Vic Sahai

Candidate for Countryside District

Vic Sahai.

Your Neighbour: Listening. Working. Delivering.

My philosophy: Everyone deserves a voice in government. As your Councillor, I will be proud to be that voice—representing you and advocating on your behalf at all levels of Government.

My Priorities for Countryside

My Plan for Change.

1.

Restoring Reliable Access Across the Causeway

The loss of the Causeway Bridge – 4 years now - and the reliance on a temporary crossing with regular closures have created significant challenges for residents, businesses, commuters, and emergency services.

Countryside residents deserve a permanent, reliable solution that restores dependable access, reduces disruptions, supports local businesses, and ensures emergency vehicles can move safely and efficiently when needed.

Our communities need a Causeway crossing that works every day, not just some days.

As your Councillor, I will:
  • Advocate for a permanent and reliable Causeway crossing.
  • Keep pressure on all levels of government to make this a priority.
  • Ensure residents receive clear and timely updates.
  • Support local businesses affected by closures.
  • Ensure reliable access for emergency services.
2.

Protecting Our Environment While Planning for Growth

Farmland, forests, wetlands, and waterways are part of what makes Countryside such a special place to live. They support local agriculture, provide wildlife habitat, protect water quality, and preserve the rural character of our communities.

As Kingston grows, development must be carefully planned and responsibly managed. Growth will happen, but it should not come at the expense of productive farmland, natural spaces, or the environment.

By making smart decisions today, we can protect these valuable resources for future generations.

As your Councillor, I will:
  • Protect farmland, forests, wetlands, and waterways from inappropriate development.
  • Preserve productive agricultural land and support our farming community.
  • Ensure growth respects the rural character and natural beauty of Countryside.
  • Promote responsible land use and environmental sustainability.
  • Protect the natural spaces and rural landscape that make Countryside a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
3.

Health for All: Access to Health and Social Care

As an Epidemiologist, I understand that access to primary health care is one of the most important factors influencing health and well-being.

Yet thousands of Kingston residents, including many in Countryside, still do not have access to a family doctor, specialist, nurse practitioner. As Kingston continues to grow, our health care system must grow with it.

I support the construction of a new Regional Kingston Hospital (KHSC) on a new site to help meet the needs of our growing community and ensure residents can access high quality care close to home.

As your Councillor, I will:
  • Advocate for every Kingston resident to have access to a family doctor or nurse practitioner and reduced wait times to specialist and medical procedures.
  • Support efforts to recruit and retain health care professionals.
  • Work with health system partners to improve access to primary care services.
  • Advocate for investments in health care infrastructure, including a new hospital site.
  • Champion healthy communities and policies that improve health and well-being for all residents.

Everyone in Kingston deserves access to quality health care and a health care system that is ready for the future.

4.

Housing and Support for Those in Need

Everyone deserves a safe place to live and access to the support they need. While housing affordability and homelessness affect all parts of Kingston, rural residents also feel the impact through increased pressure on community services, health care, and public safety.

As your Councillor, I will:
  • Support the development of truly affordable housing throughout Kingston.
  • Advocate for expanded mental health and addictions services.
  • Support practical, evidence-based solutions to reduce homelessness.
  • Work with community organizations and other levels of government to address the root causes of homelessness.
  • Promote policies that help people access stable housing, health care, and social supports.

A strong community is one where everyone has the opportunity to live safely, access needed supports, and build a better future.

5.

Reliable Connectivity for All

In today's world, reliable high speed internet and cellular service are essential. Residents depend on connectivity for work, education, health care, farming, business, public safety, and staying connected with family and friends.

Yet many homes, farms, and businesses in Countryside continue to experience unreliable internet service, poor cellular coverage, or both.

As your Councillor, I will:
  • Advocate for universal access to reliable and affordable high speed internet throughout Countryside.
  • Work with municipal, provincial, and federal partners to accelerate broadband and cellular infrastructure improvements.
  • Support investments that connect underserved rural communities.
  • Push for improved cellular coverage in areas with dropped calls and limited service.
  • Ensure rural residents have the same digital opportunities and emergency communication access as those living in urban areas.

Reliable internet and cellular service should not depend on your postal code.

Other Priorities

More issues that matter to Countryside

These priorities support the main plan without competing with it — practical, local concerns that still deserve clear attention.

Supporting Local Businesses

Countryside's farms, small businesses, and local employers are vital to our economy and way of life. I support businesses that want to grow and invest in Countryside, but not at the expense of their neighbours. Economic development and the rights of existing residents must go hand in hand. I will support responsible growth while ensuring that neighbouring properties, water supplies, and the rural character of our communities are protected.

