Tell Me More: the City of Kingston Podcast
Go deeper than headlines. Go in-depth on issues. Get the bigger picture. Every month, City of Kingston leadership and staff go beyond sound-bites and tell you more about the larger context surrounding current issues, initiatives and decisions that are shaping our community. Whether you want to get a bigger perspective on local issues and initiatives, or just spend some time with some really interesting people, this podcast is for you.
info_outline
Tell me More About .... The Public Engagement Framework Evaluation
09/29/2023
Tell me More About .... The Public Engagement Framework Evaluation
Public engagement is more than a survey. It’s a promise and a commitment to use feedback to use public comment to constructively improve things. It’s not always an easy process and it frequently brings together divergent opinions, beliefs and visions. This month on Tell Me More, the City of Kingston podcast, Jen Pinarski, Manager of Communications and Public Engagement at the City of Kingston joins us to talk about the evaluation of the City’s public engagement process, which is currently underway. Learn about how the City is using your feedback to improve how we conduct public engagement across the entire organization. Give it a listen at this link or download it from your favourite podcast provider.
/episode/index/show/cityofkingston/id/28177622
info_outline
Tell Me More About ... Student Life
08/25/2023
Tell Me More About ... Student Life
Every year thousands of students pour into Kingston to pursue higher education. This month we dive into what the City and community have to offer to students. You’ll hear from Queens University and St. Lawrence College grads who now work at the City, Lauren Desroches, a Communications Officer, and Soren Christianson, a Project Manager in Climate Leadership. They’ll delve into what motivated them to choose Kingston for their studies and why they decided to stay here after graduating. Looking for some more student support? Check out vital City services from transit, utility account setup, parking info and more at Opening Track: Tell Me Twice by the Meringues - courtesy of the Meringues. Find our closing track on .
/episode/index/show/cityofkingston/id/27850314
info_outline
Tell Me More About ... Public Art
07/28/2023
Tell Me More About ... Public Art
Have you ever wondered how the creative murals or inspiring sculptures that populate Kingston came to be? Or what's next? In this month’s episode, we have Danika Lochhead, Manager of Arts and Sector Development and Taylor Norris, Public Art Coordinator at the City of Kingston at the mic. They’ll share some insights into the process behind delivering captivating public art, fostering creativity, and enriching the community experience. As we all know, podcasts are primarily an audio experience but you can see . This way, you can see what we’ll be discussing and follow along with us during this episode. Want to see the art in person? Check out the City's , a self-guided tour of the City's Public Art. Opening Track: Tell Me Twice by the Meringues - courtesy of the Meringues. Find our closing track on . Photos by Chris Miner
/episode/index/show/cityofkingston/id/27595548
info_outline
Tell Me More About ... Strategic Priorities
06/30/2023
Tell Me More About ... Strategic Priorities
What kind of place will Kingston be in 2026? That’s the question City Council wrestled with in drafting their strategic plan. This key document lays out the City’s goals and priorities for the next four years. Mayor Bryan Paterson joins us once again to share insights on the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan. We delve into the plan’s main pillars: including Supporting House Affordability, Leading Environmental Stewardship, Building an Active and Connected Community, Fostering a Caring and Inclusive Community, and Driving Economic Growth. Learn more about the Opening Track: Tell Me Twice by the Meringues - courtesy of the Meringues. Find our closing track on .
/episode/index/show/cityofkingston/id/27336873
info_outline
Tell Me More About ... Culligan Water Park
05/26/2023
Tell Me More About ... Culligan Water Park
Need to cool down this summer? Let us walk you through one of the City’s best summertime destinations, the Culligan Water Park. Darek Osostowicz, the City’s Aquatics Supervisor, tells us more about the park as his team prepares to open the park for weekends starting on June 3 and then daily for the rest of the summer starting June 19. Want to find information about the Culligan Water Park? Visit our website: Opening Track: Tell Me Twice by the Meringues - courtesy of the Meringues. Find our closing track on .
