As we head into the last week of engagement, the project continues to benefit from high interest and engagement. This week, the engagement team focused on in-person engagement sessions in the community, popping up at the Memorial Centre Farmer's Market on Sunday, Feb. 16 and at the Memorial Centre on Wednesday, Feb. 19, and responding to all of the questions submitted to Get Involved Kingston by email or on the engagement platform. Engagement highlights to date include:

• 7,397 people have visited the project page
• 739 surveys have been completed
• 260 questions asked
• 3 in-person sessions hosted, including at the Memorial Centre Farmer's Market
• People living in neighbourhoods beginning with K7K are represented most often in the engagement feedback, completing 271 of 739 surveys).

Important engagement deadline reminder

To make sure that all feedback is included in the What We Learned report to Council, all engagement feedback must be submitted to us by 4 p.m., Friday, Feb. 28. If you have picked up a paper survey at an in-person session or received a PDF survey by email, please be sure that these are dropped off or emailed by this time. Staff will use this time to compile, theme and write a summary of engagement activities for the March 18 Council meeting.

Ask a question update

There are some aspects of the project the team continues to work on, including details of the lease agreement and feasibility analysis do not have detailed answers at this time. Other aspects, such as answers from the proponent about the project timeline and specific location, are now available. Answers from the proponent were shared at the session on Wednesday, and are available online.

Passive use information

Community members have reached out to us to ensure that non-bookable use of the Memorial Centre site is reflected in the engagement summary. As part of the survey and in-person activities, we are collecting this information to report back to community and Council.

Time update for our last in-person session

The Memorial Centre is a voting location for the Feb. 27 provincial election, which means our engagement session on Feb. 26 will run from 3-5 p.m. to make sure the election team can set up for voting the following day.

What we’ve learned so far - public engagement update Jan. 17-Feb. 13, 2025

Public engagement on the proposal to build a multi-sport stadium on the Memorial Centre site is benefitting from significant community input. Since launching engagement and opening the Get Involved page on Jan. 17:

• More than 5,800 people have visited the page, with most visitors clicking on a link in our emails or on Facebook posts to get to the page
• 490 online surveys have been completed, with additional surveys completed by email, mail and in-person
• Over 250 questions have been submitted by email and on the engagement platform.
• Four news and engagement updates were published
• Approximately 50 people came to the in-person drop-in session at the Memorial Centre on Feb. 12.
• Staff met with 10 different sports user groups and event organizers for 1-hour structured interviews.
  • Note: staff have updated the number of consulted groups from 17 to 10.

The engagement team is working to respond to as many questions as possible, and we recognize that not all questions are being responded to as quickly or in as much detail as engagement participants prefer, but we assure everyone that all questions are being collected and will be shared back to the community and Council. Unfortunately, due to the volume of questions we are receiving and the compressed timeline, not all questions will receive a detailed individual response. Answers to repeated and similar questions will be directed to an FAQ section, which is under development.

The engagement team is also receiving feedback from residents who are concerned about the lack of transparency in the process, and hearing from some residents who are having technology challenges on the engagement platform. Here is how we are working to address that feedback:

• Clarifying that staff are engaging on the Memorial Centre site specifically, as directed by Council.
• Minor adjustments are being made to the survey to increase clarity and address concern of unintended influence on response selections. The options presented will remain the same.
• Sharing survey results to date
• Continuing to provide input opportunities through email, in-person and mail, and providing additional paper surveys to residents to share with their friends, families and neighbours.

Commonly heard concerns in order of frequency

Over the past few weeks, and as the amount of input we receive increases, feedback themes are changing. This is reflected in both the interim survey results and input received through email. Changing feedback themes below reflect input received online between Jan. 17-Feb. 12.

Disruption from traffic, noise, parking and lighting (280 comments)

Concerns about increased traffic congestion and traffic safety, parking issues, and the impact on local streets are prevalent. Two examples of verbatim comments are:

• "The stadium will generate a lot of car traffic which will disrupt the neighborhood. Plus a lot of noise! Has this been addressed with the residents?"
• "Extremely concerned about traffic flow. Currently terrible flow York to Division. Lights don’t change even if cars waiting. Pine to York consistently sees car go through stops. Parking terrible during fair. Can’t see to go around corners."

