Ontario Construction News staff writer
Kingston city council and staff are putting final touches on a strategic plan that will set priorities for the next four years.
“After three nights of discussions, I’m confident that we have identified strategic priorities that address the city’s current needs and prepare Kingston for the future,” says Mayor Bryan Paterson.
The pillars of the 2023-2026 strategic plan are:
- support housing affordability
- lead environmental stewardship and climate action
- foster a connected and caring community
- drive inclusive economic growth
Staff will develop an implementation plan to guide work and identify how priorities will be met over the next four years. The implementation plan will be brought to council for final approval in May.
“Many of the themes that emerged from engagement reflect what we’ve been hearing from the community as well as discussions we’ve been having as council,” says Mayor Bryan Paterson. “Housing availability and affordability, homelessness supports, climate change, road infrastructure, and access to healthcare were some of the top concerns shared.”
Feedback was collected through an online survey, social media comments, in-person pop-up sessions, submissions to Contact Us, the city’s customer relationship management tool, and focused conversations with partner agencies.
“Unfortunately, Kingston is becoming a city where only individuals in the middle and upper class can afford to live,” staff wrote in a report. “House prices and rents make it prohibitive for lower income individuals to find affordable accommodation.
“Without affordable accommodation, poverty and homelessness will continue to grow in our city.”
