City of Kingston and Utilities Kingston invite you to the Kingston Climate Expo

The City of Kingston is excited to announce the inaugural Kingston Climate Expo, presented by Utilities Kingston, taking place Oct. 3 – 20, 2024! This three-week interactive and educational event will showcase various climate change initiatives across Kingston, including efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and will provide opportunities to learn about reducing personal carbon footprints. All Expo events are free of charge thanks to support from sponsors and community partners. 

“Real change begins in our own backyard, and each of us has a vital part to play. The Kingston Climate Expo is a gathering point for our community, highlighting our shared efforts and offering an inspiring space to learn, engage and spark your own commitment to climate action,” says David Fell, President and Chief Executive Officer, Utilities Kingston. “We’re proud to support this community event and invite you to join us and help lead the way to a more sustainable Kingston.” 

The Expo kicks off at the INVISTA Centre where Plug‘n Drive will be hosting their Mobile Electric Vehicle Education Trailer (MEET) from Oct. 3 – 20. Join an interactive showcase of educational information and test drive of some of the latest electric vehicle (EV) models from leading manufacturers. Drivers can book an appointment to test drive an EV here. 

Climate Expo Showcase 

Bring the whole family to 945 Princess St. for the Climate Expo Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 9 a.m.– 3 p.m. 945 Princess St. is a newly-renovated, near net-zero building that prioritizes decarbonization. The building has been updated by Modern Niagara to foster discovery and experimentation while increasing environmental responsibility and contributing to the region's climate goals. This engaging and informative event is free and open to all and provides the opportunity to meet local businesses and organizations who are leading the way on sustainability in Kingston. 

Event highlights include: 

• Community Booths: Engage with local experts who can help you reduce your personal carbon footprint at home and contribute to climate action in our community.
• Presentation: City of Kingston Climate Initiatives (10 – 11 a.m.): Discover the City’s climate initiatives across municipal facilities, transit, transportation and climate leadership.
• Panel: Local Food Circularity - Seed to Soil (11 a.m. – 12 p.m.): Hear from experts on sustainable food systems, growing food traditionally, local food rescue and more.
• Low Carbon Building Tours: Tour 945 Princess St., home to RXN Hub, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting cleantech innovation, and learn about eco-friendly construction practices.
• Eco Storytime by Kingston Frontenac Public Library (2 – 2:30 p.m.): Bring the kids for a special eco-themed storytime session, courtesy of Kingston Frontenac Public Library. Queen's Department of Chemistry will also be doing "magic" demonstrations throughout the day! 

“We are thrilled to offer this opportunity for our community to engage with and learn about the important climate initiatives and sustainability efforts happening right here in Kingston,” says Russell Horne, Acting Manager of Energy and Asset Management at the City of Kingston. “The Kingston Climate Expo is a chance for residents to get involved, make informed choices and contribute to a more sustainable future.” 

Additional Events 

Industry professionals are invited to join the Green Horizons: Low Carbon Solutions for Business presentation on Thursday, Oct. 4 to learn more about project funding sources that are available for decarbonization efforts. This event is invite-only; please visit the Climate Expo webpage for more information. 

On Thursday, Oct. 10, Utilities Kingston and St. Lawrence College are hosting an empowering panel discussion, focusing on women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). The panel will feature speakers who will share their experiences and insights on navigating STEM careers, highlighting the importance of creating inclusive work environments that encourage participation from all backgrounds. Register to attend via Eventbrite. 

Students will also have the opportunity to get in on the fun as part of the “Energy Treasure Hunt Workshop.” Staff from Sustainable Kingston and the City of Kingston’s Energy and Asset Management team will be stopping by local schools on Oct. 15 – 18 to teach students how to find energy waste in their own homes. 

Commitment to Sustainability in Kingston 

The Kingston Climate Expo is made possible due to the generous support from the following partners who are committed to sustainability in our community: Utilities Kingston, Modern Niagara, Mitsubishi Electric Heating and Cooling, Surgenor Truck Group, Zamboni, ICF, Callidus Engineering, Podium Developments, MCW, St. Lawrence College and OACETT. 

To book an appointment to test drive an electric vehicle, visit Plug’n Drive’s website. Learn more about the Oct. 5 Showcase and other Climate Expo events here.