Confederation Basin Promenade

A conceptual design of the new promenade. A walkway on the breakwall with the lake in the background.

The Confederation Basin Promenade project includes a new accessible walkway and public space experience on the existing rock breakwall that shelters Flora MacDonald Confederation Basin and would be accessed from the waterfront pathway and Battery Park. Seating, lighting, viewing and swimming opportunities will be considered for the promenade.

The 2016 Waterfront Master Plan process conceptualized and consulted on the Promenade Project and a high-level scope of work was established and approved by Council, along with a $2.695M project budget. In 2022, Council approved the expanded project scope, including a longer and wider promenade, an enhanced entry area, improved swimming access and additional seating with an increased budget of $9M.

On July 8, 2025, Kingston City Council approved a naming rights agreement for the expanded swimming dock, inflatable water park, and new washroom/changeroom facility at Battery Park, located in Flora MacDonald Confederation Basin. The project is being delivered in partnership with Patry Inc. Developments, which has secured naming rights through a $1 million in-kind sponsorship. The total approved budget for the enhancements is $3 million.

As this project moves forward, updates will be shared here. Subscribe for updates using the form on this page to stay informed and receive project updates in your inbox.

An overhead view showing the layout of the Confederation Basin Promenade Swiming Enhancements.

A conceptual design of the new promenade. A walkway on the breakwall with the lake in the background.

As this project moves forward, updates will be shared here. Subscribe for updates using the form on this page to stay informed and receive project updates in your inbox.

An overhead view showing the layout of the Confederation Basin Promenade Swiming Enhancements.

City Council Approves Naming Rights Partnership for New Waterfront Aquatic Park

On Tuesday, July 8, Kingston City Council approved a naming rights agreement for the expanded swimming dock and new water play area in Flora MacDonald Confederation Basin. The site will be officially named Patry Aquatic Park, in recognition of a $1 million in-kind sponsorship from Patry Group.
As part of its efforts to attract new investment and non-tax-based funding sources, the City has explored naming rights for locations within major capital projects. An enhanced swimming dock and inflatable water park at Battery Park will be constructed as part of the broader Confederation Basin Promenade Project using this in-kind support.

The addition of the inflatable water park at Patry Aquatic Park will offer an affordable, family-friendly recreation option in the heart of downtown Kingston. Designed to be accessible and inclusive, the park will provide a fun and safe environment for children, youth, and families to enjoy the waterfront. This investment ensures that more residents can access engaging outdoor activities close to home.
The agreement will grant Patry Group naming rights until the end of the swimming dock’s useful life—anticipated to be approximately 20 years. The contribution includes equipment and materials to support the installation of the public swim facilities and amenities.
“This generous contribution from Patry Group provides an exciting opportunity for enhanced swimming opportunities at our waterfront,” says Amy Elgersma, Director of Recreation & Leisure Services. “The Patry Aquatic Park will offer residents and visitors place to connect, play, and cool off—creating memorable experiences in the heart of Kingston’s downtown for years to come.”
The agreement with Patry Group represents a major milestone in the City’s ongoing efforts to support accessible and vibrant public spaces.
Patry Aquatic Park is scheduled to open in 2027.
On Tuesday, July 8, Kingston City Council approved a naming rights agreement for the expanded swimming dock and new water play area in Flora MacDonald Confederation Basin. The site will be officially named Patry Aquatic Park, in recognition of a $1 million in-kind sponsorship from Patry Group.
As part of its efforts to attract new investment and non-tax-based funding sources, the City has explored naming rights for locations within major capital projects. An enhanced swimming dock and inflatable water park at Battery Park will be constructed as part of the broader Confederation Basin Promenade Project using this in-kind support.

The addition of the inflatable water park at Patry Aquatic Park will offer an affordable, family-friendly recreation option in the heart of downtown Kingston. Designed to be accessible and inclusive, the park will provide a fun and safe environment for children, youth, and families to enjoy the waterfront. This investment ensures that more residents can access engaging outdoor activities close to home.
The agreement will grant Patry Group naming rights until the end of the swimming dock’s useful life—anticipated to be approximately 20 years. The contribution includes equipment and materials to support the installation of the public swim facilities and amenities.
“This generous contribution from Patry Group provides an exciting opportunity for enhanced swimming opportunities at our waterfront,” says Amy Elgersma, Director of Recreation & Leisure Services. “The Patry Aquatic Park will offer residents and visitors place to connect, play, and cool off—creating memorable experiences in the heart of Kingston’s downtown for years to come.”
The agreement with Patry Group represents a major milestone in the City’s ongoing efforts to support accessible and vibrant public spaces.
Patry Aquatic Park is scheduled to open in 2027.
Latest Confederation Basin Promenade designs
Project update
In April 2022, City Council approved the “enhanced design” option for the Confederation Basin Promenade which includes:

An enhanced entry area;

A 4m wide concrete promenade to the Bend (first segment);

A 5m wide lookout area at the Bend;

A 3m wide walkway to the lighthouse (second segment);

Extra seating; and

Enhanced swimming access to the water.

Geotechnical Testing

Through July 2022, geotechnical testing was performed at various locations along the breakwall. The testing confirmed the condition of the core of the breakwall and helped to determine the effectiveness of various support options for the walkway. Results ofContinue reading
Project update
In April 2022, City Council approved the “enhanced design” option for the Confederation Basin Promenade which includes:

An enhanced entry area;

A 4m wide concrete promenade to the Bend (first segment);

A 5m wide lookout area at the Bend;

A 3m wide walkway to the lighthouse (second segment);

Extra seating; and

Enhanced swimming access to the water.

Geotechnical Testing

Through July 2022, geotechnical testing was performed at various locations along the breakwall. The testing confirmed the condition of the core of the breakwall and helped to determine the effectiveness of various support options for the walkway. Results of the geotechnical testing were used to develop the detailed design for the walkway and to determine feasible options for construction.
Segment one design
The design of segment one includes a 4m wide concrete deck with a seat wall on the lake side and toe-rail on the basin side. Seating bump-outs are proposed in various locations.
The Bend design
A 5m wide lookout area is proposed at the ‘Bend’ of the Breakwall. The design includes seating and life safety equipment.
Second segment design
To optimize the available budget for the project, the team is exploring two design solutions for constructing the second segment of the Promenade. The two solutions are a concrete deck and an elevated walkway. Both solutions include a terminus lookout at the lighthouse (beacon), seating, lighting and railings where required.
Concrete deck solution
The concrete deck solution involves constructing a poured-in-place concrete walkway supported by piles installed through the breakwall core. The Concrete Deck is proposed to sit within the breakwall stones and will be protected on the lake facing side with a low seatwall.
Elevated walkway solution
The elevated walkway solution is proposed as a pile-supported structure with a timber deck. It would sit approximately 0.5m above the breakwall stones, and would be aligned slightly off-centre towards the basin and may require railings on both sides.
Enhanced entry area design
The design team has been exploring options for the design of the entry area. The goal is to provide features that improve the public realm experience at the entrance to the Promenade and at the water’s edge along Battery Park. The design currently proposes a shade canopy, sandy seating area, stepped terrace to the water’s edge, tree planting and various types of seating.
Future enhanced swimming area
The City is investigating the design and feasibility of an enhanced swimming area.