Sydenham District Issues and Concerns
CAMPAIGN UPDATE: Over the past three months, have been knocking on doors to personally introduce myself and hear directly from Sydenham residents.
Below is an updated list of residents' concerns and my position (updated August 2026)
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.
LARGE LOT DEVELOPMENTS
I will lead proactive planning for redevelopment of large parcels within Sydenham — including Empire Life lands, surplus Federal lands including on the east side of Sir John A and King Street as well as the large lakefront property south of King Street (west of Tett Centre) — to ensure proposals protect neighbourhood character, provide affordable and family‑friendly housing, and deliver public amenities.
RESIDENTIAL INTENSIFICATION
I will manage residential intensification responsibly, including redevelopment of single‑ and multi‑unit lots under the current three‑unit as‑of‑right policy, by working with staff to update zoning, design guidelines, and community consultation processes so infill is compatible, sustainable, and increases housing supply without eroding livability.
STUDENTS
Support the work of the City’s Post-Secondary Working Group. Play an active role in the creation of the Student Housing Strategy as recently funded by Council. The Student Housing Strategy (SHS) planned for completion 2028 - I want to be on Council to ensure the SHS 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.
QUEEN'S-MUNICIPAL RELATIONS
I will strengthen Queen’s–Sydenham relations, focusing on student housing impacts, by convening regular stakeholder forums with the university,
student bodies, landlords, and residents to coordinate housing strategy, enforce standards, and reduce neighbourhood disruption. If elected, I will continue support and contribute to the important work undertaken by the City's Post Secondary Working Group.
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.
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 would direct City Staff to review its 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.
TRAFFIC
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).
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. I believe there are options to increase parkland within the district that is more accessible to families.
Together these priorities will guide practical, accountable decisions to preserve Sydenham’s character while meeting Kingston’s changing needs.