Dozens of residents of Williamsville, Ont., gathered Monday night to listen to from candidates running within the upcoming municipal election to represent District 9 on the Kingston council table.
Annette Burfoot, a professor at Queen’s University, was first to kick off introductions.
“I support intensification, urban development and constructing more housing,” she told the gang. “Such as you, I would like housing to be neighbourhood-friendly, appropriate and to incorporate green spaces and room for pedestrians.”
“To be more like what was planned for Williamsville, and fewer like what we’ve seen to this point.”
All three candidates that were present spoke about climate change, intensification and inexpensive housing as essential issues within the ward.
“I worry about my son walking to high school on daily basis because I do know the roads in our ward are usually not secure,” says candidate Vincent Cinanni.
“Your concerns are my concerns, my family’s concerns, and I’m invested in bettering our community for all of us.”
Cinanni has been a resident of Williamsville for the past 16 years and works in IT.
Ian Clark, a neighborhood anti-poverty activist and front-line health-care employee through the primary two years of the pandemic, was the last to talk.
“We want a housing plan that truly addresses people’s needs directly, not only guarantees that they might be met by accident,” Clark said.
“Vote for me and I promise that I’ll work tirelessly for a Kingston where everyone’s needs are met. Where nobody has to fret about losing their housing or going hungry.”
While there are five candidates on the ballot for District 9, Selina Chiarelli didn’t participate within the meeting.
Rob Fonger announced that he’s withdrawn from the election, but too late to take his name off the ballot.
He urged Williamsville residents to get out and vote — just not for him — on Oct. 24.
