Properties that should not be on an affordable housing list.

 

The Isabel MacNeill Halfway House for Women, 525 King Street West, Kingston.

House of Commons Ottawa April 18, 2007 Mrs. Irene Mathyssen (London-Fanshawe, NDP): "Mr. Speaker, the government recently announced the closure of Canada's only minimum security prison for women. The Isabel MacNeill House provided a transitional environment for incarcerated women offenders. It provides training to enhance their employment skills. The inmates at the prison had to take the government to court and challenge the closure under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This is an equality issue and another example of of government's disregard for the welfare of women." The limestone building is located in Portsmouth Village, across the street from the Prison for Women and the Pen. It is a Federal Heritage property and protected by Part 1V of the Ontario Heritage Act. Part 1V covers the exterior and interior of the halfway house.

Stone Gables 

Located on 462 King Street West. "Once the federal government ceases to own St. Helen's and Stone Gables, the federal heritage protection will be removed, making it susceptible to demolition or remodeling." (MHC-14-017-City of Kingston.) 

I have no doubt that attempts will be made to demolish these buildings. Developers will appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board (Ontario Land Tribunal) for demolition permits and air rights. The City is desperate for new housing--- forget about your tourism industry, political and architectural history and park land. 

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice of Intension to pass a Bylaw to Designate 462 King Street West, also known as Stone Gables to be of Cultural Value and Interest. Pursuant to the Provisions of the Ontario Heritage Act. (R.S.O. 1990). November 25, 2014.

The Ontario Regional Headquarters on 440 King Street West includes the Red Cross Lodge and St. Helen's. Listed for sale on September 23, 2024:

Stone Gables and St. Helen's are worth $17 million according to the document "A Roadmap to Strengthening Public Safety" by Rob Sampson, page 208.