New furniture designed to encourage lingering
Hi everyone,
I want to start a conversation... Downtown Kingston is bustling with shoppers, people enjoying patios, and pedestrians coming and going, especially on weekends. Our pedestrian counts have remained steady, even with the LaSalle Causeway being closed. Many other cities admire the level of activity we have here. However, we've also seen an increase in activity from individuals experiencing challenges related to mental health and addiction. Some are without stable housing. You might notice shopping carts with personal belongings on the sidewalks or hear people expressing themselves in ways that may raise concerns.
Many of us have gotten to know these individuals by name and chat with them regularly. Others are more transient, and we may not know where they come from. Our goal is to see everyone in a better situation. Unfortunately, there are complex challenges that make achieving this goal difficult.
The most crucial changes needed to address these issues are beyond our control as a Business Improvement Area (BIA). They are also outside the municipality's control and involve areas like mental health, addiction services, law enforcement, bylaws, housing and social services. We're not alone in this; many cities across North America are facing similar challenges.
Fortunately, the most common crime we experience in downtown Kingston is shoplifting. More serious crimes, like mugging, assault, or weapon use, are relatively rare. However, the perception of downtown Kingston can sometimes be skewed by the idea that crime is widespread. It's important to understand that these perceptions don't always match the reality of our community's safety. By educating the public on the actual crime rates, we can work together to improve safety and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
At the BIA, we're dedicated to our mission: To cultivate and enhance downtown Kingston’s position as the region’s leading culinary, entertainment, and commercial destination, while attracting more people to experience and contribute to our vibrant community.
Over the past year, we've focused on building a strong support network by collaborating closely with other organizations. This teamwork helps us connect the right resources to the right situations, addressing community needs more effectively. By working together, we're better equipped to tackle the challenges our community faces and provide the necessary support. Here are some of the resources available in downtown Kingston:
Welcoming Streets - 3 Outreach Stewards
The Welcoming Streets program, a partnership between the Downtown Kingston Business Improvement Area, Addiction and Mental Health Services Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington, and the City of Kingston, started in July 2023. It has been instrumental in supporting individuals dealing with mental health and addiction challenges, as well as those experiencing homelessness in our community.
City of Kingston Bylaw - 2 Bylaw Officers
Two bylaw officers are dedicated primarily to the downtown area, helping manage issues like excessive garbage, abandoned shopping carts, and keeping sidewalks clear. They foster positive relationships with those on the street, often handling clean-up interactions in a friendly and cooperative manner. A separate team handles ticketing.
Foot Patrol Police Officers - 2 Foot Patrol Officers
Starting in May 2024, Constable Brayden Langille has been assigned as a dedicated foot patrol officer from Tuesday to Saturday, primarily during the day but occasionally in the evenings. He is supported by our liaison officer, Constable Anthony Colangeli.
These dedicated teams have been doing exceptional work in addressing various community issues. However, some challenges remain despite their efforts. Over the past year, we've seen a significant expansion of available resources, highlighting the importance of using these resources strategically to address the most complex and persistent challenges our community faces. By working together and leveraging our collective expertise, we can continue to make progress and create a safe, supportive environment for all.
Here's how you can help:
- If you encounter issues related to mental health and/or addictions, call Welcoming Streets at 613-583-5008.
- For excessive garbage outside your business, call 613-546-4291 ext. 3135.
- If a crime is being committed, call 911. For non-emergencies, use the administration line at 613-549-4660 ext. 2244 or if the issue has already occurred, submit a report online.
- Display the 'Who to Call' poster, which has all the above information, in a visible area for your staff. If you need one, contact welcome@downtownkingston.ca, and we'll deliver it to your business.
- Educate all staff about these resources and include this information in onboarding for new employees. Consider booking a Welcoming Streets presentation for your staff.
- When discussing the safety of downtown, focus on the resources available to keep everyone safe, rather than perpetuating negative perceptions. The way we frame these conversations can influence public perception positively.
- Maintain cleanliness by washing the sidewalk outside your business daily with biodegradable soap and water. If your business causes spills, consider power washing or hiring a contractor to do so regularly.
- Invest in security measures like lighting and cameras. If there are areas on your property that attract unwanted activities, ensure they are secured. Discuss potential security improvements and cost-sharing with your landlord if applicable.
We all share the pride of having a vibrant and historic downtown. Let's continue working together to ensure it thrives and grows.
If you made it this far, Thank you for listening,
Marijo 🐝
