Settling in Kingston
Kingston strives for excellent quality of life. It is a great place to live, work, play, and do business.
Below is a list of links to community resources compiled to give you a place to start when settling into Kingston.
General Information/Referrals
211 Ontario
https://211ontario.ca/
Telephone helpline and online resource that provides information on social services in your area. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in 150+ languages.
Kingston Helps
http://kingstonhelps.ca/
Online search engine that provides information on social services available in Kingston.
Settlement Services
Immigrant Services Kingston and Area
http://www.kchc.ca/immigrant-services/
Settlement services to assist with community involvement, language, skills training, housing, accessing community services, and more.
ACFOMI
https://www.acfomi.org/en/
ACFOMI Immigrant Services assist newcomers to Kingston in their settlement and employment process. All their services are offered in Canada’s two official languages.
Public Transportation
Kingston Transit
https://www.cityofkingston.ca/residents/transit
Bus system providing service throughout the City of Kingston. See website for information on routes and fares.
Health & Wellness
Public Health
https://www.kflaph.ca/en/index.aspx
Immunization clinic and resource for overall health.
Canadian Mental Health Association
http://cmhakingston.com/
Programs supporting the mental health and well-being of all individuals.
Emergency Care Hospitals:
Kingston General Hospital
http://www.kgh.on.ca/emergency-care
24 hour emergency care. Visit the website for what to expect and what to bring with you.
Hotel Dieu Hospital – Paediatric Walk-in Clinic
http://www.hoteldieu.com/programs-and-departments/childrens-outpatient-centre-copc
Walk-in emergency clinic for children. Visit the website for what to expect and what to bring with you.
Walk-in Clinics:
Kingston Community Health Centre
http://www.kchc.ca/whats-new/new-walk-in-medical-clinic/
Non-emergency walk-in medical care.
CDK Walk-in Clinic
https://www.cdkmd.com/
Non-emergency walk-in medical care at two locations.
Housing
Rental Housing
Check websites for availability.
https://www.skylineliving.ca/apartments-for-rent/ontario/kingston/
https://www.homestead.ca/apartments-for-rent/kingston
http://limestonepropertymanagement.ca/
https://www.panadew.ca/
Social Housing Registry
https://www.cityofkingston.ca/residents/community-services/housing/social
Application for affordable housing through the City of Kingston. Visit the website for more details on how to apply.
Language Resources
Kingston Frontenac Public Library
https://www.kfpl.ca/getting-started/language-resources
Resources for learning English as a second language as well as a selection of publications in other languages.
Kingston Literacy & Skills
https://klandskills.ca/
Adult classes for English as a Second Language
Loyola
https://learningatloyola.ca/program/english-as-a-second-language-esl/
Adult classes for English as a Second Language
Limestone Community Education
http://www.limestonecommunityed.ca/immigrant-services.html
Adult classes for English as a Second Language
Employment Services
Keys Job Centre
http://keys.ca/content/immigrants/services.php
Specialized services for immigrants and newcomers to help with job and career search, English language acquisition and settlement in Kingston and Canada. Services are available in English, French, Arabic, Mandarin, Spanish and Kirundi.
Restart
http://www.restartnow.ca/
Employment counselling, training and workshops.
ACFOMI
https://www.acfomi.org/en/
Employment services in French and English.
Childcare
Subsidized Childcare Registry
https://www.cityofkingston.ca/residents/community-services/childcare
Application for affordable childcare. Visit the website for more information and to apply.
Elementary & Secondary Education
General Information
https://settlement.org/downloads/SWIS/Elementary.pdf
Elementary school guide for newcomers to Ontario.
Limestone District School Board
http://www.limestone.on.ca/
Local school board for elementary and secondary school. Visit the website for more information on programs available and registration.
Post-Secondary Education
St. Lawrence College
http://www.stlawrencecollege.ca/audience-menu/international-students/
Post-secondary support for international students at the College level.
Queen’s University
http://quic.queensu.ca/
Post-secondary support for international students at the University level.
Youth and Children
Immigrant Services
http://www.kchc.ca/calendar/iska-youth-group-weekly-drop-in3131/
Multicultural groups for children and youth.
Maltby Centre
http://maltbycentre.ca/
Mental health services for children and youth.
Family and Children’s Services
http://www.facsfla.ca/
Parenting suggestions in a Canadian context and support for families.
Grocery stores
Check the following websites for locations throughout Kingston.
Loblaws
https://www.loblaws.ca//store-locator/Princess+Street%2C+Kingston/1040?storeId=1040
Freshco
http://freshco.com/stores/princess-andersen/
Food Basics
https://www.foodbasics.ca/find-your-food-basics.en.html
Memorial Centre Market
https://www.memorialcentrefarmersmarket.ca/
Market with local vendors bringing in grocery items, prepared food, baked goods, crafts and more.
Shopping Centres
See websites available stores and locations.
Cataraqui Centre
http://www.cataraquicentre.ca/
Kingston Centre
https://www.shopping-canada.com/shopping-malls-centers/ontario/kingston/kingston-centre
RioCan Centre
https://www.shopping-canada.com/shopping-malls-centers/ontario/kingston/riocan-centre-kingston
Currency Exchange
Wellington Foreign Exchange
http://wellingtonfx.com/default.html
Recreation
City of Kingston
https://www.cityofkingston.ca/residents/recreation
Information on recreation programs throughout the city.
YMCA
http://www.kingston.ymca.ca/
Recreation programs at two locations. See website for more details.
Boys & Girls Club
http://www.bgckingston.ca/
Recreation programs for children.
Rideau Heights Community Centre
https://www.cityofkingston.ca/residents/recreation/facilities/community/rideau-heights
Recreation facility and community space. Programs available.
Other
Municipal Fee Assistance Program
https://www.cityofkingston.ca/residents/community-services/municipal-fee-assistance
Application to city programs at a reduced cost. See the website for more information and to apply.