Engagement summary

The Open Space located on Point Crescent (also known as the Lake Street Open Space) is an existing Open Space in the City of Kingston fronting Lake Ontario. Significant shoreline erosion can be observed where existing shoreline protection measures have failed. A restoration of shoreline protection measures is planned for 2023 with improved access to the waterfront. With consideration for public feedback received to date, the project is planned to include the following improvements:

Stone revetment with top-of-bluff riparian plantings and informal stone steps to the water’s edge.
Shoreline access improvements with a new pathway and bench looking towards the water.

Figure 1 - Concept presented at the online engagement (subject to change and to council and regulatory approvals): A design concept is provided which includes a stacked block, stone revetment with a concrete footing. Slab-stone steps are shown through the middle of the revetment to the water's edge. The revetment also includes plantings at the top of the bluff. A new potential pathway and bench is also included in the upland area.

Online engagement – Questions & Answers:

The City of Kingston and Riggs Associates Ltd. hosted an online engagement session on Oct. 27, 2022. The following questions were discussed:

As rock protection is proposed, how will access be improved to the water?

Informal access will be incorporated into the rock revetment in the form of thick rock slab steps.

Plantings are shown as being incorporated into the upper section of the revetment. Can we ensure that plantings are the kinds that don’t require regular maintenance, such as mowing and help increase resiliency?

Yes, native riparian plantings such as dogwood shrubs that are naturally resistant to wave action and erosion will be incorporated into the design.

What will the City call the space. Will it be advertised as a park?

No change or formal naming is proposed. The site is a public open space.

Will this become a place suitable for swimming?

The site is unlikely to be desired for swimming due to the coarse bottom material at this location. It won’t be promoted as a swimming area. Nearby, Crerar Park offers a more formal opportunity for swimming.

What is the projected start date and completion date?

The design is underway. If the construction budget is approved by Council this winter, construction is expected to begin later in the year.

Online Survey Response Summary:

Residents were invited to complete an online survey on Get Involved Kingston from Oct. 27 to Nov. 24, 2022 to share feedback about the Point Crescent Open Space Project. The responses received are summarized below:

Question 1 – Proposed approach: An armourstone revetment and vegetation of the top of bluff is planned to replace the existing failing gabion basket wall. Do you have any feedback on the approach to shoreline protection?

A revetment (stone shoreline protection) that provides informal access to the water is well received overall. It was felt that the proposed approach to shoreline protection would be resilient. Members of the public are interested in minimizing impacts to the natural shoreline and incorporating revegetation where possible.

Question 2 - Improved pathway connection to the waterfront and new seating alternatives are being considered for the Point Crescent Open Space. Do you have any feedback on the proposed improved connections to the waterfront?

The Open Space is currently used primarily as a sunset viewing opportunity for local members of the community. Overall, the addition of a seating opportunity for visitors to view the sunset is welcome. Careful consideration was requested to keep the improvements modest due to limited parking.

Question 3 - Do you have any other comments you would like to share about the project?

Plantings and reduced maintenance were encouraged as well as the use of robust materials for added longevity where possible.

Consultation has concluded