First of all, Happy New Year Kingston! For my first post of 2017, I’d like to share a quick preview of what I see as the key city issues and events on the horizon for the coming year. Defining the Future of Kingston Penitentiary and Portsmouth Olympic Harbour: the current visioning process will be completed…
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Check out the latest version of From the Mayor’s Chair, where I break down the decisions of Council in 3 minutes or less. Highlights from the December 20 Council meeting included approval of exploring alternative uses for Belle Park which will include public consultation before the 2018 season, approval of a motion to explore a partnership…
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As mayor, I want to take this opportunity to thank Councillor Allen for his dedication to representing the people and interests of Countryside District. He has become a strong voice at council and his leadership and ability to consider all sides of an issue will be missed. In his time on council, Richard worked to…
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Check out the latest version of From the Mayor’s Chair, where I break down the decisions of Council in 3 minutes or less. Highlights from the December 6 Council meeting included Council support for Innovate Kingston’s Breakout event set for May 2017, Council approved a plan to support the relocation of the Alexander Henry to a…
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Earlier this week I was thrilled to announce, after an incredibly successful 2016 season, Kingston Penitentiary tours will continue for 2017! The KP tours this past summer were a huge catalyst for tourism in Kingston, helping to make this the biggest year for tourism in our city’s history. In total, the KP tours welcomed over…
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Today I am absolutely thrilled to announce one of the biggest economic development deals in our city’s history! Feihe International has selected Kingston as their Canadian base of operations, investing an enormous $225 million in Kingston! With this investment Feihe will be opening a state-of-the-art 300,000 square foot processing and research and development (R&D) facility…
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A key part of my ‘smart and livable 21st century city’ vision is to establish Kingston as a global city, to define Kingston as a leader not just in our region, but nationally and internationally. As mayor I am continually amazed and inspired by the individuals and organizations in our community who are recognized for…
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City Council will be spending several nights next week reviewing the draft operating and capital budget for 2017. I’ve had a chance to read through the highlights, and I’m very pleased city staff are proposing a budget that limits the tax increase to 2.5% while maintaining all existing frontline services. By finding efficiencies, growing the…
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Check out the latest version of From the Mayor’s Chair, where I break down the decisions of Council in 3 minutes or less. Highlights from the November 15 Council meeting included a re-vote on the Capitol condominium project without the participation of Councillor Candon, following the integrity commissioners report , also resulting from the integrity commissioners…
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Earlier this fall the Ontario government gave the green light for any municipality in the province to change its electoral system from the traditional ‘First Past the Post’ system (FPTP) to a ranked ballot system. Details will be presented in a report from staff at our November 15 council meeting. As a reminder of the…
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