Kingston Currents

In this episode: The grand opening of Kingstons first-ever fully inclusive playground at Shannon Park. Updates from City Council’s last meeting, including two recreation-related updates. Then, recent strides at Kingston Health Sciences Centre’s Emergency Department that have cut ambulance offload times by 44 per cent in the past year.

Plus, your weather and traffic report for this upcoming weekend.

Tune in to dive into all of these stories with CFRC’s Broadcast Journalist, Christena Lawrie.

In this episode: CFRC sits down with the founders of a music festival celebrating the banjo returning for its second year on Wolfe Island this weekend. Then, updates from City Council’s last meeting, including the City’s response to the recent breakdown of Canada-U.S. trade negotiations and potential tightening of regulations surrounding the use of leg-hold traps to protect local wildlife. 

Plus, your weather and traffic report for this upcoming weekend.

Tune in to dive into all of these stories with CFRC’s Broadcast Journalist, Christena Lawrie.

In this episode: CFRC sits down with the Kingston Frontenac Public Library’s Manager of Programming & Outreach Liz Coates to discuss the impressive results of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. City Council discusses potential changes to the Yards By-Law in response to complaints and a lack of clarity surrounding “naturalized” lawns. And, messages directly from the City for new and returning students as the school year begins.

Plus, your weather and traffic report for this upcoming weekend, and a few events to keep on your radar from CFRC’s Community Events Calendar.

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In this episode: CFRC sits down with David Ellingwood, General Manager of Cataraqui Conservation, to discuss a major restoration project at Lemoine Point that kicked off this week. Then, an announcement for the Kingston Frontenac Public Library regarding this year’s summer reading challenge, a message from the City for new and returning students, and more.

Plus, your weather and traffic report for this upcoming weekend, and a few events to keep on your radar from CFRC’s Community Events Calendar.

Tune in to dive into all of these stories with CFRC’s Broadcast Journalist, Christ...

In this episode: An update on collective bargaining between Queen’s University and the Queen’s University Faculty Association after a strike vote last week, what to expect from the City’s Forever Hip event series this weekend, a call for feedback on how the City engages the community when implementing housing solutions, and more.

Plus, your weather and traffic report for this upcoming weekend, and a few events to keep on your radar from CFRC’s Community Events Calendar.

Tune in to dive into all of these stories with CFRC’s Broadcast Journalist, Christena Lawrie.

In this episode: Council unanimously approves funding for six pilot projects intended to support harm reduction services ahead of the planned closure of Kingston’s Consumption and Treatment Services site at the end of September. An update from Cataraqui Conservation on a project at Lemoine Point, and a reminder to vote for this year’s election stickers directly from the City of Kingston.

Plus, your weather and traffic report for this upcoming weekend, and a few events to keep on your radar from CFRC’s Community Events Calendar.

Tune in to dive into all of these...

In this episode: The kickoff of Theatre Kingston’s Fringe Festival, a special uncurated portion of the Kick & Push festival featuring 17 shows over the next 11 days, with Artistic Director Rosemary Doyle. Then some messages directly from the City of Kingston, and an update from Cataraqui Conservation on their Lemoine Point Conservation Area Grassland Habitat Restoration Project.

Plus, your weather and traffic reports for this upcoming weekend, and a few events to keep on your radar from CFRC’s Community Events Calendar.

Tune in to dive into all of these stories with CFRC’s Broadcast Journalist, Christ...

In this episode: Artistic Producer Liam Karry sits down with CFRC to talk about this year’s Kick & Push Festival, running until August 16. Then, artists and organizers sit down to share more about the upcoming Play me Kingston art installation, set to transform downtown into a gallery dedicated to Kingston’s music scene.

Plus, your weather and traffic report for this upcoming weekend, and a few events to keep on your radar from CFRC’s Community Events Calendar.

Tune in to dive into all of these stories with CFRC’s Broadcast Journalist, Christena Lawrie.

This week on the Kingston Curator, get a taste of what the TK Fringe Festival has to offer with a performance brought to Kingston by them called Speaking Vibrations. On this episode I sit down with one of the co-producers of the show, Jordan Samonas. She talks about the origins of the production, and how it blends ASL poetry, percussive dance, and live music in one show. In addition, why accessibility is important to this team by allowing audiences to experience sound tactically through vibrating vests, seats, and floor pads.

