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.

Following the June 2, 2026 Council Meeting, the previously proposed inflatable water park at Confederation Basin will not proceed as part of this project. Further details are available in the staff report to Council.

The City will continue advancing planning and design work for the Confederation Basin Promenade, with construction anticipated to begin in 2027. The updated concept includes a waterfront pathway, designated swimming docks, and supporting washroom and changeroom facilities. An in-person information session will be held in 2026 for nearby residents to share updates and gather feedback on the design.

A conceptual layout is provided below. It illustrates a concrete walkway along the top of the existing breakwater extending its full length. Near the Battery Park entrance, terraced access points are shown leading down toward the water, along with gangways connecting to floating docks that support swimming access and accessible access to the water. A marked buoy line indicates the extent of the designated swimming area. Within Battery Park, a proposed washroom and change room facility is shown in the general vicinity of the swimming area.

For reference, at its June 2, 2026 meeting, Council passed the following motions:

  • That Council direct staff to discontinue work related to the previously approved naming rights agreement with Patry Inc. Developments for the proposed “Patry Aquatic Park”; and
  • That Council direct staff to retain the enhanced swimming platform and washroom/change room facility as part of the Confederation Basin Promenade Project, and include the necessary budget amendments in the 2027 capital budget process; and
  • That Council direct staff to pursue a Crown land lease and associated approvals to facilitate any future inflatable water park interest at Grass Creek Park.

Water quality at all City beaches and swimming locations is monitored by Southeast Public Health, the video embedded below describes their water sampling program. Results are published on their website.


At the proposed swimming facility in the Confederation Basin, the City of Kingston has been conducting water quality testing ahead of the proposed enhancements to ensure the water is safe for swimming. Once the project is completed, regular testing will be carried out by Southeast Public Health.

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.

Following the June 2, 2026 Council Meeting, the previously proposed inflatable water park at Confederation Basin will not proceed as part of this project. Further details are available in the staff report to Council.

The City will continue advancing planning and design work for the Confederation Basin Promenade, with construction anticipated to begin in 2027. The updated concept includes a waterfront pathway, designated swimming docks, and supporting washroom and changeroom facilities. An in-person information session will be held in 2026 for nearby residents to share updates and gather feedback on the design.

A conceptual layout is provided below. It illustrates a concrete walkway along the top of the existing breakwater extending its full length. Near the Battery Park entrance, terraced access points are shown leading down toward the water, along with gangways connecting to floating docks that support swimming access and accessible access to the water. A marked buoy line indicates the extent of the designated swimming area. Within Battery Park, a proposed washroom and change room facility is shown in the general vicinity of the swimming area.

For reference, at its June 2, 2026 meeting, Council passed the following motions:

  • That Council direct staff to discontinue work related to the previously approved naming rights agreement with Patry Inc. Developments for the proposed “Patry Aquatic Park”; and
  • That Council direct staff to retain the enhanced swimming platform and washroom/change room facility as part of the Confederation Basin Promenade Project, and include the necessary budget amendments in the 2027 capital budget process; and
  • That Council direct staff to pursue a Crown land lease and associated approvals to facilitate any future inflatable water park interest at Grass Creek Park.

Water quality at all City beaches and swimming locations is monitored by Southeast Public Health, the video embedded below describes their water sampling program. Results are published on their website.


At the proposed swimming facility in the Confederation Basin, the City of Kingston has been conducting water quality testing ahead of the proposed enhancements to ensure the water is safe for swimming. Once the project is completed, regular testing will be carried out by Southeast Public Health.

  • Ongoing project comments

    Do you have feedback for the Confederation Basin Promenade project team? Share it here with us! 

    Questions, comments and ideas will be collected as the project advances and read by the project team on a regular basis, however, individual questions and comments will not be responded to. Feedback on the operations of the enhanced swimming amenities will be considered by staff. By submitting a comment or question, you will be automatically added to our email newsletter so that you receive updates each time we have new information to share.

    Submit feedback
  • Thank you for your interest in completing this survey. The survey is now closed. If you have additional feedback or questions, please contact the project manager at LPaquin@CityofKingston.ca

    Latest Confederation Basin Promenade designs

    This survey shares a project update and the latest Confederation Basin Promenade designs and replaces the earlier open comment forum for feedback. Please review the designs and complete the survey at the end of the update. The survey will close on Feb. 1 at 4 p.m.


    Overview plan of existing Confederation Basin Marina with existing breakwall outline. Project of consideration. Project Area of Consideration

    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


    Overview plan of existing Confederation Basin Marina with the first segment, bend, and second segment outlined. Enhanced Entry Area is circled. Overview of Confederation Basin Promenade Plan

    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.Images of geotechnical testing that was completed at different locations along the breakwall.

