[2] The coastal defence vessels are powered by four Jeumont ANR-53-50 alternators coupled to four Wärtsilä UD 23V12 diesel engines creating 7.2 megawatts (9,700 hp).

Two LIPS Z-drive azimuth thrusters are driven by two Jeumont CI 560L motors creating 3,000 horsepower (2,200 kW) and the Z drives can be rotated 360°.

The vessels carry an AN/SQS-511 towed side scan sonar for minesweeping and a Remote-control Mine Hunting System (RMHS).

[6] In September 1998, Kingston was among the Canadian Forces vessels deployed to Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia in response to the crash of Swissair Flight 111, conducting recovery operations.

[7] In March 1999, the coastal defence vessel sailed to the Baltic Sea to participate in the NATO naval exercise "Blue Game" with sister ship Glace Bay and Anticosti.

[8] In June 2013, Kingston and Glace Bay were sent on a seven-week tour of the Saint Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes, making several port calls along the way.

[12][13] In August 2017, the Halifax-class frigate HMCS Montréal and Kingston and sister ship Moncton departed Halifax to take part in the Operation Nanook in Canada's northern waters.

[17] In August, Kingston and Charlottetown departed Halifax to take part in Operation Nanook, travelling to Iqaluit, Nunavut and Nuuk, Greenland.