SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Gazing at the stars

The first Queen's Observatory was established in the mid-19^th century, the beginning of a long and distinguished history of astronomical observing at Queen's University. The current observatory houses a 14-inch reflecting telescope in a dome on the roof of Ellis Hall, used primarily for research, student training, and public demonstrations.

Record and preserve cultural heritage

Queen’s is committed to recording and preserving aspects of cultural heritage such as local folklore, traditions, language, and knowledge. Our Office of Indigenous Initiatives – Art on Campus has installed plinths in outdoor locations around campus that identify the land the university sits on. There are also various artworks that have been installed around campus that have been produced by Indigenous artists and represent the languages, traditions, and knowledge systems of Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and other Indigenous nations from Turtle Island (Canada).

Student safety

Two programs provide around the clock safety for the members of our community – AMS Walkhome is a service provided by the Alma Mater Society offering safe walks to students, both on the Queen’s campus and within the Kingston community, and Safe Walk is run by Campus Security when Walkhome is off duty.

A home away from home

The Queen's Off-Campus Living Advisor has directly supported more than 900 students in evaluating off-campus housing, tenant rights and responsibilities, and moving resources. 

Partnering for a strong and caring community

Queen’s students, staff, and faculty raise more than $1,000,000 annually in support of underserved local populations. Our most recent campaign for the United Way of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington set a new annual record with $450,268 donated.

Working in partnership

The PhD-Community Initiative brings together PhD students from different programs of study to form interdisciplinary teams to assist local community organizations in addressing a particular issue or challenge of importance to them. In 2021, the initiative pivoted to address key issues of community resilience and economic and social recovery in partnership with the Mayor’s Kingston Economic Recovery Team. Past projects include proposals for community housing, addressing poverty, promoting arts and culture, and supporting equity-deserving communities.

All are welcome to Queen’s campus

We have and will always welcome the public to use and enjoy many of the university’s arts spaces, libraries, museums, and natural heritage lands, such as the Queen’s University Library, Miller Museum of Geology, Arthur B. McDonald Canadian Astroparticle Physics Research Institute’s Visitor Centre, and sports fields.

World renowned public art gallery on campus

More than a professional art centre and academic and research resource, the Agnes Etherington Art Centre is also a leading, internationally recognized public art gallery. One of its feature exhibits is its Indigenous Art Collection which is comprised of significant works by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists from Turtle Island as well as Indigenous artists and communities internationally.

A campus built among the trees

Many rare trees exist on the Queen's campus, including those native to Canada and those that have been introduced from other parts of the world. The Queen’s University Snodgrass Arboretum was established in 1999 to recognize these unique species. A campus map also allows visitors to take self-guided tours and identify the more interesting specimens.

Performances by internationally acclaimed talent

The Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts, or "The Isabel" as it is fondly known, hosts public performances, bringing local, national, and internationally renowned artists and performers of all genres to the local community, including musicians and performing artists.

Driving sustainable commuting

Queen’s is committed to reducing our environmental footprint by encouraging positive behaviour change and alternatives. Our Alternative Transportation Sub-Working Group is mandated to develop solutions for daily commuting in the Kingston area for employees and students with a focus on benefits for the environment, human health, as well as economically. Current initiatives include the Transpass Program which includes discounted monthly passes, unlimited monthly bus rides, and other incentives for using public transit. We also participate in the National Commuter Challenge – a week-long competition designed to encourage active and sustainable commuting.

The campus at the city scale

Decisions made by the university have an impact on the surrounding city and community. As such, it is important that there is coordinated planning to ensure mutual benefit between Kingston and the University. The Queen’s University Campus Master Plan outline’s Queen’s commitment to ensuring our planning decisions complement the vision and policies of the City of Kingston.