Welcome to the Neighbourhood!
The Sydenham District Association is a non-profit organization and is run entirely by volunteers. We are committed to building a strong, connected community and improving liveability through support, engagement, and advocacy on the issues that affect our district.
What We Do
- Build community and encourage engagement
- Support our local organizations
- Advocate for better development and heritage preservation
- Work with the City and our local Councillor
- Foster positive relations with Queen’s Students
The Sydenham District Association was initially formed in the 1960s to provide an organized community response to the rewriting of the City’s of Kingston Official Plan and Zoning by-Laws for Sydenham District. Our work has expanded since then but our mission remains the same: to preserve and celebrate our district’s unique heritage while supporting its future as a diverse, inclusive, and vibrant place to live, work, and play.
Our most recent focus has been on developing a strategic response to the concerns over the spread of student housing and the subsequent erosion of established neighbourhoods. In October 2025, the SDA hosted a Town Hall event to address the issue. We created the SDA Advocacy Initiative and collaborated with the inner district Community Associations of Kingscourt, McBurney Park, Portsmouth, and Williamsville to encourage the City to adopt an official student housing strategy in the City’s new Official Plan.
In February 2026, City Council passed a unanimous vote to do just that, proving that when we work together, we can make a difference. Together, we can build a better neighbourhood, for all residents, across all stages of life.
Read the Five Community Associations’ request to the City to develop a Student Housing Strategy
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors are members of the community who volunteer to share their time and expertise to help the SDA achieve its goals. The Board of Directors (up to 14 members) are elected by the membership at the Annual General Meeting. The Board meets monthly to address ongoing and new issues, as well as successes and concerns related to activities in and around Sydenham District.
You must be a resident of Sydenham District to be a Board Member.
DAN CORBETT – Chair
Unfilled – Vice Chair
ROGER HEALEY – Treasurer
TARA SHARKEY – Secretary
PORTIA LEGGATT – Heritage Liaison
DIJANA OLIVER – Heritage Liaison
ANNIE PALONE – Membership Secretary & Planning Liaison
GENA PILIOTIS – AMS & SGPS Relations & Outreach Portfolio
DORIANNE SAGER – Communications & Media: Village Pump Newsletter Editor
KEVIN WOOD – Communications & Media: Social Media
NICK GRAHAM – Student Housing Strategy & PSWG
Get to know the area
With over 200 years of history, Sydenham District is a rare gem. It is home to a rich architectural heritage, urban greenspaces, and breathtaking views of Lake Ontario. The District runs from the waterfront to the south side of Johnson St and ends at Sir John A MacDonald Blvd. It encompasses four neighbourhoods: Alwington, Sunnyside, Queen’s University and the heritage area of Sydenham Ward.
