyed over various days and times in 2024. He added that the busiest day tracked during the study was evening parking for an event at the Slush Puppie Place. He explained that parking usage during a typical workday was tracked at approximately 70%.

Councillor Cinanni asked why Scenario 1 is preferred by BA Group and the Downtown Kingston Business Improvement Area. Mr. Anderson explained that Scenario 1 is most similar to the current system and consequently will be easier to implement.

7.

Business

1.

Parking Rate and Fine Review

Mr. Leggo and Mr. Compeau introduced the report.

Councillor Cinanni sought clarification regarding fines for unauthorized parking in accessible parking spaces on public and private property. He asked how often there are violations for parking in accessible parking spaces. Mr. Leggo explained the fine for unauthorized parking in an accessible space is proposed at $400. Mr. Compeau added that this fine amount was determined based on comparator data and the provincial statutory minimum fine amount being $300. He noted that there were 326 violations for parking in accessible spaces in 2024. He further explained that violations on private property would be the responsibility of the property owner.

Councillor Chaves noted an increase in Parking Enforcement Officers in 2025. He asked if there would be increased enforcement in other areas of the city. He inquired how residents can contact By-Law Enforcement with violations. Mr. Compeau explained that officers will be reallocated throughout the daytime to focus on parking concerns in other areas of the City. He added that service hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday to Friday and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. He noted that Enforcement can be contacted by phone at 613-546-4291 extension 0000, or through ContactUs.

Councillor Tozzo asked to separate out Clause 13 and vote on it separately due to his pecuniary interest.

He withdrew from the vote on Clause 13 due to his pecuniary interest. 

• Moved by: Councillor Chaves
  Seconded by: Councillor Cinanni

  Recommendation:

  That the Environment, Infrastructure & Transportation Policies Committee recommends to Council on February 18, 2025:

  That Council approve the following parking rate increases, to take effect April 1, 2025:

  1. Increase hourly rates for on-street parking in the higher demand zones in the Downtown and for on and off-street parking in the Institutional Area (Queen's/KGH/Courthouse) to $2.50 per hour from $2.00;

  2. Increase hourly rates for on-street parking in low demand zones in the Downtown and Williamsville areas to $2.00 per hour from $1.50;

  3. Increase hourly rates in the parking lots and in the garages in the Downtown and Williamsville areas, except in the Ontario/Brock Lot, to $2.00 per hour from $1.50;

  4. Increase the half-hour rate in the Ontario/Brock Lot to $1.75 year-round from the current $1.50 half-hour rate (between May and November) and $1.25 half-hour rate (between December and April);

  5. Increase the daily maximum rate in the Ontario/Brock Lot to $17.50 from $15.00 (between May and November) and $10.00 (between December and April);

  6. Increase event parking flat rates by $1.00 in the Frontenac, Barrack, Angrove, Springer, Upper and Lower Bruce, and Anglin parking lots;

  7. Increase the overnight flat rate and weekend flat rate by $1.00 in the Rideaucrest Lot;

  8. Increase the overnight flat rate and the Sunday morning to Monday morning flat rate by $1.25 in the Ontario/Brock Lot;

  9. Increase the overnight flat rate and the Sunday morning to Monday morning flat rate by $1.00 in the Hanson and Chown Garages;

  10. Increase the lost ticket fee at the Chown and Hanson Garages to $22.50 from $18.00;

  12. Cease the transfer of $200 per paid violation for “Park Unauthorized in an Accessible Space” to the Community Services Accessibility Program effective January 1, 2025; and

  That Council provide all three readings to by-law to amend By-Law Number 2025-6, Fees and Charges By-Law as per Exhibit C attached to Report Number EITP-25-001; and

  That Council approve the increases in parking fines to take effect in 2025, as per Exhibit E attached to Report Number EITP-25-001, and direct staff to seek approval from the Ministry of the Attorney General for the fine increases.

  Carried
• Set paid accessible parking rates to $1.00 per hour from $1.50.

   

  Carried

2.

Recycling Transition and Automated Cart-Based Garbage Pick Up Update

Councillor Tozzo returned to the meeting.

Ms. Santucci introduced the report.

Councillor Tozzo asked if the one-year pilot in the reduction of fees for bag tags would be advertised as part of the Municipal Fee Assistance Program (MFAP). He sought more information regarding the cart-based program in Rideau Heights. Ms. Santucci explained that advertising the reduction of fees for bag tags as part of MFAP has not yet been discussed. Mr. Mueller explained that the cart rollout will amount to two 120 litre carts being dropped off at each residential property, one for garbage and one for green bin waste. He added that an instruction package will be included in the drop off for how to best operate the carts and a QR code will be stamped on the bins linked to information on the cart collection program. He noted that material will only be collected out of carts beginning July 2025 unless garbage bags are tagged. 

