City reminds residents to check eligibility for Municipal Fee Assistance Program

This fall, the City is reminding residents to see if they are eligible for the Municipal Fee Assistance Program (MFAP), an income-based program providing access to City programs and services for free or at a lower cost.

Through a single application process, MFAP recipients can access discounted transit passes, City recreation and fitness programs/memberships, Grand OnSTAGE shows and musical performances, PumpHouse Museum tickets, extended health care benefits, a marriage licence and responsible pet ownership (such as vouchers for spay and neuter services). Program registration is confidential, allowing recipients to access these services the same as any other user.

In 2023, City staff were asked to review the program to identify and remove any barriers to low-income individuals during the application process. The review was endorsed by City Council and completed in February 2024 (Report 24-095) as part of a goal outlined in Kingston’s Strategic Plan to enhance community well-being.

“The program review gave us the opportunity to look closely at what is working well and understand how residents benefit most from the program,” says Ruth Noordegraaf, Director of Community Development & Well-being and IIDEA. “The unique combination of services gives program recipients discounted access not only to essential health benefits but other cultural and recreational experiences that improve overall well-being.”

Another outcome of the review is a new one-year partnership with Lionhearts to include its Fresh Food Market Pop-ups in the program. During the pilot program, which began in September 2024, all MFAP recipients qualify for discounts at any of the eight market locations by presenting their MFAP card.

Applying for MFAP

The application takes 10-15 minutes to complete. Residents can apply:

• Online: www.CityofKingston.ca/MFAP
• By email: MFAP@CityofKingston.ca
• In person: Housing and Social Services, 362 Montreal St. (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Applications are open year-round. Applicants are eligible based on household income; full details are available on MyKingston.ca. Funding for MFAP services is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and renewed every year.

About the Municipal Fee Assistance Program

The Municipal Fee Assistance Program began in fall 2009 based on the work of the Kingston Poverty Roundtable. The original goal was to make transit and recreation more affordable and to streamline the intake process for residents living in low-income households.

Since then, the City has expanded MFAP offerings and the number of households who are financially eligible to access it. The program remains the most comprehensive municipal discount program in Canada with a single application process and the widest range of programs and services.