Kingston's economic sector visits Parliament Hill for Hill Day

Members of the Chamber, BIA, Tourism, and KAP raised issues with politicians in Ottawa.

Four women from Kingston's major economic sectors brought their concerns to Ottawa.

They were at Parliament Hill on Monday for Hill Day.

Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce CEO Karen Cross, Downtown Kingston BIA Executive Director Marijo Currier, Tourism Kingston CEO Megan Knott, and Kingston Accommodation Partners Executive Director Krista LeClair talked to MPs and their staff about the issues affecting businesses and residents of the Limestone City.

The group had three in particular that they wanted to address. The first was improving passenger rail service in the Kingston area.

Cross says the situation with high-speed rail and VIA Rail service is not making life easy for those working in or visiting Kingston.

Another is the ongoing saga with the LaSalle Causeway bridge. 

Cross says having a permanent replacement bridge would go a long way to helping improve traffic flow on both sides of the Cataraqui River.

There is also the future of the former Kingston Penitentiary. 

Cross stresses the importance of keeping the historical landmark.

Cross feels she and her associates accomplished what they set out to do in Ottawa.

She says Kingston should be a part any plan to expand infrastructure along the Eastern Ontario corridor.

Story by Ken Hashizume