Green space and parkland concerns (237 comments):

A significant number of comments express concerns about the impact of the stadium project on green space and parkland in Williamsville, and lands being leased to a private developer.

• “This location adversely affects the enjoyment of local residents to the facilities, many of whom are living on a lower income, and rely on the pool and waterpark and green space for their health and well-being.”
• “This is public park land and using it for private purposes is a dangerous precedent!”
• "I am concerned about the intensification of the city in Williamsville with 4 more 10 story buildings being built that open green space will be important for the health and wellbeing of the residents.”

Proposal opposition (138 comments)

Staff have been directed by Council to consider the Memorial Centre site specifically for this stadium proposal, however it is important to reflect community feedback as part of the engagement process. Staff note a significant amount of feedback contains opposition to a stadium in the Memorial Centre location. An example of a verbatim comment is:

• "There’s no mention of the dramatic way in which this stadium would negatively affect the quality of life and property values of the people living in the three streets bordering the Memorial Centre property. Their lives will become hellish for no reason apart from a stranger’s bid to start a business that could be located in several other parts of the city."

Stadium and professional soccer support in an alternate location (97 comments)

Participants are voicing support for professional soccer and a stadium in Kingston and questioning why only the Memorial Centre site is being considered and consulted on. Supporters of a stadium highlight the need for more indoor sports facilities and the positive impact on youth and adult sports organizations. Two examples of verbatim comments are:

• "Excited to have a pro sports team here! It will be great for the city!"
• "Our city is clearly lacking in turf fields and facilities for sports needing turf and year round access."

Impact on existing facilities (69 comments)

Participants share their concerns about the impact of a stadium on the Fall Fair, phased removal of barns, Farmers Market, sports fields, running track and dog park. One example of the verbatim feedback is:

• "Placing it in that location shows a decided lack of concern about the residents in the area. The removal of the barns would also have a detrimental affect on both the Kingston Fall Fair, as well as the Memorial Centre Farmers Market, which is frankly one of the best farmers markets I’ve ever attended. The sense of community found there is unlike anything I’ve experienced elsewhere."

Financial viability (51 comments)

Engagement participants have expressed doubts about the financial viability of the project and the potential burden on taxpayers if the stadium is not successful. Two examples of verbatim comments are:

• “How likely is a stadium to actually pay for itself and not require constant financial support from the city?”
• “What is the funding source from this developer? This developer has no history or experience shared in similar projects and was established in April 2024. What assurances are there that once a shovel is in the ground, the project will be completed and the city will not be financially responsible for any penalties/delays?”

Community consultation and transparency (15 comments)

Some residents feel that the consultation process has been inadequate, and that the City is not genuinely considering public input. Feedback from participants note barriers to participation, frustration with the consultation process and lack of transparency in decision making. Three examples of verbatim comments are:

• "Why is the survey so difficult to find and why is it so biased?"
• "Btw I find this forum v unhelpful for gathering info. You are asking for questions, not listening to concerns, a v starting point."
• "Looking at the "responses" on the feedback page is incredibly disappointing and seems to imply that the city just doesn't care about anyone's input and is going to go ahead with this plan anyway. The non-answers are very telling"

Next steps

The project team is continuing due diligence work, which includes traffic, parking and servicing feasibility memos, business case review and continued public consultation with the community. This work is to fulfill the direction provided by Council:

That staff be directed to conduct community consultation on the proposed relocation of the dog park within the field at the back of the property, the loss of some sport field uses, impacts to the circular track at the back of the property, and on the identification of alternate options/locations for the annual Agricultural Fair; and

That staff be directed to report back at the March 18, 2025 City Council meeting on the proposed terms of a land lease, that will include consideration of community feedback; and

That Council direct staff to identify options, including a phased-in implementation, to continue to support the operations of organizations making use of the existing barns at the Memorial Centre site, and report back as part of the due diligence process.

In our Feb. 14 project update, the engagement team shared we are receiving feedback from residents who are concerned about the lack of transparency in the process. To support our efforts to improve communications and offer clarity in the engagement, we are sharing survey results from Jan. 27 to Feb. 12. If you require an alternate format, please contact us. Survey results will also be available at our in-person drop-in engagements.