This week on the Kingston Curator, we have a returning guest to the show Sierra Saikaley from Downtown Kingston. She gives us a taste of the behind the scenes of the princess street promenade and what to expect from this year’s event, and the history behind it all.

In this episode: An update from South East Public Health as mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus have been detected in the region, the first mosquito pool test positive for the virus this season. Kingston Economic Development celebrates the opening of a new research facility it says will help accelerate health and life sciences innovation in the region. Messages directly from the City, including an update on the 315 Queen Mary Road shared care model opening, how Kingston will be recognizing Emancipation Day next weekend, and a call to vote for this year’s municipal election sticker designs.

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In this episode: An update from the new Lunch by George downtown distribution site, after the organization made the move from their home of over 40 years at St. George’s Cathedral. A statement from South East Public Health as poor air quality continues in the Kingston region. Messages directly from the City, including an update on the 315 Queen Mary Road shared care model opening and the announcement of the five initiatives selected to receive funding support through the 2026 Rural Community Program Fund.

Plus, your weather and traffic report for this upcoming weekend, and a few events to ke...

In this episode: Motions from this week’s City Council meeting aimed at improving everyday life for residents, from neighbourhood pathways to on-street parking. Messages directly from the City, including updates on The Tragically Hip tenth anniversary celebrations, a new pilot project to fight food insecurity, and the launch of the Community Harm Reduction and Public Safety Pilot Project Funding Program.

Plus, your weather and traffic report for this upcoming weekend, and a few events to keep on your radar from CFRC’s Community Events Calendar.

Tune in to dive into all of these stories with...

In this episode: An update on the City’s Multi-Site Visioning and Recreation Facility Capital Planning Project for the Kingston Memorial Centre, Portsmouth Olympic Harbour and Centre 70 sites. Also, some messages directly from the City, Public Health, and the FLA Ontario Health Team. Plus, your weather and traffic updates and events calendar for the upcoming weekend.

Tune in to dive into all of these stories with CFRC’s Broadcast Journalist, Christena Lawrie.

In this episode: A motion from City Council’s last meeting officially renaming Strathcona Park’s Indian Road after years of debate. Also, some messages directly from the City this week, including your guide to Canada Day in Kingston, how the city is celebrating the FIFA World Cup, welcoming Kingston Fire and Rescue’s new Deputy Chief, and an update on the unique Fines for Food pilot.

Plus, your weather and traffic updates and events calendar for the upcoming weekend.

Tune in to dive into all of these stories with CFRC’s Broadcast Journalist, Christena Lawrie.<

In this episode: From City Council’s last meeting, an update on the City’s plan for the upcoming Consumption Treatment Services closure. Also, some messages directly from the City, including upcoming community celebrations, a call for election sticker design submissions, and more.

Also, your weather and traffic updates and events calendar for the upcoming weekend.

Tune in to dive into all of these stories with CFRC’s Broadcast Journalist, Christena Lawrie.

In this episode: Updates from City Council’s last meeting, includng the City’s new plan for the waterfront after the cancellation of the Patry Aquatic Park project and changes to improve equity in ice sports. Also, some messages directly from the City, including upcoming community celebrations, a call for election sticker design submissions, and more.

Also, your weather and traffic updates and events calendar for the upcoming weekend.

Tune in to dive into all of these stories with CFRC’s Broadcast Journalist, Christena Lawrie.

In this episode: the latest in Kingston nature news. An advocacy-based motion supported unanimously by City Council urges senior levels of government to take steps toward establishing a National Marine Conservation Area in Lake Ontario. Also, some upcoming opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, an update on the City’s response to extreme heat, and precautions to take as climate factors cause historically high tick activity.

Tune in to dive into all of these stories with CFRC’s Broadcast Journalist, Christena Lawrie.

In this episode: the latest in Kingston nature news. An advocacy-based motion supported unanimously by City Council urges senior levels of government to take steps toward establishing a National Marine Conservation Area in Lake Ontario. A flashback to an interview with Julia Stroud, Excecutive Director of Sustainable Kingston, in anticipation of next week’s Kingston Climate Summit. Also, some upcoming opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, an update on the City’s response to extreme heat, and precautions to take as climate factors cause historically high tick activity.

Tune in to dive into all of these stories with CFRC...

