Earlier this month, the City learned details about the plan to redevelop the property here at the former Prison for Women. This property has been vacant for more than 20 years, so it’s exciting to see a new vision come forward for a development called Union Park. The plan calls for renovating the existing heritage…
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Housing affordability continues to be a top priority for myself and City Council. We’re working on a number of different policies and strategies to provide lower cost housing options. One recommendation from the Mayor’s Taskforce on Housing was to explore opportunities to build tiny homes which are smaller and more affordable than other traditional types…
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This week the federal government announced funding for VIA Rail’s new high frequency rail service in eastern Ontario and southern Quebec. This funding will enable a new rail line to be built between Toronto and Ottawa enabling faster trips between the two cities. Even though this new rail line doesn’t pass through Kingston, it’s still…
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One of the most exciting industries seeing growth in Kingston right now is film productions. In the midst of a pandemic, the City has been able to host a variety of filming projects. Extensive protocols have been in place such as frequent COVID testing, medical grade safety equipment and PPE and physical distancing to keep…
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As the economy begins to reopen over the coming weeks, one of my top priorities will be working with the Kingston Economic Recovery Team to help bring businesses and employment back to full strength. The Kingston Economic Recovery Team (KERT) was formed last spring to help our local tourism sector, restaurants and retail stores, cultural…
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One of the best ways we can help our most vulnerable residents is to expand the supply of supportive housing here in Kingston. Supportive housing offers not only an affordable place for people to live, it also provides staff and services on site to help residents overcome the life challenges that can lead to homelessness.…
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With COVID cases on the decline and vaccination rates continuing to rise, I believe now is the right time for the province to look at reopening schools here in Kingston. The third wave of the pandemic has been tough on everyone in our community but it’s been especially difficult for children and youth. The Maltby…
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According to the most recent statistics, 1 out of every 8 households in Kingston experience some degree of food insecurity. They either worry about running out of food or at times have to reduce the quality or quantity of the food they eat. The pandemic has put a further strain on many families, and that’s…
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While the COVID-19 pandemic has been very hard on businesses in several key sectors, other industries in our local economy are growing faster than ever before. As surprising as this might sound, there has never been more interest in industrial land in Kingston. The City is working hard to expand the amount of industrial land…
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With the current provincial lockdown expected to be in place for several more weeks, I want to add my voice to those asking the Ontario government to consider allowing more outdoor activities. While parks, trails, benches and playgrounds remain open here in Kingston, new provincial rules have required us to close basketball and tennis courts,…
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