The City of Kingston is down to one bidder for its downtown conference centre and hotel complex. As per a Nov. 18 update to city council, staff are currently discussing terms with Patry Group, a local residential developer that is leading a group of three companies which also includes Indianapolis-based Milhaus and Montreal’s Broccolini. Once negotiations wrap up with the developers, the project and required rezoning will be put to a vote in council, expected in the coming months.
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Kingston Conference Centre down to one bidder
The City of Kingston is negotiating with a preferred vendor for its downtown conference centre and hotel complex. According to a Nov. 18 update provided to city council, staff are currently engaged in discussions with Patry Group, based in Kingston. They lead a group that includes Indianapolis’ mixed-use developer Milhaus as well as Montreal’s commercial construction firm Broccolini. After negotiations are finalized with the developers, the project along with necessary rezoning will be presented for a vote at council in a few months. The proposed conference centre would be situated next to Slush Puppie Place arena right in downtown Kingston. It would be unique for the area, featuring a 59,000-square-foot facility that includes a 15,000-square-foot event hall alongside smaller conference rooms for meetings. Additionally, there would be plans for a hotel and two residential towers rising 25 stories each, offering around 340 units that mix condominiums with rental spaces.
Alto project advances; land expropriation anticipated
Officials indicate that talks with municipalities across eastern Ontario regarding the upcoming high-speed rail project could kick off by February. A senior public relations director involved with Alto recently informed Peterborough city council about their aim to break ground within four years. Alto represents a public-private partnership initiative designed to introduce dedicated high-speed rail lines linking Toronto directly with Quebec City. However, it won’t have stops throughout eastern Ontario except for Ottawa. That said, this undertaking could still affect local areas significantly. The Montreal Economic Institute recently highlighted that Alto will have “sweeping new expropriation powers.” In an official statement, they pointed out that legislation passed federally-The High-Speed Rail Network Act-implies project officials might not need prior negotiations or offers before moving ahead on expropriating land owned by businesses or individuals affected by the new railway line.
Frontenac County mulls accommodation tax
Frontenac County may soon implement an accommodation tax on short-term rentals. A report presented to county council suggested imposing this tax on visitors staying at about 400 short-term rental properties throughout the area could yield up to half a million dollars annually-revenue intended for reinvestment into tourism initiatives and economic growth efforts. The county’s economic development manager will consult with local councils across four municipalities regarding this idea before reporting back early next year.
Kingston aims for improved business climate
Could Kingston do more for local businesses? Councillor Jimmy Hassan believes so-and his fellow council members seem to agree. During their meeting on Nov. 4, city council unanimously approved Hassan’s motion aimed at having city staff review how permits are processed for businesses in order to cut down on unnecessary red tape. Hassan himself runs a small business and noted he sees frequent inconsistencies between inspectors from different departments including those from fire services and public health agencies when dealing with advice given to business owners; schedules often don’t align either during inspections according to him. City staff are set to provide feedback early in 2026.
Benson Group acquired by UAP
Cornwall’s Benson Group has officially been bought by UAP Inc., which serves as the Canadian branch of international auto parts leader Genuine Parts Company. This company employs around 730 workers through its network consisting of 85 automotive parts retail stores along with service centers specializing in heavy-truck tires as well as distribution hubs. Out of these locations, twenty-two belong specifically within eastern Ontario.
Lotus Capital expands into eastern Ontario
Lotus Capital from Vancouver has acquired four shopping center properties located throughout eastern Ontario from Choice REIT. These properties span Cornwall, Kingston, Rockland, and Hawkesbury totaling over 291 thousand square feet-all retail plazas anchored by grocery stores. CEO Shenoor Jadavji remarked that these acquisitions align strategically within Lotus’ broader retail vision while reinforcing their continued growth into “well-established necessity-driven markets.”
Frulact undergoes ownership change
Frulact-a Portuguese manufacturer known for food preparations-has changed hands after being sold by French investment firm Ardian over to Nexture based out of Italy. “We are deeply grateful to Ardian for their unwavering support and commitment to Frulact’s growth over the past years,” Dinorah Mandic stated as CEO regarding this transition process adding excitement about collaborating further alongside Nexture while continuing their successful trajectory moving forward.” Frulact maintains its North American headquarters at its manufacturing site located within Kingston employing roughly130 individuals currently. This sale is projected towards completion sometime early next year (2026).
Taylor Auto Mall joins Myers Automotive family
A long-established GM dealership situated within Kingston has become part of Myers Automotive Group recently. Taylor Auto Mall located along Princess Street switched ownership effective November fourth coinciding perfectly when owner Jason Taylor announced his retirement from working within automotive industry altogether. On social media announcing sales details , Taylor indicated industry trends driving consolidation enabled dealerships like theirs operate central functions such accounting , marketing & HR collectively. Myers intends retaining current employees facilitating smooth transitions during changes happening soon afterwards too! Unless further acquisitions arise , this marks Myers’ eighteenth dealership overall whilst being farthest distance away from headquarters found inside Ottawa-the second furthest being Chevy outlet positioned Kemptville area instead.
