Ensuring the downtown remains vibrant is an initiative of the the 2023-26 Council Strategic Plan. Under the pillar of Drive Inclusive Economic Growth, the Strategic Plan identifies completing the Environmental Assessments of potential street closures on Market and Ontario Streets and completing a redesign of Confederation Park and associated spaces to provide more public activation for residents and tourists as initiatives.
The City of Kingston has initiated a study to close Ontario Street from Clarence Street to Brock Street, and Market Street from Ontario Street to King Street, to enhance pedestrian connectivity from City Hall and Market Square to Confederation Park. The Study Area is illustrated on the Key Map below. The need for this pedestrianization was identified in the City’s Downtown Improvement Plan to create more welcoming and safer public spaces in the downtown area.
Alternate solutions/design concept(s) for Ontario Street, and Market Street will be developed to include a variety of approaches to traffic circulation, pedestrian connectivity and safety, accessibility, placemaking and expanding the public realm, and street operations.
The Study Process
The study is being conducted in accordance with Schedule B of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) (March 2023, as amended) process. This notice signals the commencement of the MCEA. The study will confirm and document the existing conditions of the study area and identify alternative solutions/design concept(s) that create a safe, flexible, pedestrian/cyclist-oriented streetscape to maintain the downtown’s historic charm and tourism appeal, as well as improve accessibility to Confederation Park and Springer Market Square. This study offers a unique Study Area Key Plan opportunity in reimagining a high-quality, pedestrian-friendly focal point and destination for residents, businesses, and visitors of the downtown core. The impacts of each alternative/design concept will be evaluated and in consultation with the public and external agencies, and a technically preferred alternative will be selected.
We want to hear from you!
Public input and comments will be considered in developing location options and design concepts. If you have any questions or comments regarding the study, or would like to be included on the mailing list to receive future notices and study updates, please fill out the form below.
Ensuring the downtown remains vibrant is an initiative of the the 2023-26 Council Strategic Plan. Under the pillar of Drive Inclusive Economic Growth, the Strategic Plan identifies completing the Environmental Assessments of potential street closures on Market and Ontario Streets and completing a redesign of Confederation Park and associated spaces to provide more public activation for residents and tourists as initiatives.
The City of Kingston has initiated a study to close Ontario Street from Clarence Street to Brock Street, and Market Street from Ontario Street to King Street, to enhance pedestrian connectivity from City Hall and Market Square to Confederation Park. The Study Area is illustrated on the Key Map below. The need for this pedestrianization was identified in the City’s Downtown Improvement Plan to create more welcoming and safer public spaces in the downtown area.
Alternate solutions/design concept(s) for Ontario Street, and Market Street will be developed to include a variety of approaches to traffic circulation, pedestrian connectivity and safety, accessibility, placemaking and expanding the public realm, and street operations.
The Study Process
The study is being conducted in accordance with Schedule B of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) (March 2023, as amended) process. This notice signals the commencement of the MCEA. The study will confirm and document the existing conditions of the study area and identify alternative solutions/design concept(s) that create a safe, flexible, pedestrian/cyclist-oriented streetscape to maintain the downtown’s historic charm and tourism appeal, as well as improve accessibility to Confederation Park and Springer Market Square. This study offers a unique Study Area Key Plan opportunity in reimagining a high-quality, pedestrian-friendly focal point and destination for residents, businesses, and visitors of the downtown core. The impacts of each alternative/design concept will be evaluated and in consultation with the public and external agencies, and a technically preferred alternative will be selected.
We want to hear from you!
Public input and comments will be considered in developing location options and design concepts. If you have any questions or comments regarding the study, or would like to be included on the mailing list to receive future notices and study updates, please fill out the form below.
All information received will be compiled and considered by staff for use under the purposes of this site. Information will be collected and used in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and other relevant privacy legislation. All comments made on this site are available to the public and may form part of public records.