Roads and Rural Infrastructure

Residents of Countryside rely on safe and reliable roads every day. I will advocate for investments in roads, bridges, drainage systems, and other rural infrastructure that support residents, farmers, businesses, and emergency services. Well maintained infrastructure is essential for safety, economic development, and quality of life.

Safer Roads for Rural Families

Too many Countryside residents live along roads where speeding has become a serious concern. While posted speed limits may be 60 km/h, many residents regularly witness vehicles travelling much faster, particularly at night. Rural families deserve the same level of safety and enforcement as residents in urban neighbourhoods. Every family deserves to feel safe on the roads where they live.

A Strong Rural Voice at City Hall

The needs of rural communities are often different from those of urban neighbourhoods.

Countryside residents pay significant property taxes, yet too often feel overlooked when important decisions are made at City Hall.

I will ensure that the voices of Countryside residents are heard, respected, and considered in every major decision affecting our communities.

I will listen, communicate openly, and advocate strongly for the priorities that matter most to rural residents.

Why I’m Running

Why I'm Running.

I am running for Councillor because I believe the residents of Countryside deserve a stronger voice at City Hall.

Many of us pay some of the highest property taxes in Kingston, yet we often feel overlooked when important decisions are made. Unlike many urban residents, we maintain our own wells and septic systems. Public transportation is limited or nonexistent in many parts of Countryside. Reliable cellular service and high speed internet remain challenges for some residents. Yet despite these realities, rural issues do not always receive the attention they deserve.

Countryside is a unique part of Kingston. Our needs are different, and our voices need to be heard.

Throughout my career as an epidemiologist, social researcher, and Director of Research, I have spent my life advocating for people whose voices are often overlooked. I have worked to improve services for vulnerable populations, supported evidence based decision making, and helped organizations better understand the needs of the communities they serve.

Now, I want to bring that same commitment to Countryside.

I will listen. I will advocate. I will ensure that rural residents have a strong, informed, and effective voice at City Hall.

My door will always be open. I will listen to your concerns, hear your ideas, and be your voice at City Hall. Together, we can ensure that Countryside receives the attention, respect, and representation it deserves.

How I’ll Work for You

How I’ll Work for You.

Throughout my career, whether as a professor at Queen’s University, an epidemiologist, or a research director, I have always believed in being accessible, responsive, and accountable to the people I serve.

As a professor, I have maintained an open door policy, encouraged honest conversations, and worked hard to support and advocate for my students. I believe the same approach should apply to public service.

As your COUNCILLOR, I will:

I believe representation is about more than attending meetings and casting votes. It is about building relationships, earning trust, and ensuring that residents know their concerns are being heard.

C

Communicate openly and honestly

O

Offer an open door and remain accessible to all residents

U

Understand the unique needs of our rural communities

N

Never forget who I serve

C

Champion the interests of Countryside at every opportunity

I

Invest in our communities and our future

L

Listen carefully to residents and act on your concerns

L

Lead with integrity, accountability, and evidence

O

Open opportunities for every community to have a voice

R

Represent your interests proudly at City Hall

About me

About me.

Vic Sahai’s passion for student engagement earns endorsement, Queen’s Journal, September 17, 2021

https://www.queensjournal.ca/vic-sahais-passion-for-student-engagement-earns-endorsement/

Meanwhile, Sahai proved eager to explain how he planned to serve his potential constituency. In speaking with the Board, Sahai offered policy-driven solutions to student concerns, including student debt, housing, and universal basic income. He spoke largely of his party’s planned actions, a stronger and more tangible argument than (his opponents’) anecdotal approach.

I have spent more than 30 years working in public health, healthcare, research, and education. Throughout my career, I have helped organizations use data, evidence, and community input to make better decisions and improve people's lives. I have worked with hospitals, governments, universities, and community organizations across Ontario, always with a focus on serving people and strengthening communities.

I have taught in the School of Medicine and Public Health at Queens. As an educator at Queen's University and other institutions, I have had the privilege of mentoring students and future healthcare leaders. As a researcher and healthcare executive, I have worked closely with communities across the province, listening to their concerns and helping find practical solutions to complex challenges.

Above all, my family is very important to me. My wife Louise and I have built our lives in this community and have always believed in the importance of giving back. I am the proud father of two sons. David is a MD who is dedicated to caring for others, and Alex is neurodiverse and has taught me some of life's most important lessons about patience, resilience, and unconditional love.

My experiences as a husband, father, educator, researcher, and community advocate have shaped who I am today. They have taught me the value of listening, treating people with respect, and working collaboratively to build stronger and more connected communities.

Vic Sahai.

Candidate for Countryside District