Ontario Street Pedestrianization

An illustrative map of the area highlighting Ontario St. from Clarence to Brock Street and Market Street.

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.

A map outlining the study area along Ontario and Market Streets.

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.

How to Participate

A key component of this study is public engagement. A public engagement process is planned for summer 2023 and will be held to present the study findings and obtain public input. Details of the public engagement process will be advertised in the Kingston Whig-Standard, on this webpage on Get Involved Kingston, and on www.cityofkingston.ca.

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 or directly contact the project manager below:

Danny Potts 613-546-4291 ext. 3186 dpotts@cityofkingston.ca

An illustrative map of the area highlighting Ontario St. from Clarence to Brock Street and Market Street.

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.

A map outlining the study area along Ontario and Market Streets.

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.

How to Participate

A key component of this study is public engagement. A public engagement process is planned for summer 2023 and will be held to present the study findings and obtain public input. Details of the public engagement process will be advertised in the Kingston Whig-Standard, on this webpage on Get Involved Kingston, and on www.cityofkingston.ca.

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 or directly contact the project manager below:

Danny Potts 613-546-4291 ext. 3186 dpotts@cityofkingston.ca

Page last updated: 16 Jan 2024, 08:55 AM