Question 1: How do you currently use the Memorial Centre site? Select all that apply.

• My organization rents space (business, events or sports): 28
• I belong to a sports group that practices here: 45
• I'm a dog owner who uses the dog park: 136
• I attend events here: 432
• I use the track, field or green space on my own time and not as part of a club or event: 262
• I don't use the Memorial Centre site: 65
• I use the site in another way that isn't listed: 152

Question 2: If Council approves a multi-sport stadium on the Memorial Centre site, there will need to be changes to how the site is used. Can you tell us how each of these changes would affect how you use the site?

Relocation of the dog park

• Does not affect me: 323
• Affects me negatively: 187
• Affects me positively: 19

Loss of some use of the sports fields

• Does not affect me: 260
• Affects me negatively: 264
• Affects me positively: 25

Adjustment of the track

• Does not affect me: 248
• Affects me negatively: 265
• Affects me positively: 36

Indoor shopping at the Farmer's Market

• Does not affect me: 123
• Affects me negatively: 327
• Affects me positively: 99

Lost of paved area where the proposed stadium would be located

• Does not affect me: 243
• Affects me negatively: 259
• Affects me positively: 47

Removal of the barns to accommodate additional parking

• Does not affect me: 176
• Affects me negatively: 320
• Affects me positively: 53

Question 3: In early engagement, community members shared feedback about the effect a multi-sport stadium on Kingston. How much do you agree or disagree with these feedback themes?

I am concerned about access to greenspace in Williamsville.

• Definitely disagree: 105
• Neutral or no opinion: 69
• Definitely agree: 375

Increase in vehicle traffic will be disruptive (staff note this question was asked twice in the survey)

• Definitely disagree: 51
• Neutral or no opinion: 112
• Definitely agree: 386

A stadium that is domed in the winter increases opportunity for local sports groups

• Definitely disagree: 95
• Neutral or no opinion: 174
• Definitely agree: 280

I would continue to go to my favourite events if they were moved from the Memorial Centre to another part of Kingston.

• Definitely disagree: 267
• Neutral or no opinion: 135
• Definitely agree: 147

Public transit makes it easy to get to the Memorial Centre

• Definitely disagree: 149
• Neutral or no opinion: 262
• Definitely agree: 138

I am concerned about the financial impact a stadium could have on taxpayers

• Definitely disagree: 102
• Neutral or no opinion: 94
• Definitely agree: 353

A stadium will have positive economic impact on sports tourism and businesses

• Definitely disagree: 211
• Neutral or no opinion: 127
• Definitely agree: 211

Noise and light during professional and semi-professional games will be disruptive

• Definitely disagree: 113
• Neutral or no opinion: 106
• Definitely agree: 330

Sustainable building practices and tree planting would mitigate the environmental effects of a stadium

• Definitely disagree: 252
• Neutral or no opinion: 125
• Definitely agree: 172

I am excited to attend a professional or semi-professional soccer event in Kingston

• Definitely disagree: 284
• Neutral or no opinion: 84
• Definitely agree: 181

It’s important that access to local food at the Farmer’s Market doesn’t change if a stadium is built

• Definitely disagree: 74
• Neutral or no opinion: 47
• Definitely agree: 478

A multi-sport stadium adds to Williamsville's vibrancy

• Definitely disagree: 288
• Neutral or no opinion: 80
• Definitely agree: 181

We prepared a series of presentation boards for the Feb. 12 in-person drop-in session. Participants were encouraged to add notes and comments to each of the boards however they wished. The engagement team took photos of all of the boards and will be transcribing the feedback to include in a What We've Learned report for Get Involved and for Council. If you require an alternate format, please contact us.

The City was approached by Victory Grounds Ventures (VGV) with interest in establishing a multi-sports stadium at the Kingston Memorial Centre. The stadium would support bringing a Canadian Premier League (CPL) soccer team and two semi-professional (League1) soccer teams to Kingston. The stadium would be a modular construction that is domed in the winter and would not only be used by these professional and semi-professional soccer teams but would also be available year-round for community user groups and sports organizations. On Jan. 14, 2025, Council directed staff to move forward on exploring the feasibility of VGV’s stadium proposal. This process will include an assessment of project feasibility and associated due diligence as well as consultation and discussion with community user groups, nearest neighbours and the broader community.

