Editor’s note: As residents of Kingston gear up to vote in Ontario’s municipal elections on Monday, Oct. 26, The Whig will provide extensive coverage and insights into the candidates who are hoping to lead our community and the challenges facing our city and surrounding areas. Today, we share Elliot Ferguson’s overview of those running for election in Countryside.
Countryside, being Kingston’s largest and solely rural area, has often felt a bit disconnected. The three candidates aiming for its council seat seek to bridge that gap.
Joseph Abreau
Candidate Joseph Abreau wants to make Kingston’s rural area feel more included within the city.
Having grown up in this rural district, Abreau believes Countryside needs tailored ideas and solutions.
“I’d like to think I’d be able to bridge the gap a little bit with some of the other councillors, hoping that I’m able to develop a relationship with them where I can open their minds up to what countryside has to offer,” he said.
“Kingston wants to spend time focusing on tourism, getting people to come to the city,” he added. “We can get them to come to the city, but if we can get them from the city out into the country, there are things that could draw people out so they see what Countryside has available.”
“A lot of people living there aren’t really interested either, so it’s all about finding balance. You have to determine who wants what. For instance, look at Glenburnie or Sun Harvest; that’s a greenhouse that really benefits from visitors coming out because they need customers.”
“They’re local businesses wanting community support, but how do we encourage locals?”
Abreau is employed in the gaming industry and feels his management experience along with his volunteer work on city committees would serve him well as a council member.
“I’ve spent 30 years in customer service which helps me handle issues with disgruntled individuals,” he said. “Typically when someone reaches out to their councillor, it’s because they’re upset.”
More frequently than not, Abreau noted that residents of Countryside express concerns about road safety-whether it’s speeding vehicles or poor road conditions.
In late 2025, while serving on the board of the Kingston Area Taxi Commission, Abreau witnessed council’s decision to take over taxi services due to financial mismanagement reports.
During an interview, Abreau chose not to comment on how this situation unfolded for the commission.
Jeff Scott
Former councillor Jeff Scott is looking for another opportunity at council.
Even though he’s been away from office for twelve years now, Scott asserts that Countryside faces distinct challenges as Kingston’s only entirely rural district.
“There are still things I want to accomplish,” said Scott, who was defeated in 2014 and unsuccessfully ran again in 2017 and 2018. “There are issues within Countryside I aim to tackle. Many relate directly to community identity-especially for places like Glenburnie and Elginburg since they’re currently just crossroads without recognition.”
“There are lots of folks living there,” he pointed out. “About 5,000 people reside around Glenburnie-which is actually more than Gananoque-but we don’t have an identity tied together.”
Scott believes that creating community signs alongside landscaping efforts could foster a better sense of belonging throughout the area.
“We lack paved sidewalks or shoulders along roads too. Kids should be able walk safely between our two public schools without worrying about traffic,” he mentioned. “To strengthen community ties involves fixing those shoulders from end-to-end while managing speeding traffic effectively.”
He observed that traffic enforcement hasn’t returned post-pandemic levels yet speed limits through town indicate otherwise.
“I’ve got this little photo radar tool which catches speeds over 30 kilometers per hour; one car zipped by going 160 kilometers per hour!”
Countryside District makes up about two-thirds of Kingston’s land area but ongoing issues with speeding on long stretches of rural roads highlight broader concerns about road maintenance overall accordingto Scott. p >
“Our roads should meet certain standards-they shouldn’t be falling apart. We want improvements.” p >
Vic Sahai
Candidate Vic Sahai aims give stronger representation-and respect-for Countryside at council meetings. p >
“Living here , I’ve noticed we pay high taxes yet receive minimal services,” Sahai remarked. “We rely on well water & septic systems , plus there isn’t reliable public transport. Snow clearing often seems low priority.” p >
”Knocking doors feels like we’re treated as second-class citizens-I want bring powerful voice representing us.” p >
Previously running as NDP candidate during federal elections last year , Sahai emphasizes need better healthcare access along with dependable internet/cell coverage too. p >
Both factors intertwine closely , he explained.
”Yesterday after my visit cardiologist-it was all online follow-ups! Appointments require consistent web access just accessing tests rely internet too.”
”Reliable connectivity today constitutes basic right!”
Road safety remains key focus throughout region where Sahai labels primary highways like race tracks.
“This stands tall among problems faced here,” he stated emphasizing despite posted limit sign indicating sixty vehicles zoom past doing hundred resulting accidents occur unattended.”
“As plans unfold regarding city’s infrastructure prioritization never seems focused upon these thoroughfares- always downtown instead.”
Pointing traffic flow along Montreal Street passing by Glenburnie Public School showcases areas needing enhancements significantly.
“You witness cars racing beyond fifty kilometers per hour easily surpassing acceptable limits,” stated Sahai further emphasizing importance preventative measures.
“My role hinges prevention-oriented approach wanting keep everyone safe before mishaps arise especially children hence proper drop-off zones essential.”
These crucial matters warrant attention advocating fair treatment seeking support fellow councillors illustrating demands necessary ensuring future welfare respective citizens residing countryside.”
Elliot Ferguson started his journalism journey delivering newspapers back home decades ago. With education background Carleton University studying journalism alongside Loyalist College focusing photojournalism programs , his efforts earned accolades provincial/national levels across various awards given significance role reporting covering municipal affairs indeed true passion lies visual storytelling expressing creativity behind lens capturing moments beautifully crafted narratives.
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