/episode/index/show/cityofkingston/id/26962236
info_outline
Tell Me More About ... Forestry
04/28/2023
Tell Me More About ... Forestry
Trees. They shade us, they clean the air, they provide food and they look pretty. For as long as there have been humans we have been writing poetry, stories, myths and more all centred on trees. In the era of a changing climate, trees have taken on new importance as an easy way to absorb greenhouse gases and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Kingston has a department within our Public Works focused on trees and in this episode, Marty Mayberry joins us to tell us more about what forestry does and how the city is working to expand the tree canopy. Want to see more? , open the map viewer and search for the “Trees” layer, it will show you the location of every tree catalogued in the city: The City’s returns this July. Opening Track: Tell Me Twice by the Meringues - courtesy of the Meringues. Find our closing track on .
/episode/index/show/cityofkingston/id/26682711
info_outline
Tell Me More About ... the Workplace Inclusion Charter
03/31/2023
Tell Me More About ... the Workplace Inclusion Charter
Amidst an ongoing labour shortage, it’s becoming clear that equitable, diverse and inclusive workplaces are essential to organizational success. They create a welcoming environment for all employees, which attracts new workers, leads to higher retention levels, and fosters innovation leading to better business outcomes. Dajana Turkovic, a workforce development analyst at the City of Kingston, discusses how the city is using our experience with the Workplace Inclusion Charter to attract and retain talent and help neighbouring communities to do so as well. If you have any ideas for future Tell Me More episodes, please reach out to and let us know! Opening Track: Tell Me Twice by the Meringues - courtesy of the Meringues. Find our closing track on .
/episode/index/show/cityofkingston/id/26403579
info_outline
Tell Me More About ... the City's Website Redesign
02/24/2023
Tell Me More About ... the City's Website Redesign
This year we’re embarking on the task of building a brand new . Not just a fresh coat of paint, but levelling it and rebuilding from the ground up. It’s been a decade since the City last undertook this work on our most significant community-facing communications tool. Scott Tulk, Manager of Digital Transformation Architecture and Planning, is at the mic to talk about what’s changed in ten years (a lot!), what a website redesign at this scale involves, and how we’re centring the user experience. If you have any ideas for future Tell Me More episodes, please reach out to and let us know! Opening Track: Tell Me Twice by the Meringues - courtesy of the Meringues. Find our closing track on .
/episode/index/show/cityofkingston/id/26033880
info_outline
Tell Me More About ... Kingston Community Climate Action Fund
01/27/2023
Tell Me More About ... Kingston Community Climate Action Fund
It takes a community to meaningfully address the climate crisis. That’s the idea behind the Kingston Community Climate Action Fund and Neighbourhood Champions programs. Two initiatives intended to support and empower community members as we all work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In this episode, Julie Salter-Keane, manager of the Climate Leadership Division, tells us more about these programs, how they support a low-carbon future for Kingston, how the city is supporting this work and how you can contribute. Learn more about the City’s Opening Track: Tell Me Twice by the Meringues - courtesy of the Meringues. Find our closing track on .
/episode/index/show/cityofkingston/id/25747875
info_outline
Tell Me More About ... Winter Maintenance
12/30/2022
Tell Me More About ... Winter Maintenance
Every year the City of Kingston’s Public Works Department prepares for whatever winter has in store. Whether it’s snow or ice, crews are ready to tackle the challenges of each winter. Join us for a discussion with Adam McDonald, Operations Manager as he tells us more about what goes into preparing for the winter season, how we tackle the roadways and sidewalks after a storm and what the community can do to help. Opening Track: Tell Me Twice by the Meringues - courtesy of the Meringues. Find our closing track on .
/episode/index/show/cityofkingston/id/25464297
info_outline
Tell Me More About ... Rideaucrest Long-Term Care
11/25/2022
Tell Me More About ... Rideaucrest Long-Term Care
Working in long-term care takes a special type of person. Dedication, teamwork and compassion are just a few of the skills required in this dynamic role. In our penultimate season two episode we chat with Casie Keyes, Administrator at Rideacrest Long Term Care Home about what it takes to run a long-term care home successfully and how they have navigated the challenges of an ongoing pandemic. Interested in working for Rideaucrest? We’re hiring! Find job postings at cityofkingston.ca/careers or contact Maeve Larkin, Recruitment and Selection Advisor at . Interested in volunteering at Rideaucrest? Contact Patricia McDonald, Supervisor of Resident Programs and Services at for more details. Opening Track: Tell Me Twice by the Meringues - courtesy of the Meringues. Find our closing track on .
