Vincent Cinanni is returning for a second term as city councillor for Williamsville, acclaimed on Aug. 24 by City Clerk and Returning Officer Janet Jaynes. Cinanni, the incumbent councillor, was the only candidate to file for the district nine seat by the Aug. 21 nomination deadline.
In an interview with The Journal, Cinanni said supporting local initiatives and bringing residents together have remained priorities during his first four years in office.
His work as Williamsville District councillor has included supporting community events and initiatives.
Cinanni said he helped secure funding for the Compton Park Music Festival and ensured the Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market’s barn was updated and insulated for winter operations. He also volunteered in-person for both events.
“That brings community together, and I find that that’s very important,” he said.
The renovations to the Kingston Memorial Centre have been an area of conversation between elected officials, community members, and the groups that use the space. Previous renovation proposals have faced opposition from community members.
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The most recent proposal adds a second NHL sized rink to the building. This would be in partnership with Queen’s through a long-term structured lease agreement.
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During his term, Cinanni said he wants to develop a plan for the Memorial Centre that would allow the City of Kingston to move forward with renovations and explore new ideas for the space.
Student housing is another issue Cinanni said requires attention in Williamsville. He said the growth of student housing has affected both students and permanent residents.
“People have been buying houses and then splitting them up as many bedrooms as possible, and then putting as many students in there,” he said. “So, there ends up being substandard housing.”
Many older houses tailored to lower income levels have been repurposed as student housing, according to Cinanni. He said there have been “astronomical” boosts in rent for these houses, without changing the quality.
The City needs to develop strategies that address the demand for student housing without putting additional pressure on the permanent housing supply, he said.
“This is the way it’s going now. It’s not good for students. It’s not good for the permanent residents,” he added. “It needs to be something that will be great for everyone.”
Cinanni said maintaining a relationship between the City and Kingston’s post-secondary institutions will remain important during his second term.
He has participated in the post-secondary working group since its creation, which brings together representatives from student government and administration at Queen’s, St. Lawrence College, and the Royal Military College of Canada, to address challenges students are facing.
“We talk about homecoming, we talk about strategies and how to keep things safe and we talk about housing, […] and the needs of students,” Cinanni said. “So, we try to figure out from the city side what can we do to help.”
The City began phase one of the Williamsville renewal project on April 20. Construction will include a new signalized crossing at Frontenac St., new cycle tracks along princess street, upgrading transit stops and shelters, improving accessibility at road crossings, and repaving roadways.
Construction will also update water and wastewater systems. There will be new watermains with service replacements, combined sewers and replacement sanitary services will be separated and Kingston Hydro infrastructure will be updated.
Cinanni said improving cycling and pedestrian safety is a key priority, noting that he has already worked to reduce speed limits in Williamsville, with neighbourhood streets moving from 50km/h to 40 km/h.
As he begins his second term, Cinanni said his focus remains on the community he represents and on continuing to support initiatives within the district.
He hopes residents, including students, will remain engaged with the local government.
“This is your home while you’re here,” he said. “So, you might as well take a part in it.”
He encouraged students to learn about their districts and to get involved.
Tags
2026 municipal elections, City Councillor, Vincent Cinanni, Williamsville district
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