Community invited to discover planes, parachutes and more at Wheels on the Runway 2025

The City of Kingston invites families to take flight with imagination at Wheels on the Runway presented by Hartington Equipment, returning to YGK Airport on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This annual event transforms the airport runway into a one-of-a-kind showcase of aircraft, emergency vehicles, and family-friendly activities—all in support of United Way KFL&A.

Presented by Hartington Equipment, with NAV CANADA as the AeroAdventure Partner and Air Canada as the Lounge sponsor, this year’s Wheels on the Runway promises something for everyone. Attendees will marvel at aerial parachute demonstrations by the SkyHawks, meet highly trained service dogs during Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) K-9 demonstrations, and get up close with planes, fire trucks, police cruisers and other specialty vehicles. Wheels on the Runway is a collaborative effort between the City of Kingston, United Way KFL&A, and CFB Kingston, with generous support from Hartington Equipment, NAV Canada and Air Canada - bringing together partners from across the region to celebrate innovation, community spirit and the thrill of discovery.

Air Canada and Landline will welcome visitors to take a tour of the luxury motorcoach that will be offering daily round trip service between YGK Airport and Toronto Pearson starting Tuesday, Sept. 23. Walk through the Air Canada First Class Lounge to find your way to the Air Canada / Landline booth to enter to win two (2) Economy Class round-trip promotional tickets for travel within North America, the Caribbean, or Hawaii on Air Canada-operated flights (excluding Mexico City) with an estimated value of $3,800. Full details about the chance to win, including any restrictions, will be available at the Wheels on the Runway event.

“We’re thrilled to see this exciting event return again this year,” says Leanne O’Mara, 2025 United Way KFL&A Campaign Chair. “Wheels on the Runway is a wonderful celebration for the community and an incredible way to support your United Way. Every year, thousands of individuals benefit from United Way funded programs, and this event helps make that possible. We invite everyone to come out, enjoy this unique airport experience, and be part of a fun day filled with activities. A heartfelt thank you to the City of Kingston and all the amazing participants for their ongoing support of United Way and this year’s campaign.”

Presenting sponsor Hartington Equipment will be on site with a selection of Kubota tractors, and United Way volunteers will be on site selling raffle tickets for a chance to

win a lawn tractor generously donated by Hartington Equipment. Tickets are $5 each or 3 for $10, with 100 per cent of the ticket revenue going toward United Way KFL&A. “We’re excited to be part of Wheels on the Runway again this year and can’t wait to have the Kubota lawn tractor on site for the raffle, with all proceeds going to United Way,” says Katie Lewers, Hartington Equipment. “Thank you to the City of Kingston for bringing our community together through such a meaningful event — Hartington Equipment is proud to be part of it.”

Make your trip simple and sustainable—Kingston Transit shuttle buses are free, easy to use and drop you off right at Wheels on the Runway. Parking will be extremely limited on site and reserved for those with accessibility needs.

Event details:

• When: Saturday, Sept. 20, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Where: YGK Airport, 1114 Len Birchall Way
• Admission: By cash or card donation, with 100 per cent of funds raised to United Way KFL&A
• How: Two complimentary Kingston Transit shuttles will run continuously between the Cataraqui Centre transit hub and Kingston Airport (YGK) from 9:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.

Shuttle transit stops to YGK Airport include:

•  Cataraqui Centre
• 845 Gardiners Rd.
• Gardiners at Taylor Kidd Boulevard
• Gardiners at Arlington Park
• Gardiners at RioCan Centre
• Gardiners at Development Drive
• Gardiners at Golden Mile Road
• Henderson Boulevard at Lakeview Avenue
• Henderson Boulevard at Jim Beattie Park
• YGK Airport

Return shuttle stops to the Cataraqui Centre include:

• YGK Airport
• Henderson Boulevard at Jim Beattie Park · Henderson Boulevard at McEwen Dr.
• Gardiners at Bath Road
• Gardiners at Development Drive
• Gardiners at Arlington Park
• Gardiners at Taylor-Kidd Boulevard
• Cataraqui Centre

Accessible parking will also be available onsite.

About United Way KFL&A 
United Way Kingston Frontenac Lennox & Addington works closely with community partners to ensure that people have the opportunity to reach their full potential and live with hope, dignity, and a sense of belonging. This vision is realized by building on deep-rooted local community knowledge and relationships to empower people to make an impact.

The United Way raises funds for programs that support immediate needs while also tackling complex social issues collaboratively. Led by volunteers, driven by a small professional staff team, the United Way KFL&A is a unifying force, encouraging people to get involved to support our most vulnerable. United Way KFL&A has once again made the Top 100 Charities in Canada List according to rankings from Charity Intelligence, a position it has held for the past five years. United Way KFL&A received high rankings in results reporting and financial transparency.