FAQs - Funding announcement follow up and fall 2026 public engagement
Why were planned park improvements delayed for years if the future use of the land was uncertain?
Planned improvements to Westbrook Park were not advanced while the potential land exchange with the Limestone District School Board was under consideration. It was important to first understand the long-term plans for the site before proceeding with significant investments in park infrastructure and amenities.
Moving forward with improvements while the future of the property was uncertain could have resulted in investment in facilities or amenities that might later need to be relocated, removed, or significantly altered. The City therefore considered it prudent and fiscally responsible to pause major improvements until there was greater clarity regarding the future use of the lands. This approach was intended to ensure that any future park improvements would align with the long-term needs of the community and the broader neighbourhood.
What alternatives were evaluated before identifying Westbrook Park as the preferred location?
The LDSB and the City of Kingston collaborated on reviewing a number of potential locations and site options as part of the process of identifying a suitable location for a new school. The Westbrook Park location was identified as the preferred option due to its proximity to the existing school, as well as the homes of students attending the current school.
The review considered factors such as the size of the site, the ability to accommodate the required school facilities and outdoor amenities, site constraints, and the broader community context. More specifically, elementary school sites typically require approximately eight acres of land, although smaller sites may be considered when adjacent to a municipal park. Additional considerations include site access, traffic and transportation patterns, the availability of municipal services, environmental and geological conditions, municipal planning and zoning requirements, proximity to residential growth areas, and opportunities to support walking and cycling to school.
The LDSB has been working with the City of Kingston and monitoring potential property opportunities in Kingston's west end for several years. However, funding to purchase land was not available, which limited options for acquiring a suitable site.
Was rebuilding or expanding the existing school site, including temporary relocation of students during construction, considered?
Yes, rebuilding or constructing an addition to the original building was the first option that was considered. The building setbacks associated with the Trans Northern pipeline that crosses the property stops that from being a viable option.
Were other available school sites or temporary accommodation options considered?
Limestone DSB does not own any property beyond existing school sites. For any new build replacing an existing site, or for a significant renovation to an existing site, the board must consider potential temporary accommodation options at other sites. Given the current proposed land-swap, temporary accommodation options would not be required. As indicated in response to another question, the current site of the school is not a potential rebuild location.
As part of an application for new school funding, the Ministry requires a business case review of schools within the geographic area. The review considered historical and current enrolment, available pupil places, utilization rates, portable use, enrolment projections through 2043, municipal growth forecasts, planned and active housing developments, and population data. At the time of the application, the utilization rate across the review area was 113%, meaning enrolment exceeded available pupil places by 13%.
In terms of land, the LDSB did not include funding to purchase additional land as part of its request. Appropriate, potential sites are limited and including land acquisition costs would have increased the overall funding request and may have reduced the likelihood of securing approval for a much needed new school in this specific area.
How was this proposed land exchange determined to be fair, especially considering the difference in land size and the loss of existing recreational amenities?
Potential equitable land exchange would support the development of a new elementary school at the current Westbrook Park site and a new municipal park at the current W.J. Holsgrove School site. The exchange will involve comparable land areas and valuation. There is additional land on the Westbrook site that is proposed to be retained by the city for school amenities that will also be available for use by the community after hours through a proposed joint use agreement.
What assessment was completed regarding the impact of losing community park and replacing it with a different use?
The proposed land exchange has been considered in the context of maintaining access to community park space and recreational amenities in the neighbourhood. Under the proposal, Westbrook Park would be replaced by a new municipal park at the existing Holsgrove School site. The City's established park planning and community engagement processes would be used to help determine the design, amenities, and programming needs for the new park. In addition, the City and the Limestone District School Board are working towards a joint use agreement that would provide community access to school amenities after hours.
What plans are in place to replace the baseball field, soccer field, playground, and green space that the community currently relies on?
The proposed new municipal park at the Holsgrove School site would be planned to provide community recreational amenities appropriate to the needs of the neighbourhood. The specific design and amenities have not yet been finalized and would be developed through the City's established park planning and community engagement process.
The City is also proposing a joint-use agreement with the Limestone District School Board that would allow the community to access outdoor school amenities at the Westbrook site outside of school hours. The intent is to maintain opportunities for community recreation, including access to open green space and outdoor recreational amenities.
How is the protected wooded area going to be addressed?
