December 17, 2024 – Mayor Bryan Paterson, Councillor Cinanni, City staff and representatives from Addictions and Mental Health Services – Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington (AMHS-KFLA) and Cupido Construction gathered outside 206 Concession St. this morning to participate in the opening ceremony of an innovative housing stabilization program.  

Oakes Stabilization Program, administered by AMHS-KFLA, will officially move into its new permanent location in January 2025.  

“The program’s move to a new, more suitable home is a testament to how a collaborative, cross-agency approach can lead to creative and compassionate solutions for addressing the housing crisis in Kingston,” says Jennifer Campbell, Commissioner, Community Services, City of Kingston. “I would like to sincerely thank the federal government, AMHS and Cupido Construction for making 206 Concession St. a safe and welcoming home for residents working towards addiction and mental health recovery.” 

The 18-bed facility includes private bathrooms and communal kitchen, dining and lounge areas. With daily staffed programming and individual case managers, the program allows participants to live in a safe and secure environment while they participate in mental health and/or substance abuse treatment in preparation for transitioning to longer-term treatment programs. 

The renovation of 206 Concession St. was funded by the City and the federal government through the Rapid Housing Initiative. The latter is part of the federal government’s National Housing Strategy and provides funding to facilitate the rapid construction or acquisition of buildings for the purpose of building or rehabilitating affordable housing. 

“The opening of 206 Concession Street is a concrete example of the federal government’s efforts to ensure that more Ontarians can enjoy a quality living environment,” said Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “I commend the city of Kingston and all our partners, who help vulnerable individuals benefit from supportive housing. We will continue to work together on all fronts and on all solutions to ensure that everyone in our community has a home and the support they need to thrive.”