Utilities Kingston is providing this update to its customers in order to share information and help reduce the impact of service disruptions. We’ll continue to update Twitter and Facebook as new information becomes available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did you turn off the water at the street in case pipes burst?

Utility crews are not permitted into the restricted area until it has been made safe to do so. We will turn off any affected water services as soon as access is granted to the restricted area.

How long before my utilities will be turned back on?

Utilities Kingston  is providing regular updates via this website, Twitter and Facebook. The majority of power has been restored. The remaining electricity, water and gas services will be restored when it is safe for crews to access the area and when property damage has been repaired. Once the crane is down, Utilities Kingston will make an assessment and provide an update.

Electricity Services

Please view the updated power outage map. Crews have restored power to the area marked in blue. If you are a customer in the blue restored area and you don't have power, let us know by calling 613-546-1181, extension 2151. Power remains off to the red area. Once the crane is down, Utilities Kingston will make an assessment and provide an update.

Water Services

Water conservation: it's always a good idea to conserve treated water use, and we encourage the community to continue to be mindful of how they use tap water.

Fast fact: on the night of the main fire, approximately 16,000 cubic metres of water was supplied from the municipal water distribution system for fire protection. Fire fighters used 17 hydrants at the peak.

Discoloured tap water: Anytime there is activity on the water distribution system, sediments that normally occur in the pipes can be disturbed, resulting in tap water discolouration. The water is still safe. Run the cold water tap until the water clears again.

Gas Services

Gas services remain largely unaffected. If you smell natural gas, please leave the area immediately and contact Utilities Kingston at 613-546-1181, extension 2151. Read more on natural gas leaks and odours.

Once Restrictions Are Lifted and Services Restored

Once the restriction has been lifted and services restored, there are some important steps for property owners to take. We'll provide more information as the time gets closer, but here are some things to think about.

Damaged electrical services: Customers or property owners who have damage to their electrical service will need to contact a licensed electrician. An inspection from the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) will be required before crews can restore power to those customers. As we assess the area, we’ll attempt to contact affected customers directly.

Frozen water pipes: Customers or property owners should be aware that, if they lost electricity and heat, water pipes may be at risk of freezing. Pipes can expand and crack, leading to potential bursts or leaks.

Check the pipe coming into the water meter and any exposed plumbing in your home (e.g., basement). If you are then concerned about your internal plumbing, please contact a licensed plumber. Review this related information on how to check on your internal water pipes during extreme cold.

Further Information

Get the latest downtown fire update from the City of Kingston.