Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson has made a statement after two people died and another is in critical condition following a stabbing in Kingston on Thursday, September 12, 2024.
“Kingston Police and Frontenac Paramedics responded to a serious incident at the encampment around the safe injection site / Consumption Treatment Services (CTS) and Integrated Care Hub (ICH) at 661 Montreal Street, following reports of an individual with an edged weapon. Kingston Police are reporting there are two fatalities, with a third person transported to hospital with life threatening injuries. Police are currently involved in an active standoff situation with the suspect contained in the area. They are working diligently to peacefully resolve the situation and arrest the male suspect. Public safety is the number one priority.
I am absolutely horrified by the situation unfolding – this is an utterly senseless act of violence. I am in contact with our Chief of Police, as the safety and wellbeing of our community is our top priority. It’s clear the safe injection site and the ICH need to close immediately. It is no longer safe for people to use the CTS and we need to respond. We as a city have been talking about the dangers of this encampment in and around the safe injection site for almost three years. There are community partners and advocates who have fought the city on every attempt we’ve made to clear this encampment and ensure public safety for those living there. I will not stand by and wait until more people die – enough is enough. We need to clear the encampment, close this safe injection site and the ICH until we can find a better way to support our most vulnerable residents and work with the province to provide treatment and housing solutions. I will have more to say on this as we know more about this on-going situation.”‘
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
