Notice of Completion

The City of Kingston initiated this study to identify alternative solutions for a new pedestrian and cycling crossing over John Counter Boulevard and the CN Rail line. This crossing is expected to provide a north-south connection for the existing Kingston and Pembroke Trail (K&P Trail) between Division Street and Elliott Avenue. The Study Area is illustrated on the Key Map below. The need for this crossing was identified in the City’s Active Transportation Master Plan (ATMP), and the initiation of this study was committed to in the City’s Five-Year Active Transportation Implementation Plan (ATIP).

The Process

The study was conducted in accordance with Schedule ‘B’ of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) process. It confirmed and documented the existing conditions of the study area and identified alternative solutions that best support a potential new pedestrian bridge crossing. A Project File Report (PFR) has been prepared in accordance with the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process (October 2000, amended in 2023).

Study area key plan

Preferred Alternative Solution

Based on the findings of the study and extensive consultation with agencies, stakeholders, First Nations, and the public, City is proposing to replace the Division Street Bridge and improve active transportation facilities by enhancing connectivity, safety, and overall quality of life for residents of Rideau Heights and Kingscourt Communities, as well as K&P Trail users. Improving active transportation along John Counter Boulevard will also provide a safer, more efficient route, with the potential for an elevated MUP/Trail that separates pedestrians and cyclists from vehicular traffic, enhancing safety and K&P Trail connectivity.

Project File Report

The PFR is being placed on public record for a 30-day review period from February 21 to March 24, 2025. The PFR is available for review.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns regarding this study, please contact one of the Project Team members below by March 24, 2025:

In addition, a request may be made to the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks for an order requiring a higher level of study, or that conditions may be imposed, only on the grounds that the requested order may prevent, mitigate or remedy adverse impacts on constitutionally protected Aboriginal and treaty rights. Request on other grounds will not be considered. Requests should include the requesters contact information and full name for the ministry.

Requests should specify what kind of order is being requested, how an order may prevent, mitigate or remedy those potential adverse impacts, and any information in support of the statements in the request. The request should be sent in writing or by email to the project contacts noted above and the following:

Comments submitted to the City of Kingston for the purpose of providing feedback regarding this Municipal Class Environmental Assessment are collected under the authority of the Environmental Assessment Act. Information will be collected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. With the exception of personal information, all comments will become part of the public record.

If you have any accessibility requirements in order to participate in this study, please contact one of the project team members listed above.

This notice was first issued on February 21, 2025