Seeking fourth term, Paterson says experience matters in uncertain times

Will he? Won’t he? He will.

Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson has officially launched his re-election campaign, promising a renewed focus on affordability, housing, and community safety as he seeks a fourth consecutive term in office.

Speaking over the noon hour on Tuesday, Jun. 16, 2026, Paterson said the city is facing a "pivotal moment" and argued that uncertain economic conditions, housing challenges, and growing social pressures require experienced leadership. His chosen backdrop for the announcement was a newly constructed apartment development on Highway 15 in Kingston's east end.

"People are worried right now," Paterson said, citing concerns about economic uncertainty, the rising cost of living, social isolation, mental health struggles, and the challenges facing vulnerable residents.

"Kingston is at a pivotal moment right now with the challenges that we face ahead of us," he said. "I am convinced that what is needed most right now is knowledge, experience, and proven leadership in the mayor's office."

"After a lot of reflection, after a lot of discussion at home, and with the full support of my incredible wife Shyla and our two wonderful sons, I am here today to officially announce that I am running for re-election as mayor of Kingston."

The announcement ended months of speculation about Paterson's intentions ahead of this fall's municipal election, set for October 26.

But beyond confirming his candidacy, Paterson used the launch to outline what appears to be the early framework of his campaign platform, centred on housing, affordability, and safer neighbourhoods.

Housing emerges as centrepiece

The announcement was held at a four-storey, 51-unit apartment building on Highway 15, developed by New Empire Design Build Contractor Ltd., a backdrop that underscored the campaign's emphasis on housing.

Paterson thanked the developer for hosting the event and pointed to the project as an example of the type of residential construction that has helped Kingston exceed provincial housing targets in recent years.

"It's just one of many examples here at this site of construction of much-needed infill housing here in the east end of the city," Paterson said. "A great project by New Empire."

"It's because of countless other projects like this that Kingston has been one of the few cities in Ontario that has exceeded our provincial housing targets over the last three years."

Among the most significant proposals Paterson introduced Tuesday was a commitment to create a public housing initiative in which the City of Kingston would be more actively involved.

"We're going to launch a public housing initiative where the City will take a more active role in the construction of non-profit and affordable housing," Paterson said.

The proposal could signal a shift in how the municipality approaches housing.

Traditionally, municipalities have focused on facilitating development through planning approvals, infrastructure investments, and partnerships with housing providers. Paterson's comments suggest Kingston may be considering a more direct role in creating affordable housing, although details have not yet been released.

Paterson did not explain how the initiative would be funded, governed, or delivered. It remains unclear whether the proposal would involve City-owned developments, partnerships with non-profit organizations, land contributions, financial incentives, or another model.

Paterson also pledged to accelerate the construction of starter homes for first-time buyers and continue expanding transitional and supportive housing.

Affordability a central campaign theme

Paterson said affordability and cost-of-living pressures form another significant pillar of his campaign.

His platform includes plans to explore new transit options for rural and suburban areas, introduce a food security strategy, support job creation, and maintain what he described as one of the lowest property tax increases among Ontario's larger municipalities.

Residents, he said, consistently identify affordability as one of Kingston's most pressing issues, with rising housing costs, food prices, and household expenses dominating public discussion in recent years.

Throughout the announcement, Paterson repeatedly returned to the idea that Kingston is facing pressures unlike those seen earlier in his tenure.

"The challenges that we are facing, I don't think that anyone could have expected just a couple of years ago," he said, pointing to global conflicts, economic uncertainty, and rapid technological change.

While Paterson outlined several areas of focus, details about how many of the proposed initiatives would be implemented were not provided during Tuesday's announcement.

Community spaces, public safety

The mayor's third campaign pillar focuses on community infrastructure and neighbourhood safety.

Paterson pledged to revitalize community centres, repair roads, enhance green spaces, invest in policing and emergency services, and continue advocating for major projects such as a new hospital and a replacement for the LaSalle Causeway.

"At this time when politics is increasingly divided, what Kingston needs most is leadership that will listen, collaborate, and deliver results," Paterson said.

Field of mayoral candidates growing

Paterson, first elected mayor in 2014, is seeking a fourth consecutive term after nearly 12 years in the city's top elected office.

He joins a growing field of candidates seeking the mayor's chair. Current Sydenham District Councillor Conny Glenn has already filed nomination papers, as have Stephen Cuthbertson,Vanessa Mensah, and Grant William Bedard.

Asked whether voters may be looking for change after more than a decade under his leadership, Paterson acknowledged that new approaches are needed.

"There does need to be change," he said. "The platform that I'm putting forward and the leadership that I'm offering is not just building what we've already done, but it absolutely is pivoting. It absolutely is embracing new approaches."

The comments may foreshadow one of the central questions of the campaign: whether voters believe Kingston's challenges are best addressed through continuity and experience, or through new leadership.

With affordability, housing, and homelessness expected to dominate the race, Paterson is asking voters to trust his experienced leadership to navigate what he has repeatedly described as a pivotal moment for the city.