The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) is urging vendors operating in downtown Kingston to fully comply with established vending regulations, as commercial activity is expected to heighten during the Christmas season.

Addressing the KSAMC’s monthly meeting on Tuesday, Mayor of Kingston Councillor Andrew Swaby said the Corporation has issued an “early and clear warning” in light of the rising trend in street vending, particularly in non-designated areas.

“As we approach the Christmas season, and we anticipate an increase in commercial activity across downtown, the KSAMC is issuing an early and clear warning regarding the rise in street vending, particularly vending in non-designated areas,” he noted.

The mayor said the annual surge in unregulated vending continues to create significant operational challenges. “Each year, this practice presents serious challenges…including security risks, traffic conditions, and overall discomfort,” he added.

“These conditions not only disrupt the orderly flow of pedestrians and vehicles, but also discourage customers from coming downtown to shop, ultimately hurting both vendors and the broader business community,” he continued.

Councillor Swaby underscored that the matter is long-standing, noting that “street vending in downtown is not a new issue”.

“For decades, public spaces, especially sidewalks, have become increasingly congested with unregulated vending,” he said, adding that the situation has now reached a point where it has become “a significant public order problem”.

He pointed out that during high-traffic periods, including Christmas and the back-to-school season, “the challenges intensify and place additional strain on the Corporation’s ability to maintain safety, accessibility, and proper use of public spaces”.

Meanwhile, he reinforced the Corporation’s call for compliance as the festive period approaches, stressing that the KSAMC is seeking full cooperation from vendors to maintain order in the commercial district.

“As we prepare for the holiday season, the KSAMC is appealing to vendors and urging full cooperation. We must all work together to preserve lawfulness, protect the public, and ensure downtown remains a safe, functional, and attractive commercial district,” he emphasised.

The Mayor warned that stricter enforcement is forthcoming, stating that “accordingly, vendors and members of the business community are being placed on notice that in the coming year, the KSAMC will take firm and decisive steps to restore law and order across the business district”.

“This includes reclaiming critical corridors within the business district and enforcing compliance within the established vending regulations,” Councillor Swaby noted.

He emphasised that the Corporation’s intention is not punitive. “Our goal is not to disrupt livability but to ensure a clean, orderly, and prosperous downtown for everyone…The KSAMC stands ready to work with all stakeholders as we move towards a more organised, safe, and business-friendly city in 2025 and beyond,” the mayor said.