Housing and Social Services (City of Kingston)
Housing & Social Services
Category: Recreation, Housing & Social ServicesAges: 0-12
The My Kingston (Municipal Fee Assistance Program) offers access to these City programs to help residents who live in lower-income households get around Kingston to lead active and healthy lives:
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SPARK
- The Subsidy Program for Affordable Recreation in Kingston (SPARK) reduces the cost of City-run recreation and leisure programs for Kingston residents of all ages. Funding is available on a first-come, first-serve basis until the annual budget has been spent. Participants can register for programs, memberships or one-time passes and the cost of the program will be electronically deducted from the participant's approved amount. View available programs and membership options in the Recreation & Leisure Guide or on the recreation programs
page.
Transit Employment Program
Category: Recreation, Housing & Social Services, Employment & TrainingAges: 0-24, Adults
The Transit Employment Program provides recently hired Kingston residents (part-time or full-time) with a free two month Kingston Transit pass. This program can be accessed through the Kingston Municipal Fee Assistance Program (located here). To be eligible, you must meet the requirements of the Municipal Fee Assistance Program and need assistance getting to and from work. Remember to bring income verification (acceptable documents listed on the registration form) when dropping of your application at 362 Montreal St. (Monday to Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm, Tuesday until 5:00pm). Contact Housing and Social Services (613-546-2695
ex. 4906) for more information.
Ontario Works
Ontario Works (OW) provides temporary financial assistance to those most in need while they undertake requirements to become and stay employed. To be eligible you must (1) live in Ontario, (2) be in immediate financial need, (3) meet the income and needs testing, (4) be willing to participate in employment assistance activities. You can apply online (click here to visit the Ministry of Community and Social Services) or by contacting Housing and Social Services (613-546-2695
ex. 4980) to set up an appointment. Remember to bring the following things with you: social insurance number, health number, proof of identity and date of birth, employment history/information, income and asset statements, shelter (housing) costs, status in Canada (i.e. citizen, immigrant). If eligible, you will receive a drug card, cheque stubs, and an income-reporting statement. You may also be eligible for additional supports. Contact the Housing and Social Services Department at the City of Kingston for more information.
MY Kingston
The My Kingston (Municipal Fee Assistance Program) offers access to these City programs to help residents who live in lower-income households get around Kingston to lead active and healthy lives:
- Affordable Transit Pass - access to a renewable reduced-cost monthly transit pass. In 2019, the 50 per cent discount is valid for the remainder of the calendar year after approval. Rates for the affordable monthly transit passes in 2020 are: $40.00 for Adults, $29.75 for Youth and Seniors.
- My Kingston Health Benefits - allows working residents who have low incomes and are not supported by Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program to access adult dental care, vision care, glasses or contact lenses and prescription medications.
- Grand OnSTAGE (GO) - offers discounted tickets to My Kingston members. Tickets are $15.00 for any performance except KidStage shows which are $8.00, depending on availability. There is a limit of 8 tickets per household, per season. Other guidelines apply, for complete details visit the Grand Theatre website or call 613-530-2050.
- Responsible Pet Ownership - The City wants to ensure that everyone who has a pet in Kingston is a Responsible Pet Owner. You may be eligible for a $250 voucher to have your pet spayed or neutered.
- SPARK - The Subsidy Program for Affordable Recreation in Kingston (SPARK) reduces the cost of City-run recreation and leisure programs for Kingston residents of all ages. Funding is available on a first-come, first-serve basis until the annual budget has been spent. Participants can register for programs, memberships or one-time passes and the cost of the program will be electronically deducted from the participant's approved amount. View available programs and membership options in the Recreation & Leisure Guide or on the recreation programs page.
- Transit Employment Program - provides recently hired Kingston residents (part-time or full-time) with a free two month Kingston Transit pass for those who need assistance getting to and from work. For more information on this program please call 613-546-2695 ext. 4906
- PumpHouse Museum - offers a 50% discount to its general admission, season pass and tour program rates. This discount is available at any time throughout the season to My Kingston members.
This funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis until the annual amount of program funding is spent.
Municipal Fee Assistance Program
The Municipal Fee Assistance Program offers access to certain City and community programs for residents who live in lower-income households. The application may include an affordable transit pass, recreation fee assistance (PROkids, SPARK), and responsible pet ownership support. Fill out an application form and bring one piece of I.D. (see application) to Housing and Social Services (362 Montreal St.) Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 4:00pm (5:00pm on Tuesday). Eligibility will be determined on the spot. Application review begins in November, for the following year. Applications are available at branches of the Kingston Frontenac Public Library, Artillery Park Aquatic Centre, Housing and Social Services, the Wally Elmer Youth Centre, and the City website. For more information, contact Housing and Social Services.
