Whereas Kingston is home to a significant post-secondary population, including students attending Queen’s University, St. Lawrence College, and the Royal Military College, which together contribute to Kingston’s economic, cultural, and social vitality; and
Whereas the absence of a coordinated student housing framework has contributed to pressures in the broader rental market, including reduced availability of long-term rental housing for families, seniors, and workers; and
Whereas purpose-built student housing, when appropriately planned, can reduce pressure on the general housing supply, improve neighbourhood stability, and support affordability city-wide; and
Whereas the City of Kingston has declared a housing emergency and is undertaking a new Official Plan that is intended to guide long-term growth, land use, and housing supply in a coordinated and sustainable manner; and
Whereas a student housing strategy or policies within the Official Plan would support land-use certainty, infrastructure planning, neighbourhood compatibility, and alignment with post-secondary institutions; and
Whereas other municipalities such as Toronto, Waterloo and Niagara Region, with significant post-secondary populations have adopted student housing strategies or policies within their Official Plans to guide development, protect neighbourhoods, and support housing affordability;
Therefore Be It Resolved That Council direct staff to develop a Student Housing Strategy following the adoption of the new Official Plan, which only regulates the use of land not its residents, to guide the delivery of student housing in Kingston; and
That the Student Housing Strategy include: consideration of zoning tools, density permissions, and built-form guidelines specific to student housing; strategies to establish partnerships with institutions and the private sector to reduce pressure on the traditional rental market and enhance overall housing affordability; measures to support neighbourhood compatibility, safety, and infrastructure capacity; and alignment with the City’s broader housing, affordability, and climate objectives; and
That staff report back to Council in Q2 of 2026 as part of the annual population, housing and employment update a proposed scope, including cost and estimated timing for the completion of a Student Housing Strategy.