Living in Kingston

Location

The city of Kingston is located on beautiful Lake Ontario, where the St. Lawrence River (which is an impressive 1197 kilometres long) begins. This ideal location (44°13' N, 76°36' W) ensures a mild climate and many warm summer days perfect for sailing! Kingston boasts the convenience of close proximity to larger cities, but maintains the safety and comfort of a small city. The city is within a 2-hour drive from Ottawa, Ontario and Syracuse, New York and only about a 2.5 hour drive to Toronto, Ontario.

To become acquainted with this wonderful waterfront city, I highly recommend you enjoy a scenic lake cruise to see the city from an excellent vantage point. Additionally, take a look at the material I have written about the history of the city and what to see and do.

As a new, or potential, resident of Kingston, you will want to familiarize yourself with the services provided. The City of Kingston website, www.cityofkingston.ca, can provide information on taxes, events, job opportunities and other essential information.

I have compiled a list of what I think are some of the most important things to know such as emergency contacts and school board information.

Limestone District School Board

To locate schools in Kingston, this convenient school locater can help you find schools by street name or postal code. You can also view the complete list of schools.

www.limestone.on.ca

Kingston City Hall

City Hall was completed in December of 1844. The architect was 31 year old George Browne, who was selected from twelve submissions after the city designed a competition calling for architects to submit proposals.

Today, City Hall buzzes with activity and has set the standard for convenience. Many activities, such as paying parking tickets, can be done online or in person. The City of Kingston website can keep you up to date on council meetings, events, and other important information.

www.cityofkingston.ca

Are you interested in seeing the City Hall right now?!? Take a look at the City Hall webcam:

www.cityofkingston.ca/cityhall/webcam.asp

Kingston Frontenac Public Library

Kingston has enjoyed the convenience and culture of a lending library since the year 1812! With an amazing collection of books and the most helpful and knowledgeable library staff I have ever met, I am sure you will be impressed with any of the 17 libraries found in the city. With numerous events for children and adults, you will be sure to be entertained and educated. Visit the Kingston Frontenac Public Library to search the collection collections, find out about events, or ask a librarian.

www.kfpl.ca

Kingston Fire & Rescue

Kingston Fire & Rescue provides a wealth of information to keep you and your family safe. It aims to prevent fires and protect residents. From Smoke Alarm Quizzes to a list of what to pack in your emergency kit, Kingston Fire & Rescue wants to make sure that in the event of any emergency, you are as safe and as prepared as possible. A force of 235 volunteers and employees, Kingston Fire & Rescue has 10 fire halls to keep Kingston and area safe. Services include public education, fire prevention, inspections & investigations, fire control, enforcement of the Ontario Fire Code, Ontario Building Code, and municipal by-laws.

In an emergency, dial 9-1-1 to reach any emergency service (Police/Ambulance/Fire). To arrange a tour, call 613-548-4001 ext. 204. Be sure to visit the website for more information.

www.cityofkingston.ca/residents/emergency/fire/

Kingston Police

Given that the city of Kingston is one of Canada's oldest communities, it is no surprise that the Kingston Police are one of the country's oldest municipal police forces. Formed in 1841, the Kingston Police maintain the safety of an area that is 528 square kilometres in size. More than 200 members respond to over 40,000 calls received every year.

For an emergency, dial 9-1-1. Otherwise, the Kingston Police can be contacted at 613-549-4660.

www.cityofkingston.ca/residents/emergency/police/

Kingston Hospitals

The Kingston General Hospital, Providence Care, and Hotel Dieu Hospital are all committed to continually improving their health care services. From one stop outpatient care to enhanced services, you are sure to receive the best health care possible.

• Hotel Dieu Hospital 166 Brock St - (613) 544-3310
• Kingston General Hospital 76 Stuart St - (613) 549-6666
• Kingston Regional Cancer Ctr 25 King St W - (613) 544-2630
• Providence Continuing Care Ctr 340 Union St - (613) 544-5220
• Providence Continuing Care 752 King St W - (613) 546-1101

www.kingstonhospitals.ca

In an emergency, dial 9-1-1 to reach an emergency service (Police/Ambulance/Fire).

Kingston is a great place to live!

Of course, I think Kingston is an amazing city to live in, but do not just take my word for it. Consider the views of other residents: http://thewhig.com/ArticleDisplayGenContent.aspx?e=11400.

And remember: if you need any information about the city, try the City of Kingston webpage: www.cityofkingston.ca or feel free to contact me.