Mayor Paterson calls for immediate closure of safe injection site after fatal attack

"Enough is enough."

Following a tragic attack near the Integrated Care Hub (ICH) and safe injection site at 661 Montreal Street, Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson is demanding immediate action.

Two people were killed, and a third person remains in hospital with life-threatening injuries after an incident involving an edged weapon. Kingston Police have taken the suspect into custody and are continuing their investigation.

The mayor expressed deep concern over the safety of the area, stating, “This is an utterly senseless act of violence. The safe injection site and the ICH need to close immediately. It is no longer safe for people to use the site.”

The Mayor's statement said that for nearly three years, city officials have raised concerns about the dangers of the encampment around the site, and attempts to address the issue have been met with opposition. The mayor emphasized that public safety must come first, saying, “We cannot wait for more people to die. Enough is enough.”

The Mayor is now pushing to find better ways to support vulnerable residents, including working with the province on treatment and housing solutions.

Kingston Police continue to investigate the situation.