Your Neighbour.
Your Voice at City Hall.

Bringing people together. Building community. Getting things done.

I live, work, and study in Sydenham District. I completed my Master’s degree at Queen’s University and am currently pursuing my PhD while working. My family - including two school-aged children - is currently based in Barrie, ON, and for the past 5-6 months, I’ve been actively searching for a home here for them. Too often, the homes I like are beyond what we can afford, and those within our budget don’t meet our needs. This personal experience drives my passion to advocate for affordable, quality housing and to build a community where both families and students can thrive.

I bring over twenty years of experience across industry, public sector, and academia. I launched and led an AI startup and managed a remote Arctic municipality in Nunavut as its Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). I currently support job creation, innovation, and economic growth at Queen’s University by collaborating with researchers, students, startups, organizations, industry associations, the City of Kingston, and partners such as the Kingston Economic Development Corporation.

This experience gives me practical, results-focused leadership to serve Sydenham District.

I am deeply committed to preserving what makes our neighbourhood special while planning responsibly for its future. My understanding of municipal governance-from budgeting and infrastructure to community engagement-combined with my unique perspective as both a student and family man, positions me to bridge divides and bring people together.

I’m running for City Council because Sydenham District deserves leadership that listens, unites, and delivers meaningful results. Together, we can build a stronger, safer, and more inclusive community we’re proud to call home.

Rajesh Kumar, candidate for Sydenham District City Council

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                        Technology entrepreneur with proven leadership
                    

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                        Former Municipal Chief Administrative Officer (Nunavut)
                    

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                        Collaborates at Queen’s to drive local innovation & job creation
                    

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                        Offers a unique perspective as both a family man and a student
                    

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Why I'm Running

Focused on practical improvements, driven by the voices of residents.

1. Rooted in Community, Committed to Listening

I’m not a career politician - I’m your neighbour, fully invested in Sydenham’s future. I listen carefully to families, students, seniors, single parents, and newcomers alike, and I’ll bring their voices to City Hall to shape policies that matter to you.

2. Bringing People Together for a Stronger Sydenham

My career has been about building bridges - between different communities, governments, Indigenous leaders, and institutions like Queen’s. Sydenham needs leadership that unites diverse voices and turns collaboration into progress — that’s what I deliver.

3. Proven Leadership That Gets Results

With two decades of leadership experience - from managing multi-million-dollar projects and later municipal budgets to launching successful startup and working in Queen’s innovation ecosystem - I know how to turn ideas into real, tangible benefits for Sydenham residents.

Taking students along

I work at Queen’s University and am pursuing a PhD at Smith School of Business. Having lived in student housing, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges students face - like lack of affordable housing, unsafe houses, food insecurity, slow home repairs, limited garbage collection, and transit issues. I’m committed to addressing these struggles and making student life better in Sydenham district. These priorities reflect what I’ve heard directly from students across Sydenham.

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Student Representation at City Council

Students are a vital part of Sydenham’s community and deserve a strong voice in City Hall. I’m committed to ensuring students are represented fairly and have direct channels to influence decisions that impact their daily lives.

Your voice matters. I will work to increase student participation and create regular forums where your concerns shape local policies and decisions.

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Housing That Doesn't Fail Us

Kingston's first Student Housing Strategy is underway - I'll push to get it right, with real commitments from Queen's and a seat at the table for students. See my full student housing plan →

I've lived with mold & no AC too - we will fight for a affordable and safe homes.

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Improved Transit and Mobility Options

Getting around Sydenham should be easy and safe. I’ll advocate for more frequent transit, more coverage, and safe bike lanes.

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Community Integration and Neighbourhood Relations

Strong neighbourhoods include all voices. I support programs that build respect and cooperation between students and long-term residents, fostering a welcoming community.

How I’ll Work for You

I believe residents deserve a councillor who is visible, approachable, and connected to the community year-round.

Community Coffee Chats

Regular informal meetups where residents can share concerns, ideas, and feedback directly.

Responsive Communication

Residents deserve timely communication and clear follow-up when local issues arise.

Transparent Decision-Making

I’ll explain Council decisions in clear, simple language so residents understand what’s happening at City Hall.

Neighbourhood Walks

Regular walks through Sydenham to hear directly from residents and better understand local concerns firsthand.

Availability and accessibility are core to how I will serve Sydenham District.

Your Neighbour.Your Voice at City Hall.