Kingston city council voted 12-1 to approve higher compensation for members serving the 2026-2030 term, while significantly reducing proposed boosts to administrative support and travel budgets.
Salary Adjustments Take Effect in 2026
Starting November 15, 2026, the mayor’s annual salary will increase to $153,510. District councillors’ base pay will rise to $53,550.
Modified Support Structure Saves Costs
The Council Resourcing Review Working Group initially recommended tripling dedicated administrative staff for district councillors to three full-time employees. Council amended this to one full-time position, one part-time role, and one summer student position.
Coun. Brandon Tozzo proposed the successful amendment, which saves taxpayers more than $150,000 annually, according to his social media update.
Coun. Greg Ridge’s amendment further reduced the council travel budget from $65,000 to $45,000.
Debate Centers on Part-Time vs. Full-Time Roles
Council members discussed whether transitioning to full-time positions would attract a broader, more diverse pool of candidates.
“I think it’s really difficult for people with young families, or people who are single, to run for office, sit in that role and do it on a part-time basis,” said Coun. Conny Glenn. “Either they’re struggling financially, or they’re struggling with enough support to do the job.”
Coun. Lisa Osanic highlighted workload challenges: “Every week is different, but every week can also be incredibly exhausting.”
She also noted financial risks of full-time roles: “It would take a lot to have to quit your job to then be a councillor for what could just be four years, you would have to give up your pension, and then at the end of those four years, having to find a new job.”
Addressing Public Pressure and Harassment
The approved report recognizes intense public scrutiny and requires new orientation modules for the next term, including “internet harassment survival techniques.”
Coun. Wendy Stephens pointed to online abuse as a key barrier: “I can absolutely understand why, if someone sees that kind of behaviour online, why they would never wanna subject themselves to it. Why would you want to put yourself in the line of fire like that? It doesn’t make sense. So for mental well-being, I can absolutely understand the hesitancy.”
The report calls for revisiting the full-time versus part-time question later this decade, alongside a ward boundary review that may affect council size.
