Kingston’s Mayor Bryan Paterson is calling for the immediate closure of the City’s Safe Injection Site on Montreal Street following a violent attack that left two people dead and another in critical condition. The incident, which occurred near the Integrated Care Hub and Belle Park encampment, involved an edged weapon. Kingston Police have arrested the suspect and are continuing their investigation.
“This is an utterly senseless act of violence,” Mayor Paterson said. “The safe injection site and the ICH need to close immediately. It is no longer safe for people to use the site.”
The mayor highlighted ongoing concerns about safety around the encampment. City officials have raised these issues for nearly three years but have faced opposition in their efforts to address the problem. Mayor Paterson stressed the importance of prioritizing public safety, adding, “We cannot wait for more people to die. Enough is enough.”
Kingston Police responded to the attack on Thursday morning, with officers arriving at the scene around 10:30 a.m. The victims were transported to Kingston General Hospital, where two succumbed to their injuries. A third individual remains in hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The alleged attacker was apprehended in a vacant lot nearby after a standoff that lasted several hours, without further incident. Police are continuing their investigation, and Montreal Street between Hickson and Railway remained closed as officers secure the area.
Mayor Paterson also called for action to find better ways to support vulnerable residents, including working with the province on treatment and housing solutions.