Your Neighbour.
Your Voice at City Hall.

Keeping Sydenham strong and connected.

I live in Sydenham District and am building my future here. I care deeply about protecting what makes our neighbourhood special while planning responsibly for the future.

My experience in municipal administration helps me understand how local government decisions are made - from budgeting and infrastructure planning to community engagement and accountability.

I also work within Queen’s economic development ecosystem, collaborating with partners such as Kingston Economic Development Corporation to support entrepreneurship, research, and local job creation in Kingston.

I’m running for City Council because Sydenham deserves practical, thoughtful leadership that listens, brings people together, and delivers results.

✓ Built a technology startup focused on practical problem-solving
✓ Former Municipal Chief Administrative Officer (Northern Canada)
✓ Managed complex projects, budgets, and operational systems
✓ Work in Queen’s economic development ecosystem supporting local innovation and job creation
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Rajesh Kumar, candidate for Sydenham District City Council
Election Day
October 26, 2026
Online Voting: October 14-26
Advance Voting: October 16-17
Register for voting (Deadline: August 12)

My Priorities for Sydenham District

These priorities reflect what I’ve heard directly from residents across Sydenham.

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1. Safe, Accessible, and Livable Neighbourhoods

I am committed to maintaining sidewalks, roads, and traffic calming measures to keep everyone safe - from families to seniors and disabled. I will work to expand and protect green spaces and urban trees. Supporting balanced community policing and programs that foster trust between long-term residents and students is a priority.

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2. Quality and Afffordable Housing

Affordable housing is essential. I support exploring innovative housing solutions outside the historic core to protect Sydenham’s character. Enforcing property maintenance standards will ensure rental and owned homes are safe, clean, and well-kept. Responsible development that honors our unique heritage is crucial.

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3. Addressing Economic Hardship and Basic Needs

I will advocate for compassionate homelessness outreach and mental health services that restore dignity. Innovative approaches like app-based community grocery programs can improve food security. Supporting local businesses and strengthening partnerships between Queen’s, City Hall, and residents will foster a vibrant, inclusive economy.

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4. Transparent, Accountable, Fiscally Responsible,and Diverse City Hall

Citizens deserve transparent budgets and responsible use of tax dollars. I will push for fair, consistent bylaw enforcement and champion diversity and inclusion at City Hall. Resident engagement and clear communication will guide my approach to governance.

To my fellow students: I’m a PhD student too, and I understand the housing challenges here. I’ll focus on safer rentals, stronger Queen’s - community collaboration, and ensuring your voices are heard at City Hall. You are part of this community. Your voice matters in how Sydenham District grows.

Why I'm Running

Focused on practical improvements shaped by resident voices.

This Community Is Home

I'm not a career politician. I'm a neighbour who chose Sydenham as home.

I care about schools because I'll send my kids there. I care about parks because I'll use them. I care about streets because I'll walk them.

This isn't politics to me. It's personal.

I Build Bridges, Not Walls

I've spent my career bringing people together. At Queen's, I connect researchers with partners. As CAO, I brought governments, Indigenous leaders, and communities to the table. In my startup, I built teams that delivered.

Sydenham needs someone who unites, not divides. Someone who finds common ground. That's what I do.

I Get Things Done

As a municipal CAO, I managed $10M budgets and led operations. As a startup founder, I built a business from zero to revenue. At Queen’s, I work in the economic development ecosystem, supporting partnerships that connect research, entrepreneurship, and local businesses to create real economic opportunities in Kingston.

I know how to take an idea and make it real. I know how to work with people who disagree. I know how to deliver results, not just promises.

That's what Sydenham District needs.

About Me

Building a life in Sydenham and working to strengthen the community I call home.

Rajesh Kumar in Sydenham District

Rooted in Community. Focused on Results.

I came to Kingston for graduate studies and chose to build my future here in Sydenham. I work here, study here, and spend time listening to the people who call this community home.

Supporting Kingston’s Economic Growth

Through my work at Queen’s, I collaborate with the university’s economic development ecosystem and external partners, including Kingston Economic Development Corporation, to support entrepreneurship, research partnerships, and local innovation that contributes to job creation in the region.

My experience spans municipal government, entrepreneurship, and community partnerships. As a former municipal Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), I understand how local government decisions affect neighbourhoods, services, and everyday life.

I believe strong communities are built through collaboration, accountability, and respectful dialogue. I’m running to help bring people together and deliver practical solutions that protect what makes Sydenham special while planning responsibly for the future.

My perspective is shaped by working across municipal systems, entrepreneurship, and community partnerships. I focus on turning that experience into practical outcomes for the neighbourhood.

I’m running to bring these perspectives together - and turn them into practical action for Sydenham. To build bridges. To find solutions that work for everyone.

Sydenham deserves a councillor who listens first, brings people together, and acts with purpose.

Community Building

  • Board of Director, Thrive Counselling (individual & family issues support services)
  • Member, Sydenham District Association
  • Volunteer Mentor, Ontario Career Lab (helping students navigate careers)
  • Volunteer experience includes supporting community initiatives such as science fairs and youth engagement programs.

Leadership Experience

  • Former Municipal Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)
  • I managed municipal operations and public services
  • I built partnerships across communities and organizations
  • I have been an entrepreneur and small business founder

Education

  • PhD Student, Queen's University
  • MSc in Management (Research), Queen's University
  • MBA, York University
  • Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering, Kurukshetra University

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.

Stay Connected

Sign up for updates or get in touch with the campaign.

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Email: rajesh.kumar04@gmail.com | Phone: 416-579-9192