I’ve always been a big proponent of innovation when it comes to tackling climate change. New ideas and technologies can help us reduce our global greenhouse gas emissions in substantial ways. Right now, Utilities Kingston is looking at a really interesting idea. The plan is to use biosolids from our wastewater treatments plants and organic…
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Right now the City is working on an exciting waterfront project, the promenade down here at confederation basin. The plan is to create a walkway along the section of the breakwater that is behind me and make a space for people to be able to enjoy amazing views of the waterfront and the city’s shoreline.…
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Last week City Councillors and community members heard from federal government experts on the initial plans for cleaning up the contamination here at Kingston’s Inner Harbour. According to the feds, the inner harbour is a high priority for action because of the presence of contaminants below the water that came from former industrial uses along…
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When it comes to recovery from the pandemic, there’s a particular challenge that has really come to the forefront this year. All over the community I’m hearing about the difficulties businesses are having in finding new employees. Whether it’s restaurants or retail stores, manufacturing or service industries, there’s a major crunch as businesses need new…
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We all know affordable housing is a critical need in our community. That’s why I’m proud that we’re making the biggest investment in affordable housing that the city has ever made. At our City Council meeting this week, we approved over $18 million in city capital funding to advance three different affordable housing projects in…
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Several years ago we began to explore options for a deep water dock for cruise ships here in Kingston. A deep water dock is a great way to grow our local tourism industry and to attract the increasing number of cruise ships traveling through the great lakes. The pandemic put those plans on hold but…
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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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