Time to unite around Countryside growth

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I started writing this letter earlier this year. As we awaited word from city staff and confirmation as to when our project would appear before council, we have had time to continue to build on our vision for 2285 Battersea Rd. and propel this important project forward. I am glad to have this opportunity to put pen to paper and share our vision.

It has been three years since we started down the Unity Farm, Inn and Spa journey. In that time, we have hosted many public meetings, a weekend-long open house and other tours and consultations. We are now where the rubber meets the road: decision time. At the Thursday planning committee meeting, our project will be voted on. A final council vote will occur two weeks later.

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With this incredibly lengthy, thorough, and fully vetted process coming to completion, we are excited to say that City of Kingston staff are supportive of the project and have recommended it for approval.

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For those unfamiliar, details of the project can be viewed at our community website: www.2285battersea-unityproject.ca.

Unity Farm, Inn and Spa has been designed in alignment with both my personal beliefs as a business owner and the City of Kingston key priorities:

• The city declared a climate emergency, making sustainability-centred projects like this one important.

• The city has ambitious tourism goals, which this type of facility would support (once we get through COVID-19).

If approved, this unique project would create amazing jobs for our community and would support other local businesses and farms.

Coun. Gary Oosterhof has been very clear that one of his key priorities is to push economic development north of the city and specifically in his Countryside District, and we couldn’t agree with more with this idea.

These connections are not just add-ons, but a cornerstone of Unity’s foundation.

One of the most important pieces to this project, especially with everything going on, is the support and growth of local businesses. Since COVID-19’s arrival in Canada, this has never been more important. Local growth and investment now will shape Kingston for decades to come.

Throughout this process, we have communicated often and openly with our neighbours and elected officials. We have offered tours, responded to questions and concerns and taken the time to ensure what we are building will give back more than it will take. We have listened and adjusted to the concerns and needs of our community.

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The feedback we have received has moulded our project into something truly special — something we will be proud to build and integrate into our beautiful city, if given the green light.

Water was a big question at the site, which resulted in in-depth reports and studies. Understandably, this was a question both my team and our neighbours needed to have addressed to know if this project would be sustainable. As a rural resident of Countryside District, and as someone who incorporates sustainability into every aspect of my work, this was no small consideration.

We are pleased to say the reports and studies are complete. They have been meticulously reviewed by professional hydrogeologists and are being fully supported for approval by the City of Kingston and all professionals and engineers who have been involved in this process.

Those are the facts. While it can be tempting to let emotion get the better of us, it is important we listen to the experts — both those who conducted the studies and those who peer-reviewed those studies — and trust the lengthy and thorough development processes we have in place.

On that note, I want to sincerely thank the people who have been apprehensive and have asked questions about our proposal. Because of you, our project has evolved and become stronger for all. I enjoyed our conversations and hope to continue our discussions about growing and sustaining Kingston and the Glenburnie community.

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Additionally, I want to thank our partners and contractors, and the thousands of residents who signed the petition in support of our project, as well as those who spoke at the city’s planning committee, provided survey comments and wrote or phoned their councillors.

I believe in the power of small steps, knowing that even small actions today can affect the global community for generations to come. Without sounding overly optimistic, I believe this project can become a showpiece of how conscientious businesses can also be environmentally sustainable and community oriented while providing quality products and services.

This is why I have faith that, both on Thursday and at August’s full council meeting, our councillors will unite with the experts, with local business and with our future generations in approving smart community growth.

Ben Pilon is a Kingston-based entrepreneur and founder of BPE Group Inc.