/episode/index/show/cityofkingston/id/25131990
info_outline
Tell Me More About ... the Business Support Office
10/28/2022
Tell Me More About ... the Business Support Office
Whether you’re an established business owner looking to expand, or a dreamer with the next big idea looking to get started, the City of Kingston’s Business Support Office is here to help. Join Mark Nardi, Business Support Analyst, for a chat about this exciting new support offered by the City of Kingston. Looking to learn more or connect with the Business Support Office? Join us for an online engagement session and ask questions of the Business Support Office. This event will take place Nov. 23 at 6 p.m. on Zoom. Contact us with your questions: 613-546-4291 ext. 3000 Opening Track: Tell Me Twice by the Meringues - courtesy of the Meringues. Find our closing track on .
/episode/index/show/cityofkingston/id/24831903
info_outline
Tell Me More About...School Safety
09/29/2022
Tell Me More About...School Safety
It takes a village to keep children safe on their way to school with many community members and partners doing their part. This includes the City of Kingston, schools, bus companies, police, parents and drivers. But what specifically is the City’s role in school safety? In this episode of Tell Me More, we dive deep into the City of Kingston’s school safety initiatives. From crossing guards to community safety zones and all points in between. To learn more about some of the programs talked about in this episode please check out these links: The School Streets program is operated by Kingston Coalition for Active Transportation, for more information please email: Opening Track: Tell Me Twice by the Meringues - courtesy of the Meringues. Find our closing track on .
/episode/index/show/cityofkingston/id/24530514
info_outline
Tell Me More About...Getting Out and Voting!
08/26/2022
Tell Me More About...Getting Out and Voting!
Tune in to this special episode to learn all you need to know about getting out and voting! Join Acting Deputy Clerk Derek Ochej as he tells us more about where and how you can vote, new online voting options, and how you can make your voting experience as seamless as possible. 2022 Municipal Elections: Opening Track: Tell Me Twice by the Meringues - courtesy of the Meringues. Find our closing track on .
/episode/index/show/cityofkingston/id/24177303
info_outline
Tell Me More About...the Customer Experience Department
07/29/2022
Tell Me More About...the Customer Experience Department
On any given day the City receives hundreds of inquiries from community members. Through the MyCity App, email and the phone, the questions come in rapid fire. On the receiving end of those inquiries is the City’s Customer Experience Department, a dedicated team that ensures your question or concern gets to the right people. Join us as we take a peek behind the curtain at how the City strives for customer service excellence. Get Involved! https://getinvolved.cityofkingston.ca Opening Track: Tell Me Twice by the Meringues - courtesy of the Meringues. Find our closing track on .
/episode/index/show/cityofkingston/id/23899149
info_outline
Tell Me More About...City Parks
06/30/2022
Tell Me More About...City Parks
Summer is here and TMM is going to the park! Neal Unsworth, Manager of the City’s Parks and Shoreline division in Engineering Services tells us more about what parks mean to different people, how they’re built and refreshed and shares an exciting engagement opportunity. We also get the scoop everybody’s been waiting for – Neal’s favourite Kingston park! Explore our parks! https://www.cityofkingston.ca/residents/recreation/parks-trails Get Involved! https://getinvolved.cityofkingston.ca Opening Track: Tell Me Twice by the Meringues - courtesy of the Meringues. Find our closing track on .
/episode/index/show/cityofkingston/id/23592413
info_outline
Tell Me More About...the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
05/27/2022
Tell Me More About...the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
One in four people in Ontario face accessibility challenges in their daily lives. In this special episode of Tell Me More, we speak with Colin Wiginton, Director of Arts and Cultural Services and Andrew Ashby, the Chair of the City’s Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee, to bring more voices into this important conversation about accessibility, and the City’s work on the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan. Multi-Year Accessibility Plan on Get Involved Kingston Opening Track: Tell Me Twice by the Meringues - courtesy of the Meringues. Find our closing track on .
/episode/index/show/cityofkingston/id/23246075
info_outline
Tell Me More About...Building Kingston
04/29/2022
Tell Me More About...Building Kingston
Building a building. Simple right? Not when what you're building needs to seamlessly mesh with its surroundings, be energy efficient, last an extremely long time...and at the end of the day, it needs to be a place people want to be. Luckily we have the Manager of Facilities Construction Services at the City of Kingston, Jeff Rempel, to passionately explain the thousands of variables, considerations and tough choices that go into our energy efficient municipal construction as the City chases its Net Zero building goals. Opening Track: Tell Me Twice by the Meringues - courtesy of the Meringues. Find our closing track on .
