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.

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:

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

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.

About me

About me.

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

Read the Queen’s Journal 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.

Endorsements

I endorse Vic Sahai for Countryside. He is a great listener and a fine advocate for the residents of Countryside and the City of Kingston. I am confident Vic will serve us well.

Bill GrayNeighbour

I was happy to be asked to write a letter in support of Vic Sahai and his campaign to become the Councillor for Countryside.

I had the pleasure of working for Vic when he was the Director of the Hotel Dieu Hospital Research Institute. During that time, I got to know him as a thoughtful leader who genuinely cared about people and worked hard to do what was right.

What stood out to me most was Vic's ability to bring people together and find common ground. He was always able to balance the needs of patients, researchers, the hospital, and Queen's University while treating everyone with respect and fairness.

Vic has a strong belief in using evidence and facts to guide decisions, but he never loses sight of the people affected by those decisions. He always took the time to listen, consider different perspectives, and focus on what would best serve patients and their families.

I believe these qualities would make Vic an excellent Councillor. He is approachable, honest, and committed to serving his community. Countryside would be well represented with Vic as its voice at City Hall.

I am proud to support Vic Sahai and wish him every success in the upcoming election.

Christian KeresztesCo-worker

Kingston is lucky to have Vic Sahai living and working in the Limestone City. We will all be even luckier to have him as a member of Kingston’s City Council representing Countryside District.

Vic is smart, dedicated and a very hard worker. Vic believes in healthy cities where we can all access and enjoy the wonderful amenities our beautiful city has to offer. Vic supports safe bicycle paths for the whole city so we can all cycle safely around Kingston. Vic will work hard to ensure everyone has a home in Kingston. Vic is an expert in public health and will work to make our healthcare in Kingston even better with more primary care services for everyone.

Vic Sahai is an honest, straightforward person whose honesty and caring will make him a terrific councillor for Kingston and for Countryside District.

Vic is exactly what our city needs.

Dr. Dick ZoutmanEmeritus Professor, School of Medicine, Queen’s University

I had the pleasure of co-teaching the master's-level course EPID 861/862 / MPA 836 – Health Systems/Health Policy in Canada with Vic.

Vic is an accomplished researcher, educator, and administrator with expertise in epidemiology. He was a responsible and dedicated professor in his classroom. He cares deeply about his students and is passionate about improving Canada's healthcare system and health policy.

Despite his many professional achievements, Vic is yet humble and approachable. He is easy to talk to, works exceptionally well with people who have diverse interests and perspectives, and treats everyone with respect. He listens carefully, encourages open and thoughtful discussion, and has an ability to build consensus while earning the trust and respect of those around him.

I am proud to endorse Vic—my friend and colleague—as the candidate for Kingston City Council representing Countryside.

Wenjue Knutsen, PhDAssociate Professor, School of Policy Studies, Smith School of Business, and School of Nursing, Queen’s University

Dear Vic:

Congratulations upon your decision to run for the position of councillor for Countryside District in the City of Kingston. You will offer a high degree of commitment to be a strong voice on council to address the needs and preferences of the residents of Countryside District. With your previous election involvement at the federal level you also have a broad perspective to address pressing social issues which the city is currently facing.

Best Wishes,

Helen C. CooperMayor of Kingston, 1988–1993; Chair of the Ontario Municipal Board, 1993–1996

Once my boss. Still Inspiring! Good luck, Vic!

Rob BarnettColleague

Vic Sahai.

Candidate for Countryside District

Have a Question? Want to Get Involved?

Whether you have a question about local issues, want to share feedback, are interested in volunteering, or would like a yard sign, I'd love to hear from you.