In this episode: updates directly from City Hall, including a decision from Council’s last meeting taking steps towards a new dome for the John Machin Soccer Park, the unveiling of the Tragically Hip final concert 10th anniversary events this summer, an interactive art exhibition on display at Rideau Heights Community Centre, and more.

Also, your weather and traffic updates and events calendar for the upcoming weekend.

Tune in to dive into all of these stories with CFRC’s Broadcast Journalist, Christena Lawrie.

In this episode: the Ontario Premier League soccer season is in full swing, and Kingston is making waves. The Sentinels had an electric home opener at the end of April, bringing semi-professional soccer back to Kingston for the first time in a decade. Along with this early success, franchise owner Victory Grounds Ventures already has sights set on a stadium for the city in the near future, while players work towards bringing Kingston’s team to the next competitive level. CFRC sits down with Victory Grounds Ventures CEO Paul Barbeau and players from the men’s and women’s teams...

In this episode: An update on the future of Kingston’s addiction and mental health services. With the closure of the city’s Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) site on the horizon due to loss of Provincial support and recent news of Kingston being approved for a HART Hub, Council discussed and ultimately approved a multi-part response to support the community through the transition to the abstinence-only recovery model.

Also, some updates directly from the City, including major upcoming events, the return of the Rural Community Program Fund, and the results of the Household Travel Survey, capturing evol...

In this episode: Some highlights from City Council’s last meeting, including a new pilot air-conditioner program to support vulnerable residents ahead of extreme summer heat, Council’s reaction to the Province’s new “bring-your-own” permit option, and new measures to improve oversight of partner organizations in response to the taxi commission fallout. Plus, Inclusive Play Project and local Tim Hortons restaurant owners aim to cross the funding finish line for the Jumpstart Inclusive Playground with this year’s Smile Cookie Campaign.

In this episode: Kingston’s 2026 Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign aims to bring the Jumpstart Inclusive Playground across the funding finish line next week, with 100 per cent of proceeds supporting the $1.5 million project that just broke ground in Shannon Park. The Kingston Climate Summit returns for its second year with an expanded two-day event, focusing on community-driven climate action and the theme of biodiversity. Plus, Queen’s professor Dr. Samantha King explores the rise of protein culture in her new book, unpacking the myths, marketing, and social forces behind the trending macronutrient.

Tune in to dive into all...

In this episode: The latest from City Hall. After unanimous support from Council, a temporary bylaw prohibiting clear cutting is now in effect until the City’s new Official Plan comes into play. In the same meeting, Council votes to explore the creation of a municipal tree conservation incentive program, a new way to protect the city’s tree canopy by rewarding preservation. Also, an update on construction at the Culligan Water Park reveals the project has been delayed, meaning Kingstonians will be going two summers without the facility.

Tune in to dive into all of these stor...

In this episode: Partners in Mission Food Bank prepares for its annual Food Blitz on Saturday, April 11, collecting donations at grocery stores across Kingston. The event comes following five record-breaking years for use of the food bank, with no signs of slowing down. The Transplant Advocate Association marks Green Shirt Day and BeADonor Month in Kingston, both a moment of recognition and a call to action. Celebrated Canadian singer-songwriter and Queen’s University aluma Jill Barber returns to Kingston for Under Paris Skies, a concert of timeless French classics, with the Kingston Symphony this weekend.

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In this episode: Researchers at Kingston Health Sciences Centre and Smith Engineering at Queen’s University are redefining how we understand shoulder movement with a first-of-its-kind imaging study, while the Great Lakes Museum prepares to welcome families with its inaugural Bunnies on Boats Easter event. At City Hall, Council finalizes the $12M purchase of Lemoine Point Farm following years of advocacy, approves a temporary extension for Lionhearts’ vocational laundry program after the Adelaide Street Shelter closure, and grapples with the looming closure of Kingston’s consumption and treatment services site, leaving uncertainty around harm reduction as the city pushes for al...

In this episode, host Christena Lawrie speaks with Executive Director Maddi Andrews about the rebrand of Modern Fuel Artist-Run Centre to Cultivate Art Commons, exploring what the shift means ahead of the organization’s 50th anniversary. The, she dives into updates from City Hall, including a scaled-back plan to mark the The Tragically Hip final concert 10th anniversary following a controversial funding proposal last month, a push to explore eco-friendly road salt alternatives, a motion declaring student debt a municipal economic concern, and more.

