DISTRICT IDENTITY AND CHARACTER

I am an advocate for strong neighbourhood based planning in order to preserve and enhance Sydenham's unique character. I will advocate for development that complements the existing neighbourhood. I will work to ensure families have the same opportunity my wife and I had to raise a family in Sydenham, including working closely with school boards to keep our local schools open for the long term. Please see my "City-wide Issues" page for more of my ideas regarding urban planning and development.  During this campaign, I met with experts in heritage conservation to gain more insights and knowledge regarding the policies and programs that can effectively protect Sydenham's unique identity. 

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LARGE LOT DEVELOPMENTS

I will lead proactive planning for the redevelopment of large parcels of land within Sydenham—including the Empire Life lands, surplus federal lands on the east side of Sir John A. Macdonald Boulevard and King Street, and the large lakefront property south of King Street, west of the Tett Centre (see below for more thoughts regarding the St. Helen's Complex. My goal will be to ensure that any proposals protect neighbourhood character while delivering meaningful public amenities.

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During my tenure at Queen’s University, I helped to organize a strategic meeting of key organizations and experts in public-land management, including representatives from Canada Lands Company, Infrastructure Ontario (formerly Ontario Realty Corporation), and other specialists. The meeting showcased and examined the unique opportunities associated with public lands held by the federal, provincial, and municipal governments in Kingston.  Since then, I have developed a deeper understanding of the potential for redeveloping surplus government land. I will advocate for key federal land holdings—such as 440 King Street West— be included in the Federal Lands Initiative so that its redevelopment can become a spectacular community asset.

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LIVABILITY 

At the doorstep of many residents I visited during the campaign, I heard a recurring concern: our neighbourhoods are becoming less livable and less safe. Maintaining and improving the livability of our district and city will be among my highest priorities.  Many residents—including students—are increasingly feeling uncomfortable and unsafe. I will develop a community safety plan that takes immediate action to address these concerns. I will also ensure that strong neighbourhood planning is incorporated into the new Official Plan to be considered by the next council.  Livability also means providing appropriate social and support services for our most vulnerable residents. Achieving this will require strong partnerships and collaboration. I have actively reached out to diverse organizations serving our community. I attended the Transitional Housing Forum and carefully reviewed the housing plans presented by each mayoral candidate. I also visited Tibi Moza, an Indigenous housing provider in our district, where I met with staff and residents to gain firsthand insight into the challenges they face and potential solutions. In addition, I attended the City’s update on its Housing and Homelessness Plan. If elected, I will support the implementation of many of its goals and objectives.

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RESIDENTIAL INTENSIFICATION

The form, type, and location of residential intensification will remain an ongoing and pressing issue for our district. This includes the redevelopment of single- and multi-unit lots under the current three-units-per-lot as-of-right policy. If elected, I will direct staff to update zoning regulations, design guidelines, and community consultation processes to ensure that infill development is compatible, sustainable, and contributes to housing supply without compromising liveability. We must take a strategic and creative approach to intensification. The development at 47 Wellington is one strong example of how thoughtful planning can support additional housing while respecting the surrounding community. Our community also has excellent examples of adaptive reuse involving historic church buildings. These projects preserve our heritage while creating opportunities for future economic development, housing, and community services.

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STUDENTS

I will support  the work of the City’s Post-Secondary Working Group. If elected I will seek an active role in the creation of the Student Housing Strategy as recently funded by Council.  I want to be on Council to ensure the SHS, planned for completion by 2028, is in the best interest of all residents.  SHS will include complex development options, land use controls and involve extensive public engagement.  I believe that I have the background, training and experience to ensure that the SHS serves the community's best interests. 