The requirements and protections that apply to the existing wooded areas on privately held lands will remain unchanged. The treed area along Remington Road that is proposed to form part of the school site will be addressed through the detailed site planning and approvals process. The final site plan will determine the treatment of existing trees, landscaping, parking, and other site features in accordance with applicable planning, environmental, and municipal requirements.
What alternatives were evaluated before identifying Westbrook Park as the preferred location?
The LDSB reviewed a number of potential locations and site options as part of the process of identifying a suitable location for a new school. The review considered factors such as the size of the site, the ability to accommodate the required school facilities and outdoor amenities, site constraints, and the broader community context.
Were other available school sites or temporary accommodation options considered?
Limestone DSB does not own any property beyond existing school sites. For any new build replacing an existing site, or for a significant renovation to an existing site, we have to consider potential temporary accommodation options at other sites.
How was this proposed land exchange determined to be fair, especially considering the difference in land size and the loss of existing recreational amenities?
The proposed land exchange is structured around comparable municipal land area being transferred between the City and the LDSB. The proposal would also establish a new municipal park at the existing Holsgrove School site, with the intention of providing comparable community park space in the neighbourhood.
In addition, a portion of the Westbrook site would remain City-owned and be used for school-related outdoor amenities. Through a proposed joint-use agreement, these amenities would be available for community use outside of school hours. The proposed arrangement is intended to maintain access to recreational amenities in the community while providing the land required for the new school.
Has the City considered safe access for children walking to school at the new site?
Yes. The City will review the area in coordination with the LDSB and Tri-Board Transportation Services to better understand anticipated travel patterns and the routes students are most likely to use. Key walking routes are anticipated to be developed over time through future capital works, including sidewalk connections, walkways and pedestrian crossings along the routes identified through that review. Consistent with the approach taken at schools across the city, the area will also be reviewed for Community Safety Zones, parking regulations, and speed limit reductions to support road safety. Route information and supporting education material will be shared with the school community.
Integrating planned routes into the school's site design is also part of this work. The intent is for the site to prioritize walking and cycling access, with direct and accessible connections to surrounding streets, internal walkways that are visible and well-defined, and bicycle parking close to building entrances. Site layout and circulation design will aim to minimize conflicts between students walking and cycling, school buses, and cars.
What assessment was completed regarding the impact of losing a community park and replacing it with a different use?
The proposed land exchange has been considered in the context of maintaining access to community park space and recreational amenities in the neighbourhood. Under the proposal, Westbrook Park would be replaced by a new municipal park at the existing Holsgrove School site. The City's established park planning and community engagement processes would be used to help determine the design, amenities, and programming needs for the new park.
The proposed joint-use arrangement would also provide the community with access to outdoor school amenities on the Westbrook site outside of school hours.
Was the impact on homeowners who paid park lot premiums considered as part of this proposal?
The City recognizes that residents may have purchased their properties with an understanding of the surrounding neighbourhood context, including the presence of park space. However, the City is not a party to agreements between individual homeowners and private developers and does not have access to or responsibility for representations made as part of individual real estate transactions.
The proposed land exchange is being considered based on the City's role in managing municipal land and providing community services and amenities. The City is also proposing to establish a new municipal park at the existing Holsgrove School site and maintain community access to outdoor amenities at the new school site through a proposed joint-use agreement.
Was any assessment completed regarding potential impacts on property values?
The City does not typically undertake property value assessments when municipal lands are considered for changes in use or when community infrastructure is being planned or improved. The proposed land exchange is being evaluated based on municipal planning considerations, the provision of community services and recreational amenities, and the City's and the LDSB’s respective responsibilities.
Who is responsible for addressing the loss of value experienced by homeowners who purchased based on the expectation of a permanent park space?
The City is not responsible for determining or compensating for changes in individual property values resulting from changes in surrounding land use. The City is not a party to private agreements between homeowners and developers and does not provide compensation based on potential changes in property values.
The proposed arrangement is intended to maintain community recreational opportunities through the creation of a new municipal park at the Holsgrove School site and through proposed community access to outdoor school amenities at the Westbrook site outside of school hours.
What is the current enrollment at Holsgrove and the projected enrollment for the new school?
The current enrolment at Holsgrove is 215 students. The school was built for 107 students, therefore there are currently eight portables onsite with the majority of classes organized in these temporary spaces. The current school is undersized to meet the needs of the area.
The Ministry approved funding for a school of 407 student places and additional childcare spaces.