In this episode, host Christena Lawrie takes you inside A Sheltered Life, a powerful portrait exhibit at the Tett Centre for Creativity & Learning amplifying the stories of residents who have experienced homelessness, speaks with Kingston-born photographer Brett Hitchins on his work being featured in a Canada Post stamp series, and breaks down key City Hall updates, from proposed snow windrow clearing and extreme heat supports to the Alto rail debate and upcoming St. Patrick’s Day safety measures.

In this episode, host Christena Lawrie speaks with Queen’s Health Sciences student Cassie Porte about bringing the first-ever Team Cassie & Friends Run to Kingston, raising awareness and support for children living with juvenile arthritis. Downtown Kingston BIA Events Manager Sandi Griffiths shares the story behind RoadTrip, a new multi-genre music festival set to transform the downtown core into a day-long celebration of live music this fall. Kingston Canadian Film Festival director Marc Garniss reflects on KCFF 2026 bookending the festival with two hockey stories that explore the sport through the perspectives of marginalized players.

Host Christena Lawrie covers the kickoff of the 2026 Kingston Canadian Film Festival, the City’s purchase securing the future of Lemoine Point Farm after decades of community advocacy, the upcoming Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser in support of Lionhearts, and City Council’s investment in life sciences innovation with Tri-Colour Labs.

Join host Christena Lawrie for the stories shaping Kingston this week. Get ready for Boards Up! Rink Sports in the Square with Sandy Griffiths of the Downtown Kingston BIA, including historic hockey, curling, ringette, and youth hockey programs. Hear from Evan Mitchell, Music Director of the Kingston Symphony, as he prepares to take audiences to a galaxy far, far away with The Music of Star Wars concert this weekend. Learn about the newly named Canadian Museum of Healthcare’s new national scope, updates from Kingston City Council, and the start of the KFL&A Food Policy Council’s startegy-building cons...

This week, CFRC’s Christena Lawrie covers the Great Lakes Museum’s screening of Last Boat on the Lake, with insights from visitor experience manager Claire Notman, and the opening of Kingston’s first dedicated queer bar in almost 20 years with owner Paul Fortier. She also dives into the latest in Wolf Island ferry service, and the launch on the KFL&A Food Policy Council’s regional consultations. Plus, your weekend roundup of events and concerts around town.

In this episode, host Christena Lawrie sits down with Karen Santucci, representing the City’s Bird Team, to dive into Kingston’s official Nature Canada Bird-Friendly City certification, a title the City has been working towards for the past year. Lawrie also covers some of Council’s final decisions of 2025, an ongoing community campaign raising awareness about Intimate Partner Violence in KFL&A, and more.

In this episode, host Christena Lawrie covers some highlights from last week’s City Council meeting, a new mental health resource launched by four second-year Queen’s University students, and a few stories to get you into the holiday spirit, including the success of this year’s Toys for Tickets program and the ongoing Kingston General Hospital Teddy Bear Campaign.

In this episode, host Christena Lawrie runs through the latest updates from City Hall, covering this week’s Council meeting. She also sits down with Kingston General Hospital Auxiliary President Chelsea Reynolds to chat about the 2025 Teddy Bear Campaign, which will once again provide funds for new equipment for the Pediatric Program at Kingston Health Sciences Centre.

Local news with CFRC’s Broadcast Journalist, Christena Lawrie.

In this episode of Kingston Currents, we set sail into some of Kingston’s Halloween highlights, from the S.S. Keewatin’s sell-out spooky event to the St. Lawrence II’s transformation into a haunted pirate ship. We also check in on the growing momentum behind the RXN HUB green tech innovation project and highlight longtime tourism industry leader John Wright, who was recently honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO).

This week on Kingston Currents, we’re getting into the Halloween spirit! From the third annual Witches’ Walk taking over downtown this evening to the first spooky season event aboard the S.S. Keewatin, and the delightfully unsettling Creepy Doll Museum coming to the Broom Factory this weekend, we’re exploring the city’s haunted happenings.

In this episode, host Christena Lawrie covers the announcement of Kingston’s official City Birds after a tight race with over 1,600 votes. She dives into some highlights from last week’s Council meeting, including an update on the City’s Family Physician Recruitment Program and Council’s response to recent announcements from VIA Rail. Lawrie also discusses a first-of-its-kind study using psychedelics to treat anxiety taking place at Kingston Health Sciences Centre Research Institute with the study’s principal investigator Dr. Claudio Soares.