A Shared Vision For Kingston Has Arrived.

A Platform Built With Kingston

For the past several months, I have spent my time doing something I believe every leader should do before making commitments: I listened. I knocked on doors, met with families, seniors, students, business owners, healthcare professionals, community organizations, neighbourhood leaders, and residents from across Kingston.That shaped my thinking. These commitments are not simply a list of promises; they are a commitment to a different way of leading. Good leadership solves today’s problems while planning for tomorrow’s Kingston.

- Vanessa Mensah

"Because a city is more than what we build, It's who we build it for."

Follow along as I continue to ask the citizens what future they see for Kingston

Platform Released August 10th at 8:00 a.m.

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THE PILLARS TO SET THIS PLAN IN MOTION

A stronger Kingston starts with investing in people, building trust, and preparing responsibly for the future.

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The Needs We Heard

Safer streets for children and seniors
Better-maintained roads, sidewalks, and public spaces
Reliable and responsive municipal services
A city that works well for residents every day

Safer Neighbourhoods, Better Infrastructure & Reliable City Services

Invest in infrastructure and neighbourhood improvements.
Improve accessibility and transportation.
Strengthen responsive municipal services.
Make neighbourhoods and public spaces safer and easier to use.

Create a Neighbourhood Partnership Program to involve residents, businesses, schools, accessibility advocates, and community organizations in local decisions
Advocate for more frequent and reliable regional transportation connections including VIA Rail, intercity bus service, local transit, and airport access so people can travel to and from Kingston more easily for work, study, healthcare, business, and family
Provide simple public updates on neighbourhood projects and progress
Develop a clear long-term plan for housing, transportation, infrastructure, and growth

The Needs We Heard

Residents want City Hall to listen and communicate clearly
Tax dollars should be spent responsibly
Decisions should be transparent and understandable
Residents want to know their voices genuinely matter

Transparent, Accountable & Accessible City Hall

Build a more transparent and accountable City Hall.
Practice responsible financial management.
Communicate openly and clearly.
Create meaningful opportunities for public participation.

Introduce plain-language budget summaries
Hold regular community conversations across Kingston
Make it easier to contact City Hall and receive timely responses
Create Community Advisory Groups representing youth, seniors, businesses, newcomers, Indigenous voices, and community organizations
Review how City Hall delivers services to improve customer service, reduce duplication, modernize processes, and focus resources where residents need them most

The Needs We Heard

Housing affordability remains a major concern
Residents need better access to healthcare and mental-health supports
Homelessness and community safety need coordinated solutions
Recreation, belonging, and environmental protection matter
People want the opportunity to build a full life in Kingston, not simply find housing

Housing, Healthcare, Community Wellbeing & Belonging

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Build healthier, safer, and more connected neighbourhoods
Strengthen housing and healthcare partnerships
Support recreation and community wellbeing
Protect Kingston’s environment
Create communities where people feel connected and supported

Create a Kingston Community Wellbeing Roundtable bringing housing, healthcare, social services, developers, schools, Indigenous organizations, community groups, and governments together
Support expanded primary-care access through Family Health Teams, Nurse Practitioner-led clinics, community health centres, and integrated care models
Protect green spaces and expand Kingston’s urban forest
Strengthen partnerships with faith communities, cultural groups, advocacy organizations, and community leaders
Plan housing, health, environment, and belonging together rather than in isolation

The Needs We Heard

Young people should see a future for themselves in Kingston
Businesses and entrepreneurs should be able to grow and succeed
Families should be able to build their futures here
Kingston should lead in education, innovation, business, tourism, and quality of life

Jobs, Business & Economic Opportunity

Support and strengthen local businesses
Attract new investment
Retain local talent
Encourage innovation and entrepreneurship
Revitalize commercial districts
Build stronger connections between Kingston’s major institutions and local economy
Ensure economic growth creates opportunity across the city

Launch a Kingston Opportunity Partnership connecting Queen’s, St. Lawrence College, RMC, KHSC, CFB Kingston, Economic Development, employers, entrepreneurs, tourism leaders, and community organizations
We will plan ahead for future employment lands and business growth, ensuring Kingston has the space, infrastructure, and services needed to attract investment and create jobs for the next generation.
Launch a Kingston Legacy Business Initiative with Kingston Economic Development to connect retiring business owners with emerging entrepreneurs through mentorship and succession planning
Treat childcare as essential economic infrastructure that supports parents, employers, and long-term growth

Kingston already has extraordinary strengths: world-class educational institutions, outstanding healthcare, innovative businesses, dedicated volunteers, vibrant arts and culture, beautiful neighbourhoods, and people who care deeply about this city and its future.

Our challenge is not a lack of ideas. It is bringing people together to turn those ideas into action. That is the leadership I will bring as your Mayor. Leadership that listens, leadership that connects, and leadership that delivers.

My First Year Priorities

AS MAYOR OF KINGSTON

Review the City budget with a focus on affordability and value for taxpayers.

Begin regular community conversations in neighbourhoods across the city.

Review high-risk pedestrian crossings across Kingston.

Bring regional mayors together on tourism, economic development, and shared priorities.

Our Commitment to Accountability

Leadership begins with listening, but it must be measured by results. Each year, I will publish a simple public progress update showing where we are making progress on housing, neighbourhood improvements, city services, economic growth, safety, environmental stewardship, and community wellbeing and where we need to do better. Residents deserve clear information, honest reporting, and a City Hall that follows through.

See Who’s Supporting Vanessa

Explore the growing community of supporters across Kingston who share a vision for a stronger future.

To protect supporter privacy, map pins are randomly placed within a general area and do not reflect exact addresses.

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