Hot Button Topics
This page is dedicated to topics of significance that could affect the downtown business community. We are a successful downtown business community and we have a voice at the table when decisions are being made at all levels of government. Help us advocate for you by taking time to keep up-to-date on topic of interest and make informed decisions that are best for the success of this beautiful city.
Action Required:
UPDATE & RECOMMENDATIONS FROM CFIB PRESIDENT DAN KELLYRE: RECENT CEBA P.F. Chang's
As you know, the entire CFIB team has been working hard to push back the date at which point small businesses lose the forgivable portion of CEBA (up to $20,000).
After months of lobbying, dozens of meetings with MPs, and 40,000 signed petitions from small business owners like you that we have delivered to government since the start of 2023, the government announced changes to the CEBA repayment process on September 14, 2023.
Read more....
I need more time to repay my CEBA loan! Help Small Business recover from COVID-19 Debt
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Community Standard Bylaw:
Re. Loitering and inappropriate behaviour in public spaces
Please take time to review the Draft Safe use of Public Spaces Bylaw. Section 8, "Safe Use of Public Spaces" points 8.1 to 8.9 are the most relevant to the downtown core. To review the bylaw, click here: Draft Community Standards By-Law.pdf.
This bylaw will go to council in the fall for consideration. The deadline has passed to submit to the City but it's not too late. Your opinion counts. Please take time to send submissions directly to marijo@downtownkingston.ca
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Street Patio Standards
and Application Guide:
Re. Amendment to the guide needed
No Deadline listed
Street Patio Standards and Application Guide is being implemented in preparation for the 2024 patio season. Restaurant owners that operate patios were not given the chance to give their input on the draft guidelines before they went to Council.
A letter has been submitted to the City of Kingston Staff and Mayor Patterson for consideration. Review the letter here: Concerns-Street Patio Standards and Application Guide (1).pdf.
Action Required:
Reinstatement of Regular
Airport Service
Re. Show your support by sending a letter
We are gathering letters of support from the business community to advocate for the reinstatement of regular scheduled air service at the Kingston Airport. See below for a template letter of support for regular scheduled air service. Businesses are welcome to revise the template as best aligned with their respective business needs. Please distribute to your circle of influence.
State your opinion
Click here to download a letter template to support the reinstatement of regular airport service to Kingston.
Send the letter to olivia@visitkingston.ca to be added to a collective submission from Kingston Accommodation Partners.
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Action Required:
Ontario and Market Street Closure:
Re. Concerns over impact
to the downtown Kingston community.
Deadline for submissions not listed
Many businesses within the BIA received a letter from the City of Kingston regarding a study to enhance pedestrian connectivity in our area. The study proposed the closure of Ontario Street from Clarence Street to Brock Street, as well as Market Street from Ontario Street to King St., in order to create a seamless pathway from City Hall and Market Square to Confederation Park.
We have participated in ongoing conversations with the City of Kingston since early this year dedicated to exploring various possibilities and developing community spaces throughout downtown. Considering the current information and conversations we've had, our advocacy centers on a street closure solution that permits temporary closures for events and activations, while ensuring that all closed streets remain vibrant and active. We remain committed to advocating for the best interests of our collective members and the communities we serve.
As the study progresses on Ontario and Market Street, we will closely monitor its direction and continue to be strong advocates for preserving the vitality of our downtown area.
To review the communication to the City from the Downtown Kingston BIA, click here: 07-28-23 Ontario Market Street Closure.pdf
State your opinion
Email the City of Kingston at contactus@cityofkingston.ca or email Marijo directly at marijo@downtownkingston.ca and we will submit comments on your behalf.
Need help?
Click here to download Ontario Market St Concerns Letter Template
Submit your comments/concerns on this topic to the City of Kingston using the ‘Get Involved’ website here:
https://getinvolved.cityofkingston.ca/ontario-street-pedestrianization
Get Involved Kingston
Share input to make Kingston a better place to live, work and play.
We encourage you to sign up for 'Get Involved Kingston'. It is a space to learn about important City initiatives and share your ideas to help shape projects, policies and initiatives.