The city is currently accepting input from community groups, partner organizations, businesses, and community members on a by-law aimed at “[deterring] certain types of nuisance behaviours.

The decision was made at a city council meeting on June 29, 2022, that city staff would prepare a nuisance by-law to be presented to council. The motion came forward after city staff received numerous reports of safety concerns downtown and in city parks. The motion passed with a vote of 6-5 at the time, with concerns surrounding the timing of the proposal due to encampments being discussed in the same meeting, as well as the possibility of increasing stigma against community members.

“I don't even think we should endorse the concept at this time,” stated Coun. Peter Stroud. “I think the optics are terrible and I hope that we will vote this down.”

The City of Kingston does currently have a nuisance party bylaw, but no stand-alone general nuisance by-law.

The draft, now available for review on Get Involved Kingston, includes the following topics:
- Odours
- Construction Materials and Construction Dust
- Idling
- Feeding of Wildlife
- Textile Collection Sites and Flyers
- Safe Use of Public Spaces
- Damage to City Property

“The safety and well-being of our community members and visitors, and a clean and enjoyable environment where everyone feels included, are priorities for the City of Kingston,” says Andrew Reeson, Senior Legal Counsel. “The vision of the Community Standards By-Law is for community members to continue working together to create a livable community.”

Feedback will be used by staff to refine the by-law so it “meets the needs of community members”.

Community members can review and comment on the draft Community Standards By-Law until Aug. 18 at Get Involved Kingston.

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