/episode/index/show/cityofkingston/id/22951280
info_outline
Tell Me More About...becoming a City Councillor
03/25/2022
Tell Me More About...becoming a City Councillor
Ever thought about running for City Council or even Mayor? Your opportunity is coming soon as we embark on election season here at the City of Kingston. Committee Clerk Derek Ochej lends his expertise on the role of an elected municipal official, the realties of being a City Councillor and most importantly the steps involved in running for the various positions coming up soon. Episode Resources To learn more about the 2022 Kingston Municipal Election, including key dates, visit the . People interested in running for office may also consult the . If you have questions about the information session or the 2022 municipal elections, please email . Opening Track: Tell Me Twice by the Meringues - courtesy of the Meringues. Find our closing track on .
/episode/index/show/cityofkingston/id/22567997
info_outline
Tell Me More About...the Rural Kingston Strategy
02/25/2022
Tell Me More About...the Rural Kingston Strategy
Host Rob Hosier connects with Tracey Snow, the City’s new Rural Economic and Community Development Manager, to talk about rubber boots, building trust and an economic strategy that will benefit the entire community. Tracey Snow: Opening Track: Tell Me Twice by the Meringues - courtesy of the Meringues. Closing YGK Music Track:
/episode/index/show/cityofkingston/id/22253708
info_outline
Tell Me More About...Season 2
01/28/2022
Tell Me More About...Season 2
In this kick-off episode to Season 2, Host Rob Hosier sits down with fellow podcast producers, Julielee Stitt and Paul Whittingham, to talk about what’s on tap for the year. We tell you more about how the podcast was launched, topics that will be explored in the coming months, and how to get involved. Get involved Kingston: Opening Track Tell Me Twice courtesy of the Meringues: Themeringues.com
/episode/index/show/cityofkingston/id/21933761
info_outline
Tell Me More About...2021
12/31/2021
Tell Me More About...2021
Who better to help us wrap up 2021 and Season 1 than our own City of Kingston CAO Lanie Hurdle? She tells us more about some of the most interesting and impactful topics from 2021 including pandemic response, systemic barriers, affordable housing, climate change and much more. Get involved Kingston: Opening Track from YGK Music: Tell Me Twice by the Meringues:
/episode/index/show/cityofkingston/id/21634946
info_outline
Tell Me More About...Public Engagement
11/26/2021
Tell Me More About...Public Engagement
In this episode of Tell Me More: The City of Kingston Podcast, we introduce you to our very own public engagement champion, Debbi Miller. As the Manager of Communications and Public Engagement, Debbi played a key role in the establishment and growth of the City of Kingston’s internationally recognized Public Engagement Framework. But after seven years working for the City, Debbi is moving on to new adventures in Frontenac County. Before she leaves, we couldn’t resist sitting her down behind the mic to reflect on her work in public engagement, how consistency is key and why everyone should get involved. Get involved Kingston: Opening Track from YGK Music: Tell Me Twice by the Meringues:
/episode/index/show/cityofkingston/id/21289931
info_outline
Tell Me More About...EDI Initiatives at the City of Kingston
10/29/2021
Tell Me More About...EDI Initiatives at the City of Kingston
In this episode we discuss the realities and remedies of systemic barriers with the City of Kingston’s first ever Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Manager Muhammad Ahsan. We chat about the origins of the City’s EDI initiatives, the newly formed EDI Committee, and most importantly the huge benefits Equity, Diversity and Inclusion practices can provide any organization or individual! Get involved Kingston: Opening Track from YGK Music: Tell Me Twice by the Meringues:
/episode/index/show/cityofkingston/id/20981813
info_outline
Tell Me More About...the Climate Leadership Plan
09/24/2021
Tell Me More About...the Climate Leadership Plan
Can a city really tackle the climate emergency? In this episode of Tell Me More, host Rob Hosier sits down with Julie Salter-Keane, Manager of the City’s Climate Leadership Division, to talk about why municipalities are perfectly positioned to take innovative steps to address the climate emergency—and inspire others to follow their lead. We learn about why the City of Kingston is aggressively moving towards a net-zero future, the plan that will get us there—and ways residents can take climate action! Interested in learning more about this work? Get Involved! Visit GetInvolved.CityofKingston.ca/climate-leadership-plan to review the draft Climate Leadership Plan Summary report and complete a brief survey. Opening Track from YGK Music: Tell Me Twice by the Meringues:
