Whereas:
   The City of Kingston has:

• declared a Climate Emergency, committing to take steps to protect our ecosystems and communities from climate change;
• signed the Montreal Biodiversity Pledge, pledging to halt biodiversity loss, protect 30% of land and water by 2030, and restore natural areas;
• committed to maintaining tree cover within and outside of the urban boundary as cited in the Official Plan section 2.82: Forests and trees are recognized as a critical part of the City’s health and character. Kingston will take steps to achieve the Environment Canada guideline of 30 percent minimum forest coverage in the urban area and maintain the existing forest coverage outside the Urban Boundary, as well as achieve a doubling of the urban forest cover by 2025.

The site at 630 Gore Road:

• is habitat for varied wildlife possibly including threatened species and migratory birds;
• is hydrologically connected to a provincially significant wetland and serves as a de facto critical ecological corridor in Kingston’s east end;
• reportedly sits on karst topography with some unique features, creating a direct pathway between surface activity and the region’s aquifers and drinking water supply;
• is a vital community space for exercise, outdoor education for local schools, and public engagement with nature.
• Developer-hired experts may have conflicts of interest that should be mitigated.

And whereas development at this site could:

• Result in the cutting of many mature trees.
• Result in the destruction of irreplaceable ecosystems and the potential degradation of Butternut Creek;
• Require sewage infrastructure that would pump waste over the creek, placing local water quality and aquatic ecosystems at risk;
• Create severe and unmanageable traffic congestion at Waaban Crossing, Highway 15, and adjacent intersections;
• Lead to the inefficient use of taxpayer funds to build and maintain costly infrastructure in an area poorly suited for urban growth;

Therefore, we, the undersigned, respectfully request that the City of Kingston uphold its sustainability commitments and:
1. Reject all current and future Tree Permit applications related to this site and maintain an active Stop Work Order;
2. Deny any expansion of the urban boundary to include 630 Gore Road;
3. Designate this site as a Natural Heritage Area, or seek and secure other permanent ecological protections through the Official Plan or other relevant municipal or provincial mechanisms.
4. Require independent expert evaluation of all relevant site assessments.