Community Vision: Memorial Centre, Portsmouth Olympic Harbour and Centre 70
The City of Kingston has launched 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 and Portsmouth Olympic Harbour.
In September of 2025 Council endorsed the design criteria to guide this project. Details on that criteria can be found in the Council report from September.
Following a competitive procurement process, Sierra Planning and Management has been selected as the lead consultant for the project, working in partnership with MJMA Architecture & Design and Ingersoll & Associates Inc. Together, the team brings extensive experience in recreation planning, community engagement, facility design, and capital and operational feasibility for municipalities across Canada.
A comprehensive, community-focused approach
The multi-site visioning and capital planning project will examine each site from early vision and engagement through to concept development, capital costing, and operational planning. The work will consider community needs, site opportunities and constraints, financial feasibility, and implementation strategies to support informed decision-making.The project will result in a 20+ year long-term vision for each site that is community-informed, and achievable.
Upcoming opportunities to get involved
Community engagement is a key component of the project. Residents, user groups, and stakeholders can expect a variety of opportunities to provide input over the course of the project.
Public Information Centres
The City is hosting a series of Public Information Centres (PICs) in March 2026. These facility-specific drop-in sessions are an opportunity to learn about this exciting project and its importance to the future provision of recreation in Kingston. You will be able to review project information, tell us about your priorities for the facilities and sites, and ask questions to City staff and members of the Consulting Team.
Join us at one of the upcoming PICs:
All venues event (materials from all three prior events) - March 26, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at INVISTA Centre (1350 Gardiners Rd.) in Hall C.
Virtual Public Information Centre
View the information presented at previous in-person public information centres online and provide your feedback by April 12.
Public Online Survey
Stay tuned! Expected release in April 2026.
Stay informed
Information about the project, including engagement opportunities and updates, will be available on this page. Community members are encouraged to sign up for updates to stay informed as the project progresses.
-
Share your feedback and ideas
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.
-
Share your feedback and ideas
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.
-
Share your feedback and ideas
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
Centre 70
Facility Understanding
- Extensive investment would be required for Centre 70 arena to meet modern standards of functionality and condition as a recreation facility.
- Centre 70 arena is utilized for ice user groups and tournament overflow with limited use for non-ice recreational pursuits.
Visioning Approach
- Centre 70 is expected to be phased out as an arena and the development of a new ice pad at an alternative location will be explored as part of the broader visioning and capital planning process.
- The recreation needs (beyond ice) of both the surrounding neighbourhood and the City as a whole will be assessed to guide the future redevelopment of the Centre 70 property, in alignment with community priorities and strategic objectives.
These needs will be considered in the following ways:
- The feasibility of maintaining Centre 70 for non-ice related recreation uses; and
- The potential to accommodate these uses (as determined through the needs assessment) at an alternative site within the Lakeside District.