Why was the Memorial Centre identified as the location?

The Memorial Centre site was identified by the proponents as a location of primary interest because of its location within the core of the City, its walkability and access to transit and its existing recreational and sport use. VGV has asked the City to enter into a long-term lease for a portion of the existing green/field space at the Memorial Centre site to establish this stadium.

Why are we doing this work?

On January 14, 2025, Council directed staff to move forward on exploring the feasibility of VGV’s stadium proposal. This process will include an assessment of project feasibility and associated due diligence as well as consultation and discussion with community user groups, nearest neighbours and the broader community. Engagement will seek feedback on the proposal as a whole as well as on specific impacts to the site and to the groups that use it.

Staff are required to report back to Council at the March 18, 2025 City Council meeting on the outcome of these consultations, the feasibility of the proposal, and with proposed terms for a lease agreement should the project be deemed viable. If Council provides direction to move forward with the lease at the March 18, 2025 meeting, VGV would then need to move the project through both site plan and building approvals which would involve the submission and review of specific technical studies including, but not limited to, traffic/parking studies, noise studies, light studies, etc.

What needs to be considered to ensure the project is viable?

Many things that are currently happening or are planned to happen at the site can continue alongside of the proposed stadium project. These include:

• The site will continue to include space for the year-round Farmers’ Market
• There would continue to be sufficient space on the property to implement a future redevelopment that could include two ice pads and community space including an indoor Farmers’ Market as per previous high-level visioning for the site. 
• Culligan Water Park would continue to be enclosed to function as a year-round aquatic facility
• There would be no impact on the park, play structure or splash pad areas at the front of the property 
• There would be no impact on the Memorial Wall

There are areas of the site that would be impacted by the stadium. As part of the feasibility assessment, due diligence, and community and user group consultations Council has asked us to look into a number of things. These include:

• To explore how any removal of the barns could be undertaken as part of the phased development of the stadium and site, and to ensure that there would be options at the site to support the operations of organizations currently making use of the barns
• To work with the Memorial Centre Farmers Market specifically to ensure that their year round operations are able to continue at the site
• To work with the Agricultural Society to identify impacts and coordinate on alternate options/opportunities for the fall fair operations 
• To assess impacts to the dog park and consult on how the park could be relocated within the field at the back of the property
• To asses impacts and consult on the loss of some sport field uses and on impacts to the circular track at the back of the property 
• To conduct a viability assessment of the stadium proposal at this site and of Victory Ground Ventures

How your feedback will be used

Questions received during this phase of public engagement will be shared with the project team and answered here on Get Involved Kingston. All feedback received during the public engagement will be considered by staff and reported back to Council on March 18.

Earlier this month, Kingston’s City Council met to discuss an opportunity to establish a multi-sports stadium, through a long-term land lease in a designated area at the Kingston Memorial Centre. The project, proposed by Victory Ground Ventures, would support bringing a Canadian Premier League and two semi-professional soccer teams to Kingston. The stadium would also be available year-round for community user groups and sports organizations.

Do you have a question about the multi-sport stadium project proposed for Kingston’s Memorial Centre or want to follow allow with the conversation and public engagement progress? A new project page on Get Involved Kingston has launched, marking the beginning of the City-led public engagement.

From now until Feb. 28, 2025, community organizations, partner agencies, near neighbours, event organizers and site users which would be affected by the proposed multi-sport stadium have an opportunity to share ideas, concerns and questions with the City through a series of public engagement opportunities. Feedback collected during the consultation process will be shared on the Get Involved Kingston platform.

“Engaging with our community is essential to ensure that any development at the Kingston Memorial Centre reflects the values and needs of community members. We are committed to a transparent process where every voice is heard, considered and shared with Council,” says Jennifer Campbell, Commissioner, Community Services.

All engagement dates and opportunities will be shared on Get Involved Kingston, and everyone who signs up for project news will receive updates directly to their email inboxes.