Mayoral candidate wants to see Kingston involved in for-profit housing

Political newcomer Stephen Cuthbertson is running in the October 26 municipal election.

We have our first candidate for the Mayor's seat in the upcoming municipal elections in Kingston.

Stephen Cuthbertson is a project manager for a real estate company in the city.

Cuthbertson says he is campaigning on affordability especially when it comes to housing.

He says one of the ways is to get the City to invest into local purpose-built rentals.

Cuthbertson also addressed the ongoing problem of homelessness and addiction in the city.

He suggests Kingston should follow a model in European countries where homeless people who are addicted to drugs are forced to seek treatment.

This is the first time that Cuthbertson has ran for public office. He says he doesn't intend to seek more than one term if he is able to complete he mandate by 2030.

Cuthbertson also admits he may not be the best candidate if voters believe there are more pressing concerns.

As of Friday, Cuthbertson is the only candidate running for the Mayor's seat. There are now a total of 15 people running for the 12 Councillor seats.

Jeff McLaren is running again in District Eight: Meadowbrook-Strathcona while Greg Ridge is seeking re-election in District 11: King's Town. 

McLaren is being challenged by Daria Judi-Hope. Jeff Scott is running in District One: Countryside. John Melligrana is running in District Ten: Sydenham and Chelsey Rae in District 12: Pittsburgh.

Those wishing to run in the 2026 municipal election must file their nominations with the city clerk by August 21. Residents will elect a new city council in Kingston on October 26.

Story by Ken Hashizume