Q1 2025 Downtown Kingston Perception Survey
This past spring, Downtown Kingston collaborated with Informanos, a local company, to gather insights from over 1025 members, employees, residents, and visitors about their experiences and perspectives on Downtown Kingston. Listed below is a summary of the findings.
Positive Feedback
A small number of comments express appreciation for downtown Kingston’s vibrant atmosphere, cultural events, and local businesses. Respondents mention enjoying live music, dining at restaurants, and participating in community events. The waterfront and green spaces are frequently praised for their aesthetic appeal and recreational value.
Areas of Concern
Public Safety: Many respondents highlight safety concerns, including the presence of unhoused individuals, crime, and the need for increased police presence or community outreach programs.
Parking Challenges: Parking availability and affordability are frequently mentioned as areas requiring improvement. Several comments express frustration with limited parking spaces and enforcement policies.
Cleanliness & Maintenance: Some respondents discuss the need for cleaner public spaces, well maintained infrastructure, and more frequent garbage collection in high-traffic areas.
Seasonal Issues: Comments reflect differing perspectives on downtown experiences in summer versus winter. While summers are praised for outdoor activities, winter conditions (e.g., snow removal, accessibility) receive criticism.
Suggested Improvements
Respondents provided constructive suggestions for improving downtown Kingston, including:
Increasing community safety initiatives and support services for unhoused individuals.
Enhancing parking infrastructure and revising parking policies.
Organizing more events and public activities to engage the community.
Improving maintenance of public restrooms, parks, and streets.
Click on the image above to access the full report.
Conclusion:
The Downtown Kingston BIA staff and board acknowledge and appreciate the valuable feedback provided by survey respondents. Concerns regarding public safety and parking are being addressed with the City of Kingston, Kingston Police and AMHS (Addictions, Mental Health Services).
Street cleanliness, and seasonal issues are being addressed with the City of Kingston. Additionally the BIA has added a Street Maintenance Coordinator to the team.
We are focused on implementing initiatives to improve safety, parking infrastructure, and maintenance efforts and continuing to improve our beautiful downtown.