Letter to City Council regarding Podium Development Queen St. project

April 22, 2023

TO: Kingston City Council

RE: Podium Development Management – Queen Street Project

 

Dear Mayor Patterson and members of City Council:

SPEAKingston represents over 400 members from Kingston who support smart growth as a strategic direction for our city. We are writing to express our support for the approval of the Queen Street Project (corner of Queen and Barry) proposed by developer, Podium Development Management Corporation, and recommended by City  of Kingston staff.

 

The  Podium Project aligns perfectly the City of Kingston’s Four Strategic Pillars for 2023 – 2026:

  • Support Housing Affordability

  • Lead Environmental Stewardship and Climate Action

  • Foster a Connected and Caring Community

  • Drive Inclusive Economic Growth

The City’s public engagement activities related to strategic planning highlighted community concerns for more housing:


“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 Paterson. “Housing availability and affordability, homelessness supports, climate change, road infrastructure, and access to healthcare were some of the top concerns shared.” (News and Notices, March 31, 2023, City of Kingston website)

 

This project will strengthen our desperate need for available housing. It expands our housing options and makes use of in-place infrastructure to reduce sprawl. It will help to nurture new life along the Queen Street corridor, enhancing our vibrant, walkable neighbourhoods in the downtown.

 

Our City is ready for smart growth. SPEAKingston strongly urges Council to approve this application as part of your Strategic Plan actions and for the future of our city.

 

 

Sincerely,

 Peter Kingston

 Chair, SPEAKingston

 

 

SPEA Kingston