Several years ago, Martin was recruited by a friend to
volunteer with the local Humane Society that was going
through a difficult period. He worked as the treasurer and
vice-president to help get the organization back on solid
footing. Martin’s daughter, Nicole, who loves animals, is an
enthusiastic horse rider. She is doing animal biology courses
at the University of Guelph, hoping to continue on to a
veterinarian degree, and is also involved in charity work.
Michelle’s involvement as an event planner with the
Community Foundation for Kingston and Area meant that
Martin was often called on to assist, and he eventually
joined the foundation’s finance committee. Michelle’s work
on behalf of various charities earned her an award in 2016 as
Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser from the Association of
Fundraising Professionals for Southeastern Ontario. She is a
founding member of 100+ Women Who Care Kingston and
served many years as a founding member of St. Lawrence
College’s Foundation. Clearly, volunteerism is a family
affair.
Some of Martin’s community involvement has happened
as a direct result of his expertise in real estate development,
balanced with his belief in economic growth that respects
neighbourhoods and expands opportunities for Kingston’s
citizens. In the early 2000s, he joined a municipal committee,
Kingston ERASE, to direct the redevelopment of brownfield
sites such as Anna Lane, Block D and the 700 Gardiners
Road subdivision. It is considered one of the best brownfield
reclamation programs in the province. Martin also worked
on the Mayor’s Task Force to build the entertainment centre
that became the K-Rock Centre, now the Leon’s Centre.
Martin supported successful mayoral candidates —
Harvey Rosen, Mark Gerretsen, Brian Paterson — as their
fundraising chairman because he believes they showed civic
leadership. He prefers to get involved in municipal politics,
rather than politics at the provincial or federal level. “At the
local level, there is a better chance to make a difference, and
you can see the fruits of your efforts quicker. The issues have
a direct effect on you and your community.”
Currently, he is involved with the Mayor’s Task Force on
Housing. “Kingston has the lowest vacancy rate for rental
housing in Ontario, and the choice of housing stock for
people in general is very limited,” Martin says. “This crisis
has motivated people to do something about it. Thus, the
task force was formed, with representation from different
groups to provide evidence-informed and action-oriented
recommendations to increase the supply of diverse housing
for all residents.” The report will be delivered to city council
by year’s end.
At the same time, Martin is a founding member of
SPEAKingston, a group of “engaged citizens focused on
smart growth for Kingston.” The group defines smart
growth as strengthening the city’s physical, technological
and cultural infrastructure, growing the economic base to
expand employment and housing options, fostering
attractive, vibrant, walkable and safe city core and
neighbourhoods, and protecting the historical aspects and
natural environment in responsible ways. It is a forum to
encourage sustainable development that enhances the
community and brings necessary housing, with buildings
that connect and enhance their neighbourhoods.
In both his professional and personal life, Martin has
worked to enhance heritage properties and initiate new34 JULY 17, 2019
Some of Martin’s community involvement has
happened as a direct result of his expertise in real
estate development, balanced with his belief in
economic growth that respects neighbourhoods and
expands opportunities for Kingston’s citizens.