Older Adult Services

In Kingston, about 21 per cent of our population is 65 or older. This number has steadily been growing over the last 20 years. We are currently seeing a record number of the working age population entering retirement as the population over 65 continues to grow!

Age-friendly communities 

In recent years, Kingston has been working to make the city more welcoming for older adults as part of the ‘age-friendly’ initiative by the World Health Organization. In 2015, we asked adults (45 and up) about things like activities, safety, health and how friendly they found the city for older adults. 

During these efforts, older adults told us four main things: 

    • They want to keep living in their own homes
    • They want to be part of the Kingston community and do things
    • They want to know where to find help when they need it
    • They want people to treat them with respect

Programs to help you at home

Staying in your home programs means you can save on taxes, get assistance with household tasks and receive help from your neighbours and local community. 

Older adults tax assistance programs

We offer tax assistance programs to help with taxes for older adults, especially when they retire and their finances change. This ensures they follow tax rules and get the support they require. Learn more about application requirements on our tax assistance and rebates page.

    • Senior Property Tax Credit program: Older adults getting the Guaranteed Income Supplement can get a $100 tax credit 
    • Tax deferral program: Older adults who own a home and get the Guaranteed Income Supplement can defer paying up to $1,000 in taxes 

Home help and maintenance 

The Seniors Association offers various support programs, connecting older adults with service providers who can help with tasks like home maintenance, shopping and cleaning. You can reach them at 613-548-7810 for assistance. 

Additionally, subsidized homemaking services are available to support elderly, disabled, ill or recovering individuals, enabling them to continue living in their own homes. 

Community supports 

If you are not sure where to get help, you can dial 211 on any phone. It is a free call and customer service reps are ready to assist you 24/7 to connect you with community resources. You can also visit their website 211 Ontario for information on various support services for older adults.

Staying active

We offer different activities for older adults to keep their minds busy and maintain a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.  

Recreation

We offer a variety of recreational programs adjusted to the needs and interests of older adults. We also collaborate with the Seniors Association to provide a range of programs that help you stay active, keep learning and stay engaged.

Getting around

Getting around Kingston is easy with Kingston Transit. Use the trip planner to help you plan your outing. If you need other transportation, visit Kingston Access Services. 

Accessibility

We are committed to making sure everyone in our community can use City programs, services and facilities. If you have any questions or would like additional details about our dedication to accessibility, available resources, or our Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee, please visit the Indigenization, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility page to learn more. 

Have an accessibility related question or want to report a concern? Contact us.

Volunteering

The United Way Volunteer Centre connects local charities with volunteers who share their skills and knowledge with community organizations.  

We also have various committees and boards that seek new members each year. 

Residential Air Conditioner Assistance Program

Apply by June 10 at 4 p.m.

Paper applications are also accepted in person at Artillery Park Aquatic Centre, INVISTA Centre, Kingston East Community Centre, and Rideau Heights Community Centre.

The Residential Air Conditioner Assistance Program is a pilot project to provide free AC units to low-income seniors (65+) living in a multi-residential building. The program aims to help protect residents with health-related needs from the effects of extreme heat indoors during the warmer months.

There are limited units available, so all eligible applicants will be placed into a random draw. Successful recipients will be notified by email or phone during the week of June 15. The Program is only open to Kingston residents.

We use the Statistics Canada after-tax Low-Income Measure (LIM) plus 15 percent to determine eligibility.

Thresholds include additional 15%.

  • 1-person household - $34,793
  • 2-person household - $49,205
  • 3-person household - $60,263
  • 4-person household - $69,587
  • 5-person household - $77,800
  • 6-person household - $85,225
  • 7-person household - $92,054
  • 8-person household - $98,410
  • 9-person household - $104,380
  • 10-person household - $110,020

Apply now

Frequently asked questions

The City has partnered with United Way of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington to coordinate volunteers who will help distribute the units and provide the option to help install the units. A United Way volunteer will contact you and coordinate delivery to your residence.

The United Way volunteer who delivers your air conditioning unit can assist you with installing the unit at no cost. If you prefer, you may contact an HVAC contractor to install the air conditioning unit at your own expense.

Any additional costs are the recipient’s responsibility.

Recipients are responsible for submitting warranty paperwork and for any ongoing maintenance associated with the AC unit. Please contact the manufacturer directly for any issues or warranty questions.

Please reach out to the appropriate contact based on the categories below:

General questions: Residential Air Conditioner Assistance Program

Delivery

Installation

  • United Way of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington
  • An HVAC contractor of your choice

Warranty or maintenance

  • Please contact the manufacturer directly.

Staying informed 

Get the latest news about our City. 

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    • If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us 

Contact Us

City of Kingston
City Hall
216 Ontario Street
Kingston, ON K7L 2Z3
Canada
contactus@cityofkingston.ca
Phone: 613-546-0000

The City of Kingston acknowledges that we are on the traditional homeland of the Anishinabek, Haudenosaunee, and the Huron-Wendat, and thanks these nations for their care and stewardship over this shared land.

Today, the City is committed to working with Indigenous peoples and all residents to pursue a united path of reconciliation.

Learn more about the City's reconciliation initiatives.