Councillor Chaves asked how the carts compare to the current green bin carts. He inquired if there were smaller carts available. Mr. Mueller explained that the new carts will have a gravity lock installed which will allow for easier use of the cart. He added that there is an increase in approximately 40 litres of volume and there is no longer a weight limit.

Councillor Hassan sought clarification regarding weight and size restrictions for current garbage bags and green bins. Mr. Mueller clarified that the size of current green bins is 80 litres. He added that garbage bags have a weight limit of 44 pounds or 135 litres.

Councillor Stephen asked if residents could get recycling bins with lids. She further asked what residents can do with old green bins. Ms. Santucci noted that a change in recycling bins would be at the discretion of the contractor, and the City is not currently able to change recycling bins. She explained that residents can keep their old green bins and use them for alternative means or they can be picked up and replaced with carts by the contractor who will then recycle them.

The Chair afforded members of the public with an opportunity to speak. There were no comments received from members of the public.

The Chair was passed to Councillor Chaves.

Councillor Stephen highlighted the importance of waste management and the reduction of waste.

The Chair was returned to Councillor Stephen.

Councillor Hassan noted that carts could be shared amongst neighbours.

Councillor Chaves explained that approximately four garbage bags at 44 pounds could fit in a cart. He noted that an increase in weight capacity is beneficial for heavier waste such as cat litter and diapers.

Councillor Tozzo noted the importance in setting appropriate expectations for periods of transition.

• Moved by: Councillor Tozzo
  Seconded by: Councillor Chaves

  Recommendation:

  That the Environment, Infrastructure & Transportation Policies Committee recommends to Council:

  That City of Kingston By-Law Number 2007-136, "A By-Law to Provide for Maintaining Land in a Clean and Clear Condition”, as amended, be further amended, as per Exhibit A to Report Number EITP-25-008; and

  That City of Kingston By-Law Number 2005-100, “A By-Law for Prescribing Standards for the Maintenance and Occupancy of Property Within the City of Kingston”, as amended, be further amended, as per Exhibit B to Report Number EITP-25-008; and

  That City of Kingston By-Law Number 2014-5, “A By-Law to Provide for and Regulate a Solid Waste Management System for The Corporation of the City of Kingston”, as amended, be further amended, as per Exhibit C to Report Number EITP-25-008; and

  That City of Kingston By-Law Number 2025-6, “A By-Law to Establish Fees and Charges to Be Collected by The Corporation of the City of Kingston”, as amended, be further amended as per Exhibit D to Report Number EITP-25-008;

  That staff report back to the Environment, Infrastructure and Transportation Policies Committee before Q4 2025 outlining the possible operating arrangements for a recycling drop off depot post 2025; and

  That Council authorize the Director of Public Works & Solid Waste to approve any agreements and other documents related to the funding and services required for the services related to Circular Materials Ontario, in a form satisfactory to the Director of Legal Services.

  Carried

3.

Micromobility Regulation Review

Mr. Kussin introduced the report.

Councillor Tozzo noted that bicycles and mopeds are not regulated on bicycle lanes in the city. He asked if a comprehensive review and recommendations for regulations will be brought to the Committee in the future. He sought clarification regarding electric transporters. Mr. Kussin explained that City by-laws will be reviewed to consider modes of transportation that are unregulated by existing bylaws. He clarified that this review would begin in 2025 however, it could be impacted by the provincial government as changes may be forthcoming to various modes such as e-bikes. He added that the Parks By-Law prohibits motorized vehicles from using pathways in parks. He further clarified that an electric transporter is similar to a Segway. 

Councillor Chaves voiced his surprise that e-scooters are not regulated. He asked why roller blading and skateboarding is permitted on sidewalks but not on multipurpose pathways. Mr. Kussin explained that current City By-Laws do not necessarily contemplate existing facilities such as multiuse pathways or cycle tracks being constructed in a boulevard. He noted that the prohibition of roller blades and skateboards on multiuse pathways is a result of a specific clause under the Streets By-Law which states that no person shall use roller skates or a skateboard on any portion of a highway other than the sidewalk.

Councillor Cinanni asked about electric unicycles and electric skateboards. Mr. Kussin noted that electric unicycles and electric skateboards are classified as motor vehicles under the Highway Traffic Act but they do not meet provincial equipment safety standards for on road use. He stated that modes of transportation classified as motor vehicles are not permitted on public property. He noted that enforcement would be in the jurisdiction of Kingston Police. 

The Chair afforded members of the public with an opportunity to speak. There were no comments received from members of the public.

8.

Motions

There were none.

9.

Notices of Motion

There were none.

10.

Other Business

There was none.

11.

Correspondence

There was none.

12.

Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Environment, Infrastructure and Transportation Policies Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.

13.

Adjournment

• Moved by: Councillor Tozzo
  Seconded by: Councillor Cinanni

  That the meeting of the Environment, Infrastructure and Transportation Policies Committee adjourn at 7:13 pm.

  Carried