Memorial Centre Virtual Open House
Welcome!
Please join us to learn more about the Kingston Multi‑Site Visioning Project and share your perspectives.
Look through the information provided at your own pace and explore the different ways to provide input on potential program spaces and experiences.
This is an opportunity to review project information and identify your priorities.
Thank you for taking the time to participate and share your thoughts.
The Project
The City of Kingston is launching a major multi-site visioning and recreation facility capital planning project to help guide the future development, renewal, and investment in the following community recreation facilities and sites:
- Centre 70
- Kingston Memorial Centre
- Portsmouth Olympic Harbour
This work is at an early, exploratory stage, focused on understanding priorities, opportunities, and desired experiences across the sites.
The City is gathering input online and in person through community input sessions, offering multiple ways to share what matters most to you.
To stay informed of upcoming engagement opportunities, please sign up for updates using the follow project feature on this page.
Timelines, Context and History
1800s - Hatter’s Bay established to serve the Kingston Penitentiary.
1951 - Kingston Memorial Centre and surrounding buildings opened. Outdoor swimming pool, change facility and International Hockey Hall of Fame built on Kingston Memorial Centre site.
1969 - Portsmouth Harbour constructed.
1970 - Centre 70 opened.
1974 - Portsmouth Olympic Harbour refurbished and renamed for the Montreal Summer Games.
1976 - Portsmouth Olympic Harbour served as a venue for the Olympic sailing events. Neighbourhood Sharing Centre opened at Centre 70.
1977 - City signed lease agreement with Fisheries & Oceans Canada to operate marina.
1997 - Kingston Memorial Centre underwent partial renovation.
2007 - Revitalization Plan developed by Kingston Memorial Centre Revitalization Advisory Committee.
2011 - New outdoor pool and waterpark (Culligan Water Park) opened at Kingston Memorial Centre.
2012 - New Memorial Wall at Kingston Memorial Centre. Kingston Memorial Centre Farmer’s Market opens.
2013 - Lakeside Community Garden established on adjacent lands (access via Centre 70 site).
2017 - Portsmouth Olympic Harbour Opportunities & Constraints Study completed.
2022 - Kingston & Area Community Training Farm opened on land adjacent to Centre 70.
2025 - Multi-sport stadium opportunity at Kingston Memorial Centre. Grandstand at Kingston Memorial Centre closed due to unsafe conditions. Portsmouth Olympic Harbour underwent partial roof replacement.
2026 - Culligan Water Park enclosure under construction at Kingston Memorial Centre. Pipe burst damage closed Centre 70 for winter season. Portsmouth Olympic Harbour underwent partial roof replacement.
Goals, Process and Context
Project Goals
- Establish long-term directions for each site: Vision Statement & Concept Plan
- Inform phased investment strategies
- Guide program and infrastructure priorities
While the focus of the study is to provide direction specific to each site, the City’s broader recreational needs, in particular, demand for ice rinks, sports fields, outdoor recreation amenities and events as they relate to the sites, will also be taken into consideration.
Project Process
The multi-site visioning and capital planning project is structured over two phases:
- Phase 1 focuses on understanding needs and building a shared vision
- Phase 2 translates this vision into concepts and recommendations
Phase 1
Analysis, Site Evaluation & Engagement
(Winter / Spring 2025)
- Background Review
- Facility Needs Assessment
- Engagement Round 1: Discovery & Dialogue: Public Information Centres (PICs); Public Online Survey #1 (Launching April, 2026); Stakeholder Interviews & Focus Groups; Pop-Up Events.
- Site Review, Opportunities & Constraints
- Visioning & Evaluation Framework
Phase 2
Visioning, Concept Design & Capital Planning
(Summer / Fall 2026)
- Site Visioning & Concept Options
- Evaluation & Prioritization
- Preferred Conceptual Designs
- Capital Redevelopment Strategy
- Operational Model and Financial Impact
- Engagement Round 2: Feedback & Validation
- Draft & Final Reporting
Portsmouth Olympic Harbour
Facility Understanding
- Portsmouth Olympic Harbour is a significant asset on Kingston’s waterfront, with a long history of supporting sailing, watersports and community events.
- The facility’s operational model and physical condition have not been comprehensively reviewed in the context of contemporary community needs, waterfront development goals or market opportunities.
Visioning Criteria
- Align the site’s uses with the City’s vision for a vibrant, accessible waterfront.
- Support sailing, watersports, community use and complementary commercial opportunities to enhance the site and overall user experience.
- Consider operational synergies with Confederation Basin Marina to improve efficiency and service delivery across both facilities.
You can provide your feedback until April 12 at 11:55 p.m.
Memorial Centre
Facility Understanding
- An important facility within the city, fulfilling an essential function for both community recreation and competitive sports activities within Kingston.
- Continued demand for ice time at this and other facilities across the city.
- Indoor and outdoor site infrastructure is aging and, in some cases, in disrepair.
- Opportunity to pursue expansion and modernization of the facility, ensuring it can accommodate evolving community needs and remain a cornerstone for recreation and sport in Kingston.
Context Map
Visioning Criteria
The following Council-approved criteria direct the visioning and capital planning process for this facility:
- Pursue partnerships for a modern twin-pad arena, including: One ice pad with spectator seating for competitive events, one ice pad focused on community use, and Dedicated support spaces(dressing rooms, training, rink amenities).
- Consider site uses that support: A year-round indoor/outdoor Farmers’ Market, annual agricultural events and support for local farming practices, preserving open spaces for recreation and community events.
- Integrate the enclosure of the Culligan Water Park into the design for a year-round facility.
- Retain and activate the play structure,splashpad, Memorial Wall, and front areas.
- Remove existing barns for arena expansion and more parking.
- Plan for traffic and parking, including solutions for large events.
- Explore net-zero or other low-impact design options.