Kingston's Mid-Rise and Tall Building Policies

The City is seeking input on an Issues & Options Report to lay the groundwork for its Mid-Rise and Tall Buildings Policy, which will be aimed at guiding the development of buildings of more than four storeys. 

• Download the report

The Issues & Options Report reflects what the City has heard during Density by Design consultations, and provides a discussion of the many factors that need to be considered as we move forward to develop the specific policies. These policies will help to shape a clear vision for the future development of mid-rise and tall buildings.

Effective mid-rise and tall building design policies present an opportunity to support Kingston's goal of providing more affordable housing options to residents while encouraging environmental sustainability and creating vibrant hubs of activity within the City. Furthermore, effective policies can work to conserve and enrich built heritage in the City.

Public Engagement

Oct. 14, 2020: Williamsville Main St. Study – land economics Q&A 

Attend a digital Q&A session with the Williamsville Main St. Study project team and consultants from Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. Residents will have a chance to view a short summary presentation and ask consultants about the land economics report. They will also be able to ask planning staff for clarification on how they are using the land economics information. 

Nov. 21, 2019: Open House and Planning Committee Presentation

Residents are invited to learn more about the Issues & Options Report on Thursday, Nov. 21 at City Hall

• Discuss options with planners and offer feedback at a drop-in open house from 3 to 6:30 p.m. in Memorial Hall.
• See a presentation on the report at the Planning Committee meeting that begins at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. The meeting will offer opportunities for the public to offer comments.
  • View the presentation

Urban design consultant, Brent Toderian, will be at the open house and Planning Committee meeting.

Project updates

In November 2020, staff completed an update to the Williamsville Main Street Study, which included a review of the land use and built form policies and zoning provisions for development along the corridor, including locations for taller buildings and greater density. This work was supported by a detailed transportation study and a review of the available servicing capacity. On December 1, 2020, Council passed amendments to the Official Plan and the zoning by-law to implement the update to the Williamsville Main Street Study.

One site-specific appeal was received regarding these amendments. The appeal had the effect of extending the Interim Control By-Law that applied to the Williamsville Main Street Corridor until the date the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) made a decision on the matter.

In an effort to resolve the appeal, Minutes of Settlement were executed between the City and the appellant in June 2021. A settlement hearing was held before the OLT on June 23, 2021. A formal Order was issued by the OLT on July 16, 2021 approving the settlement.

With the appeal being resolved, the Interim Control By-Law that applied to the Williamsville Main Street Corridor is no longer in effect. Amendments made to the Official Plan and the zoning by-law, as further amended as per the OLT Order, are now available for use in the review of development applications.​​​​​​​

Project News