Helping Build Kingston’s First Climate Action Framework

Kingston Climate Action Plan (2014) – City of Kingston

Role: Dan Hendry

Year: 2014

During my time as a Public Education and Promotions Coordinator with the City of Kingston, I had the opportunity to be part of the project management team responsible for developing a defining initiative for the city: Kingston’s first‑ever Climate Action Plan. This was more than a policy document—it became the foundation for Kingston’s long‑term Climate Action Strategy.

Photo Supplied By: Canada Commons Website

Much of my work focused on supporting the planning process and helping move the plan from early ideas to a completed framework. Early in the project, I led the RFI and RFP process to secure the external expertise needed to support the plan’s development. At the same time, I was deeply involved in the day‑to‑day coordination required to keep the work progressing, balancing timelines, inputs, and expectations as the plan took shape.

Community engagement was central to the Climate Action Plan, and I played a key role in ensuring residents were both informed and involved. I led public outreach efforts, including managing social media campaigns and email communications that shared updates, promoted engagement opportunities, and encouraged participation. These channels helped make the process transparent and kept the community connected to the work as it unfolded.

One of the most meaningful aspects of my role was organizing and facilitating engagement activities across different sectors. In particular, I helped coordinate discussions that centered on local food, food security, and sustainability, ensuring these issues were reflected within the broader climate framework and grounded the plan in community priorities.

Alongside the development of the Climate Action Plan itself, I also supported complementary sustainability initiatives such as Earth Hour, Pitch‑In Kingston, and the Commuter Challenge, helping reinforce climate action through visible, participatory programs.

Being part of the team that developed Kingston’s first Climate Action Plan was a powerful learning experience. It reinforced for me that strong coordination and genuine community involvement are essential to building lasting change. Through the development of the plan, we worked with more than 70 community partners, demonstrating what is possible when diverse voices work toward a shared goal.

While the city has since updated and expanded its climate commitments, the 2014 Climate Action Plan remains a project I am deeply proud of. It marked the moment Kingston formally committed to a collective path toward a more sustainable and resilient future, and I’m grateful to have played a role in helping lay that groundwork.

Related Links & Media: https://canadacommons.ca/artifacts/2534917/kingston-climate-action-plan/3557341/