What We Heard: Design Concepts

In June 2025, three design concepts for the Frontenac Street parkette were shared with the community on Get Involved Kingston. A survey was then made available for three weeks. Community members were encouraged to share feedback on their preferred design option, specific elements, or the project in general. 75 respondents engaged with the survey. The project team also met with representatives from the Williamsville Community Association to hear their feedback on the designs.

This was a continuation of the public engagement that began earlier in the year, which introduced the project and collected feedback from community members regarding potential uses of the parkette space and preferred amenities.

What we learned

The results of the survey showed that 63 per cent of respondents preferred Design Concept 1, which included two large and curved planting beds with incorporated seating walls and vegetation, along with an optional shade structure.

• “Design 1 preferred for organically shaped plan elements - less rigid, more relaxing.”
• “I like the organic look of Option 1 and its shade structure.”

20 per cent of respondents preferred Concept 2, and 17 per cent of respondents preferred Concept 3.

Many comments requested that features from Concept 2 (increased seating options) and Concept 3 (multi-tiered seating wall) be incorporated into the final concept:

• “I wonder if the multi-tiered seating of #3 could be incorporated into the design of Option 1.”
• “I initially liked design #1, especially the shade element, but #3 won me over with the two-tiered seating area.”
• “Multi-level seating provides conversation space or space for street performers.”
• “I like the less angular shapes of Option 1 but really like the inside facing seating walls and shade structure of Option 3.”
• “Tiered seating provides more places for people to sit.”

Importance of shade and mature trees

There were many comments requesting trees and the need for shade at this site, as well as in the Williamsville district in general.

• “More shade for all new city planning is an absolute must.”
• “ I would most like to see big trees planted to provide shade.”
• “I think it is important to have some trees that will mature to a good size and provide shade.”
• “I would love to see significant shade provided by live trees instead of artificial shade structures. Live trees can provide excellent shade, and have so many additional benefits (sequestering carbon, biodiversity, stress reduction, etc). Thanks for gathering feedback!”
• “Shade is important. I prefer natural shade such as trees with leaves, but since it takes time for them to grow, I would like initially the artificial shade, which can be removed in, say, 5-10 years, when the shade trees have grown.”

Major support for a Shade Structure

While the shade structure was presented as an optional feature within the design concepts, it was the most preferred amenity of survey respondents, and many comments suggested it should be a mandatory feature.

• “Option 1 would greatly benefit from the shade structure, I think it should be mandatory in the design, not optional, and high enough that people can't jump up to hang off of it.”
• “Shade structure is a must! All three options are great.”
• “I like the concept of a shade canopy of some sort, it could be something unique.”
• “I like the shade option too (which also adds height and aesthetics to the design).”
• “We have very little dedicated shade structure options in the city so I think it's a great value add and it should be part of the design!”

Other comments highlighted the importance of ongoing maintenance to planting areas and the site features, as well as good lighting to ensure community safety. There were also specific requests for more areas for planting (larger planter size, permeable paving, water bottle filling station, waste receptacle, and seating with back support).

Final Design Concept

The final design for Frontenac Street Parkette incorporates elements from the preferred option 1 concept such as curved planting beds, which incorporate seating walls and vegetation. Planting beds have been reconfigured in size and shape to allow for more vegetation to be planted within, as well as more seating along their perimeter. It also incorporates elements requested from the public, including a shade structure, multi-tiered seating wall, and a waste receptacle. Permeable paving for the parkette’s ground surface, along with soil cells below grade that not only support tree growth, but also capture stormwater, will be explored during the detailed design phase.

A plan view showing the final design of the parkette.

Examples of the parkette amenities are shown below.

Next Steps

The conceptual design stage for Frontenac Street Parkette is now complete. We now move into the detailed design stage for Summer / Fall 2025. Details about construction and timelines will follow. Updates will be shared here and with project subscribers.