Kingston City Council starts off the year with their best report card yet from the Kingston Chamber of Commerce

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

The Kingston Chamber of Commerce has released their first City Council Report Card of 2024, and for the first time, all of Council's business-related decisions were given the 'green' stamp of approval.

The Chamber of Commerce began releasing these quarterly reports in 2023 to hold the City accountable to the local business community. While Council has consistently had an overall positive rating, all six of last quarter's decisions were marked 'green', described in the report as being "...aligned with the priorities of the business community".

Decisions made this term included Council's vote to move forward with the development of a new conference center, endorsing the Family Physician and Primary Care Recruitment Plan, and approving the construction of a new aquatic center.

There was only one cautionary note left on the City's proposed patio by-law changes. In March of 2023, the City put into action controversial patio by-laws, which included new standards for fencing, restricting use of branding on patio umbrellas, minimum operating requirements, and various other stipulations. After discussions between the City and patio operators, amendments and exemptions were made to address their concerns. While overall satisfied with the changes, the one element still posing a concern, and the reason for the note, is that temporary exemptions only apply to current owners, and are not transferable if they were to sell the business.

In a release, the Chamber states, "this alignment is a positive indication of how advocacy can continue to move the needle forward for our business community."