Kingston still pushing for funding for new hospital during AMO conference

Mayor Bryan Paterson says province has been able to fund projects in Kingston but believes there is still more they can do.

A delegation from Kingston City Council are back home from Ottawa.

They were there for the Association of Municipalities of Ontario annual conference earlier this week.

The AMO conference is an opportunity for municipal leaders to meet with provincial ministers as well as MPs from opposition parties.

One of the items that Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson pushed for at the conference is for funding for the proposed new hospital in Kingston.

Paterson also says they will look for funding for the expansion of the Invista Centre after Premier Doug Ford announced a new program for sport and recreation upgrades, repairs or new builds.

Over the last 12 months, the City of Kingston has received provincial funding for an expanded detox centre at Kingston Health Sciences Centre, the recruitment of new physicians, and a new elementary school.

Overall, Paterson says he is satisfied with what the province has been able to provide to residents in Kingston but believes there is still more they can do.

While at the conference, Ford talked about how US tariff threats have impacted local businesses. He says his government will continue working with municipal and other provincial leaders, and the federal government to build a prosperous economy in Ontario.

Paterson says while the City can't do much regarding the tariff threat, they can continue supporting businesses that are contributing to Kingston's economy.

Story by Ken Hashizume