New 2025 Municipal Fees and Charges Now In Effect

Every year, as part of the budget process, Financial Services works with all City departments to review fees and charges, ensuring they align with our policies and strategic goals. In December, Council passed a new by-law to set the fees for 2025, and revenues from these fees will be included in the Mayor’s 2025 Operating Budget. 

Most services with fees are also partly paid for by taxes. The Municipal Act, 2001, allows us to charge fees for services, which are a big part of our city's revenue—about 15% of the total budget. It's important to review and adjust these fees every year to keep a fair balance between what users pay and what taxes cover. If we don't adjust the fees, property taxes would have to be raised to cover the costs of these services.  

While some fees stayed the same or were adjusted for inflation, such as Parent & Tot swimming lessons, pet licences and on-street parking fees, others like monthly Fit Pass memberships, marriage solemnization and garbage bag tags, are increasing. These increases help maintain service levels, reflect what the market rate for a service is, and are set in accordance with Council-approved strategies.  

We know that any increase to fees can add pressure to your household budget and we apologize for not sharing this information sooner. All fees and charges are now updated on our website (search for the service you access to see the current pricing). To see all 2025 fees and charges as approved by Council on Dec. 17, visit https://pub-cityofkingston.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6176