Kingsville delays decision on forensic research facility after public concerns

Kingsville has postponed its forensic research site decision, but residents are still hesitant. CTV Windsor’s Chris Campbell has more.

The Town of Kingsville is postponing a final decision on a proposed forensic research facility following what the mayor calls a significant response from residents seeking more information.

Mayor Dennis Rogers said the decision to delay a recommendation, originally expected later this month, comes after hearing concerns from landowners, community members and other stakeholders.

“We noticed that there was a large information gap out there,” Rogers told CTV News.

“There was a sentiment that this decision was being rushed — and that’s the last thing we want our residents to feel.”

The proposal involves a forensic taphonomy facility — sometimes referred to as a “body farm” — where researchers study human decomposition to aid in criminal investigations and search-and-rescue efforts.

Rogers acknowledged that the nature of the project has contributed to mixed reactions.

“It’s an uncomfortable subject matter. It’s outside the norm, and that causes different reactions,” he said.

“It’s our job to listen to them all and make an informed decision.”

The mayor said there is now no timeline for when the proposal will return to council, emphasizing the municipality wants to prioritize consultation.

“This is a listening and information process at this point,” he said.

“There’s no rush. This is a big decision, and we want to make sure we do it right.”

The facility has been proposed in partnership with the University of Windsor, which Rogers said has an existing relationship with the town. He added Kingsville was selected after potential sites were evaluated, and one location in the municipality met the project’s criteria.

While the exact site has not been publicly confirmed, some residents believe they have identified a potential location near County Road 20, raising concerns about proximity to future residential development.

Local podcaster Les McDonald said the delay does not mean the proposal is off the table.

“Postpone does not mean cancel,” McDonald said.

“The community is still working hard to make sure the town is aware of the reasons they object to this location.”

McDonald said much of the concern he’s heard centres on where the facility could be built, rather than the research itself.

“They’re not against the science — they’re against the location,” he said.

“Most people actually find it fascinating. It’s just the location that’s got people concerned.”

For some residents, the proposal raises broader questions about transparency and potential impacts.

Kim Stockinger, a retired nurse practitioner, said she was “very shocked” when she first learned of the project.

“I have concerns — like most people — about odour, property values, things like that,” Stockinger said.

“It affects all of us, and I think this is something so out of the ordinary that people should have a say.”

She also questioned how the municipality would benefit from hosting the facility.

“Monetarily, how does Kingsville benefit from this?” she said.

“There has to be something more than what the public is aware.”

Stockinger said she supports the town’s decision to delay and is calling for more opportunities for residents to provide input.

“One meeting or open house seems minimal,” she stated.

“There should be multiple opportunities so people can have their say.”

Rogers said the town will continue to gather feedback through its website and direct communication with council, while researchers involved in the project work to address outstanding questions.

“We want to hear from you,” he said.

“We’re continuing to have conversations, and then we’ll go from there.”