Consortium Lead Cheryl Hitchen (also Kingston's manager of social policy and strategic development) is making news with a data-based proposal to replace senior discounts with discounts for low-income residents.
Cheryl Hitchen, Kingston's manager of social policy and strategic development, told CBC Radio's Ontario Morning Monday that based on census data, seniors aren't the local demographic most in need of a financial boost.
"[Seniors'] average median income is about the same as it is for the community as a whole," Hitchen said. "There are quite a number of seniors that are doing well, and there are still some living in poverty, and those seniors will continue to get a discount when we make the change."
Hitchen says that senior discounts are a remnant of the post-war era and the benefit would be better based on the low income measure, or LIM. Under this measure, single residents making under $22,000 a year would qualify for discounts on city amenities like bus passes.
Kingston is asking for public input with a survey for residents posted until Dec 15.