Kingston city council rejects proposal to convert Queen Mary Road space into family medicine clinic

Story by Christena Lawrie, CFRC's Broadcast Journalist and Local Journalism Initiative Reporter.

In a heated council meeting earlier this week, Kingston city councilors voted 11-2 against a motion to convert 309 Queen Mary Road into a family medicine and diagnostic center. 

The City purchased the property In December 2023 from Extendicare, which was relocating to a larger facility. The current tentative plans for 309 Queen Mary Road include space for 30-35 transitional housing units, along with complimenting support services and supports, a smaller healthcare clinic being within that.

The sole motion of the night which dominated the four hour meeting, brought forward by Counc. Jeff McLaren and supported by Counc. Lisa Osanic, suggested using the property to address the healthcare crisis in Kingston by turning it into a “one-stop shop” medical facility offering family medicine, diagnostic clinics, and other health-related services. 

With a projection of upwards of 53,000 residents unattached to family care physicians by 2026, McLaren argued that Kingston needed to be innovative in tackling the healthcare crisis. He emphasized the potential of the proposed clinic to increase accessibility, treatment, and overall health outcomes for thousands of residents.

The meeting saw significant community engagement, with more than 22 community members, often taking the podium with family and friends by their side, standing before council to speak to the motion. 20 of the delegations were in support of the motion, and a petition sporting 1,879 signatures in support was presented to council. 2 of the delegations raised concerns about the loss of space for transitional housing and services.

These concerns were echoed by councilors, who expressed opposition to the reliance on provincial funding, the loss of potential housing units, and the overall feasibility of the proposed model.

Coun. Conny Glenn stated, “Health is everything. And that begins with finding a place to live, finding a place to call home.”

Counc. McLaren maintained that this is a feasible plan, and claimed that there were misunderstandings throughout the discussion.

Councilors and community members alike are left to consider how the space at 309 Queen Mary Road can help to address the pressing challenges facing Kingston. The City is accepting feedback and providing updates on plans for the site on Get Involved Kingston.