High-Level Summary

During the City of Kingston council meeting, chaired by Mayor Paterson, key participants discussed various city-related matters including expanding the police services board, heritage designations, and public safety. Councillors such as Deputy Mayor Boehme, Councillor McLaren, and Commissioner Campbell contributed significantly to the discussions on heritage property designations and the implications for property owners.

Important Topics Discussed

1. Expansion of the Police Services Board

   • The council debated amending the Kingston Police Service Board's composition from five to seven members to address public safety concerns and population growth. Deputy Mayor Boehme underscored the need for "new perspectives" and noted that "public safety is now one of the top issues and concerns in our community."

2. Heritage Designations Impact

   • Councillors explored the impact of heritage designations on property owners, focusing on potential financial burdens. Deputy Mayor Boehme mentioned, "by designating them, we are almost always going to be putting some type of undue burden on them." This discussion included concerns about increased insurance costs for heritage properties.

3. Community Safety and Police Board Diversity

   • Issues regarding the diversity and functionality of the Police Services Board were discussed. Councillor McLaren emphasized the importance of diversity, stating, "we do not have the diversity that we should on that particular board," and proposed extending membership to nine for better representation.

4. Heritage Property Designations: 831 Montreal Street

   • The council spent significant time on the proposed heritage designation of 831 Montreal Street, which was contested due to concerns over its future impact on redevelopment and maintenance. Commissioner Campbell noted the potential long-term impacts, "the property will stay off the listings, or a designation opportunity for a period of five years."

5. Noise Exemption Requests

   • Stacey Gregory and Ken Barry requested a noise exemption for Providence Manor's construction project. Addressing concerns, Barry noted, "The noise impact to concrete finishing is low, and the equipment used is similar to a small engine lawnmower."

Opportunities for Public Input

Residents had the opportunity to provide input or raise concerns regarding noise exemptions and heritage designations during the sessions. Future consultations are anticipated, especially for significant topics like heritage property and safety board expansions.

Motions and Outcomes

1. Motion to Expand Kingston Police Services Board to Seven Members

   • Outcome: Passed
   • Next Steps: Begin recruitment for additional board members and include necessary funding in the 2025 operating budget for honorariums.

2. Motion to Reject Expansion of Police Services Board to Nine Members

   • Outcome: Rejected

3. Heritage Designation for 831 Montreal Street

   • Outcome: Rejected

4. Noise Exemption for Providence Manor Construction

   • Outcome: Pending further community feedback

Follow-up Actions or Next Steps

• Police Services Board Expansion: Start the process to recruit and appoint new board members.
• Review Heritage Designation Policies: Re-evaluate policies to balance heritage preservation with property owner rights.
• Public Consultation for Noise Exemption: Collect community feedback for the noise exemption request for Providence Manor.

Councillors Present

1. Mayor Paterson
2. Deputy Mayor Boehme
3. Councillor McLaren
4. Commissioner Campbell (staff role)