    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.


    Artist rendering of proposed promenade walkway. Image showcase concrete path on the first segment and the bend. There's a concrete seatwall on the right side and a designated seating area at the bend. People are walking the walkway which has lighting. Rendering of Proposed Promenade Walkway


    The Bend Design

    A 5m wide lookout area is proposed at the ‘Bend’ of the Breakwall. The design includes seating and life safety equipment.

    Artist rendering of bend. Showcasing concrete walkway across the breakwater with a a sitting area outlooking from the bend, lighting, a concrete seatwall, and people walking along the promenade. Rendering of the Lookout Area at the Bend


    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. Artistic rendering of the Confederation Basin project shows a concrete walkway, lighthouse lookout area and new walkway and navigation lightsConcrete Deck SolutionElevated 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.


    Artistic rendering of the Confederation Basin project shows a wooden walkway, lighthouse lookout area and new walkway and navigation lightsElevated Walkway Solution

     

    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. The City is investigating the design and feasibility of an Enhanced Swimming Area. Please review the proposed Entry Area Site Plan and Artist Renderings and let us know what you think. 

    Artistic rendering of the Confederation Basin project shows an aerial view of the enhanced entry area, pedestrian access to future swimming area, seating features, stepped terrace, sand seating area, and people walking on a pathwayArtist rendering of the enhanced entry area

     

    Artistic rendering of the Confederation Basin project shows the enhanced entry area, pedestrian access to future swimming area and people walking on a pathwayArtist rendering of the enhanced entry area

     

    Artistic rendering of the Confederation Basin project shows the enhanced entry area, pedestrian access to future swimming area and people walking on a pathwayArtist rendering of the enhanced entry area

     

    Artistic rendering of the Confederation Basin project shows the enhanced entry area, pedestrian access to future swimming area and people walking on a pathwayArtist rendering of the enhanced entry area


    Future Enhanced Swimming Area

    The City is investigating the design and feasibility of an Enhanced Swimming Area.


    Images of people swimming and jumping off a dock into the water.


  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Final design concepts with extended pathway

    In April 2022, Council approved a project scope change to enhance the design and extend the Confederation Basin Promenade to the lighthouse. The proposed budget was increased to $9M and is included in the City’s 2023 capital budget for consideration. 

    As project planning advances, two design solutions for the outer leg of the promenade are being pursued: a concrete deck and an elevated walkway. The elevated walkway would include a timber deck and railings. Both options include a lookout at the lighthouse, seating and lighting. The final configuration would be confirmed prior to construction. 

    Please complete this survey to share your comments on the proposed design solutions. You may complete the survey online, or by phone or mail-back paper copy of the survey by calling 613-546-0000.

    Before beginning the survey, we recommend you review the conceptual design panels online or in Battery Park, and review the public engagement summary from the third public engagement in January 2022.  

    • Time to complete: 5 minutes 
    • Survey closes Jan. 31, 2023 at 4 p.m. 


  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Final Confederation Basin Promenade Concept Designs

    The City is seeking feedback on the final conceptual plans for the Confederation Basin Promenade project. This survey will take approximately 5 minutes to complete. Feedback will be summarized in a public engagement reporting out document and may be considered in the refined designs.

    Before beginning the survey, we recommend you review the conceptual design panels online or in Battery Park, and review the public engagement summary. As you complete the survey, please keep in mind that:

    • The enhanced concept is not part of the approved project but could be considered by Council if alternate sources of funding became available.
    • The enhanced concept would require approximately double the current approved budget.
    • Constructing the enhancements separately in the future would be a significant challenge.

    Survey closes Feb. 4 at 4 p.m.

  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Proposed conceptual plans

    The City is seeking feedback on the proposed conceptual plans for the Confederation Basin Promenade project. Before beginning the survey, we recommend you review the presentation online or at the display panels in Battery Park. This survey will take approximately 5 minutes to complete. Feedback will be summarized in a public engagement reporting out document and may be considered in the refined designs. 

    Survey closes Nov. 12 at 4 p.m.

  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Key elements and enhancements survey

    The City is seeking feedback on key elements and proposed enhancements in the Confederation Basin Promenade project. Before beginning the survey, we recommend you review the key elements and proposed enhancements. This survey will take approximately 5 minutes to complete. Feedback will be summarized in a public engagement reporting out document and may be considered in key element and enhancement refinements.

    Survey closes Aug. 3 at 4 p.m.

Page last updated: 03 Jun 2026, 04:08 PM