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QUEEN'S-COMMUNITY-MUNICIPAL RELATIONS

If elected, I will continue to support and contribute to the important work of the City’s Post-Secondary Working Group. I will build on my experience engaging Queen’s University with the City and the broader community. When I first began working at Queen’s, I quickly recognized a lack of understanding and meaningful communication between the university and surrounding neighbourhoods. To help address this, I organized one of the first community meetings at Robert Sutherland Hall, bringing together residents, campus planners, and Queen’s administrators to discuss shared concerns about development both on and off campus. Since then, I have continued working to strengthen Queen’s relationship with the Sydenham community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, I was the only faculty member to secure resources from Queen’s and mobilize faculty and students to explore how local streets could be used for outdoor activities—particularly after the provincial government closed our local parks and playgrounds.

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ST. HELEN's COMPLEX: 440 KING STREET WEST PROPERTIES

As I mentioned at the All-Candidates Meeting, the properties at 440–462 King Street West are a gem and deserve thoughtful development. The buildings are of significant heritage value, but so is the landscape—including the wooded areas—and the remarkable length of the waterfront. The site’s topography also presents both opportunities and challenges. My thoughts are:

• Any development should include a clear strategy for the adaptive reuse of the heritage buildings. Whatever uses are proposed should be compatible with the character and structure of the existing buildings.

• Development should complement the institutional uses to the east. The Tett Centre and the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts are exceptional community assets, and any proposal should respect and build on their presence.

• The waterfront should remain a place for people, with public access maintained through a park or naturalized area.

• The project should substantially improve the pedestrian walkway along the King Street frontage, which is currently inadequate.

• The height and density of buildings should be in keeping with the character of surrounding buildings.

I would be interested to explore and get community feedback on a heritage-led, mixed-use community campus. This would involve the reuse of the existing buildings for public-serving uses, keep the most sensitive landscape and waterfront open, and limit any new construction to carefully chosen areas where it won’t overwhelm the heritage setting. Specific uses might include affordable seniors housing or community and cultural space: galleries, studios, workshops, event rooms, or educational programs that complement the nearby Tett Centre and Isabel Bader Centre rather than compete with them.  

There may be other conditions and ideas that will come out through public meetings.  If elected, I would host a community meeting regarding these properties and demand answers from our MP regarding the manner in which these federal lands are being disposed of.  I continue to stand by my statement that these lands must be part of the Federal Lands Initiative.

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KGH

I will defend the future of Kingston General Hospital lands as an active community advocate — demanding transparent planning, public consultation, and that any change prioritize health services, employment, and community benefit. I will use every available council tool to ensure residents have a decisive voice in outcomes.  For example, during labour day events, I had a chance to discuss with the Kingston Health Coalition their concerns regarding the future of health care in our community. 

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TREE CANOPY: 

Sydenham District is blessed with a large number of mature trees especially Oaks and Maples,  However, several residents have told me that the City has chopped down several mature trees for no apparent reason.  If elected, I will direct City Staff to review tree removal guidelines to ensure that as many mature trees are maintained as possible.  Our tree canopy is also an important part of our effort to address Climate Change - please see my page"City Issues" for more information. 

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TRAFFIC and PARKING

I will advance neighbourhood traffic‑calming and safety initiatives on local streets, prioritizing pedestrian and cyclist safety, school zones, and evidence‑based measures (traffic calming, speed reductions, improved crossings, and targeted enforcement). At the City Council meeting last July, staff were directed to undertake a complete overview of the city’s on-street parking and enforcement. The staff are to report back to council early next year.  If elected, I will make sure that Sydenham residents are informed and have an opportunity to respond to the staff report.

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PARKS

I will protect and enhance Sydenham’s parks — Breakwater, Memorial, City, and Oakridge — by directing comprehensive park planning that preserves green space, improves accessibility and amenities, balances multi‑use needs (e.g., baseball and cricket), and embeds robust community engagement in all phases.  Most residents note that Oakridge Park is not accessible especially for families with young children.  Furthermore, I want to review the plans for City Park to ensure that all forms of structured and unstructured play can be enjoyed by all members our community.  I also believe there are options to increase the amount parkland within the district that is accessible to families with young children.

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