Our Commitment to Kingston's Business Community
The Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce is committed to ensuring Kingston’s business community has the information and opportunities to be engaged in the 2026 municipal election. As a nonpartisan organization, we do not endorse or oppose candidates. Our role is to bring the business voice to the conversation, provide opportunities to hear directly from candidates, share relevant election information, and advocate for the priorities our business community has told us matter most.
Quick Navigation
• Top Issues Emerging from the 2026 Municipal Election Business Priorities Survey
• Kingston City Council: Business Voting Record
• Mayoral Town Hall
• Coffee & Connections - Special Edition: Meet the City Council Candidates
• Candidates for Mayor
• City Council Candidates
Top Issues Emerging from the 2026 Municipal Election Business Priorities Survey
1. Cost of Doing Business, Property Taxes & Fiscal Responsibility
Rising operating costs were the most frequently identified current business challenge. Looking ahead 12 months, rising operating costs and economic uncertainty were the leading concerns. Written comments also raised property taxes, municipal fees, utility costs, municipal spending and the value businesses receive for the taxes they pay.
2. Economic Growth & Support for Existing Businesses
Respondents want the City to focus on both attracting new investment and helping established local businesses remain, expand and succeed. The survey calls for stronger support for entrepreneurs, independent businesses, restaurants and hospitality operators, as well as clearer action to attract larger employers and investment.
3. Red Tape, Permitting, Development & City Processes
Businesses raised concerns about permitting, approvals, fees and inconsistent or lengthy City processes. Responses call for faster permit and minor variance processes, greater consistency between inspectors, more predictable licensing requirements and stronger business consultation before changes to fees, regulations or policies are made.
4. Transportation & Regional Connectivity
Transportation is repeatedly framed as an economic competitiveness issue. Respondents raised concerns about passenger rail, airport service, access to major airports and Kingston's ability to connect businesses, employees, customers and investors with other markets. Several responses linked weak connectivity directly to talent recruitment and business growth.
5. Housing, Workforce & Talent Retention
Housing affordability and labour availability are closely connected in the survey. Respondents identified labour shortages and housing affordability for employees as business challenges and specifically linked affordable housing and public transit to retaining graduates and young employees in Kingston.
6. Downtown Vitality, Community Safety, Homelessness & Parking
Respondents raised community safety, homelessness and addictions, downtown parking, public-space concerns and overall downtown vitality. The responses include calls for both stronger safety measures and improved housing, mental-health and addiction support, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that protects economic vitality while addressing underlying social challenges.
Kingston City Council: Business Voting Record
Explore how Kingston City Council has voted on key issues affecting Kingston’s business community.
This interactive dashboard provides an overview of business-related decisions considered by City Council from 2023 to May 2026, including how Council members voted on each issue. Designed as a nonpartisan information resource, the dashboard helps Kingston’s business community better understand the decisions and issues that have shaped the city’s business environment during the current Council term.
Mayoral Town Hall
Join us on October 14 for the 2026 Kingston Mayoral Town Hall, bringing mayoral candidates together to discuss the issues and priorities that matter to Kingston’s business community. Chamber members have been invited to help shape the conversation by submitting questions for the candidates.
Recorded at the YourTV Kingston studios, the Town Hall will air at 7 p.m. on YourTV and will be available afterward on the YourTV YouTube channel.
The Mayoral Town Hall is organized by the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce in partnership with YourTV and brought to you by KAREA.
Coffee & Connections - Special Edition: Meet the City Council Candidates
Chamber members are invited to attend Coffee & Connections with the Chamber Special Edition: Meet the City Council Candidates, brought to you by KAREA, taking place Tuesday, October 6th from 8:00 to 9:30 am at Seniors Association Kingston Region - Frontenac Room (56 Francis Street, Kingston, ON)!
Join members for coffee and conversations on topics important to our local business community. Network, connect and share best practices.
Many thanks to Title Sponsor, Cogeco, Partner Sponsor, AquaTerra Waterfront Dining for their support on this program.
Candidates for Mayor
The Mayor is elected city-wide to represent all of Kingston. Below are the registered candidates running for the Office of the Mayor.
Grant William Bedard
Candidate
Conny Glenn
Candidate
Vanessa Mensah
Candidate
Bryan Paterson
Candidate
City Council Candidates by District
Kingston is structured into 12 distinct districts, each electing 1 local representative to the City Council.
District 1 - Countryside
Joseph Abreu
Candidate
Vic Sahai
Candidate
Jeff Scott
Candidate
District 2 - Loyalist-Cataraqui
Paul Chaves
Candidate
Dorian Hartley
Candidate
Jeff Pearce
Candidate
Charanjeev Sekhon
Candidate
District 3 - Collins-Bayridge
Joel Anthony Bruce
Candidate
Lisa Osanic
Candidate
District 4 - Lakeside
Stephen Cuthbertson
Candidate
Wendy Stephen
Candidate
District 5 - Portsmouth
Don Amos
Candidate
District 6 - Trillium
Jamshed Hassan
Candidate
Prakash Dayal
Candidate
District 7 - Kingscourt-Rideau
Michael Judd
Candidate
Kevin Smith
Candidate
Brandon Tozzo
Candidate
District 8 - Meadowbrook-Strathcona
Roger Dennis
Candidate
Daria Juudi-Hope
Candidate
Jeff McLaren
Candidate
District 9 - Williamsville
Vincent Cinanni
Candidate
District 10 - Sydenham
Andrew DaCosta
Candidate
Rajesh Kumar
Candidate
John Meligrana
Candidate
Annie Palone
Candidate
District 11 - King’s Town
Aba Mortley
Candidate
Melissa Reid
Candidate
Greg Ridge
Candidate
District 12 - Pittsburgh
Ryan Boehme
Candidate
Matt McTaggart
Candidate
Chelsea Rae
Candidate
Zachary Typhair
Candidate
Candidate information is updated as information becomes available. The Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce does not endorse or oppose any candidate for public office.
Last updated: September 2, 2026