/episode/index/show/cityofkingston/id/20587832
info_outline
Tell Me More About...Early Years and Childcare
08/27/2021
Tell Me More About...Early Years and Childcare
In this “back-to-school” episode of Tell Me More, City of Kingston Professional Learning Facilitator, Laura Gow, tells us more about how the City supports Early Years and Childcare, and why early learning interventions today can help create healthier communities tomorrow. We also chat about ways Early Childhood Educators and service providers innovated their way through recent lockdowns and, best-of-all, how you can positively impact your little one’s early development. City of Kingston Early Years and Childcare: City of Kingston and County of Frontenac Centralized Childcare Registry and Information Service: Get involved Kingston: Opening Track from YGK Music: Tell Me Twice by the Meringues:
/episode/index/show/cityofkingston/id/20275292
info_outline
Tell Me More About...the City's New Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw
07/30/2021
Tell Me More About...the City's New Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw
One zoning bylaw to rule them all. City of Kingston Commissioner of Community Services Paige Agnew tells us more about the huge task of creating one City-wide zoning bylaw out of our five existing, and often out-of-date, zoning bylaws. We review the current state of our zoning bylaws, the clarification and consolidation process and how you can get involved. City of Kingston New Zoning Bylaw webpage: The Power of Parking: New Zoning Bylaw Get Involved Kingston page: If you want to learn more about city planning, visit the Get Involved page. You’ll be able to find resources, ask your questions and connect with other planning projects across the City. Get involved Kingston: https://getinvolved.cityofkingston.ca/ Opening Track from YGK Music: Tell Me Twice by the Meringues: https://soundcloud.com/visitkingston/sets/ygk-music-contemporary
/episode/index/show/cityofkingston/id/19968641
info_outline
Tell Me More About...the Kingston Economic Recovery Team
06/25/2021
Tell Me More About...the Kingston Economic Recovery Team
City of Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson joins the show to tell us more about the Kingston Economic Recovery Team (KERT). We discuss the team's origin story, accomplishments and plans moving forward. We'll also reveal the secret to Mayor Paterson's endless energy! Find out more about the Kingston Economic Recovery Team: www.cityofkingston.ca/city-hall/projects-construction/kingston-economic-recovery-team Get involved Kingston: https://getinvolved.cityofkingston.ca/ Opening Track from YGK Music: Tell Me Twice by the Meringues: https://soundcloud.com/visitkingston/sets/ygk-music-contemporary
/episode/index/show/cityofkingston/id/19514378
info_outline
Tell Me More About...the Third Crossing Naming Campaign.
05/28/2021
Tell Me More About...the Third Crossing Naming Campaign.
City of Kingston Director of Heritage Services Jennifer Campbell tells us more about how the long-awaited Third Crossing is being named. We’ll examine the steps for choosing this name, the power and importance of symbolic, substantive and systemic actions and how the campaign relates to indigenous reconciliation in Kingston. Find out more about the Third Crossing Naming Campaign: GetInvolved.CityofKingston.ca/Third-Crossing-Naming-Campaign Third Crossing Site: Get involved Kingston: https://getinvolved.cityofkingston.ca/ Opening Track from YGK Music: Tell Me Twice by the Meringues: https://soundcloud.com/visitkingston/sets/ygk-music-contemporary
/episode/index/show/cityofkingston/id/19246712
info_outline
Tell Me More About...the Homelessness System
04/30/2021
Tell Me More About...the Homelessness System
In this episode, City of Kingston Housing Administrator Joanne Borris tells us more about how Kingston’s homelessness system weathered, but more importantly learned, from COVID-19 and the Belle Park Encampment. We’ll examine the next steps for the system including the Integrated Care Hub, homelessness system review and encampment protocols. Home Base Housing's Street Outreach Team regularly checks on known individuals experiencing homelessness in Kingston. If you are experiencing homelessness, or are concerned about a person in need of help please call 613-561-5839 and the Street Outreach Team will be alerted. Find out more about the homelessness system in Kingston: or Get involved Kingston: Opening Track from YGK Music: Tell Me Twice by the Meringues:
/episode/index/show/cityofkingston/id/18826136