Urban Development in Kingston!

Kingston is undertaking several urban projects. This set of projects is referred to as 'the group of 7' and are outlined below. Number 1 project on the list is the Ravensview upgrades. I thought it would be interesting to see what other projects are happening in the Kingston area.

OVERVIEW: THE GROUP OF SEVEN

The $115-million Ravensview Upgrade: This project is bringing the city's sewage treatment facility up to environmental standards, allowing sufficient capacity for economic expansion in the central City and Kingston East. It also provided an immediate economic stimulus with construction jobs that began in July of 2006, with a planned completion date of 2009. This project is supported by the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund and the Government of Ontario.

The Kingston Regional Sports and Entertainment Centre: This development project will create a nearly $46.1 million sports and entertainment centre of distinctive design, located on the North Block in downtown Kingston. It will have a significant impact on the local economy and cultural life in the community as a first-class, year-round venue for concerts, OHL hockey games (as the home of the Kingston Frontenacs), theatre, community events, trade shows and conference gatherings. As part of the downtown cluster of restaurants and clubs, it will create a complete entertainment experience. The Province of Ontario has pledged $4 million to the project. Construction began in the summer of 2006, with completion slated for December 2007.

The Multiplex Community Centre: Located on Gardiners Road at Fortune Crescent, this $33.6 million project will boost local sports and community events that take advantage of a modern facility on 25 acres with multiple ice pads and other associated recreational space. It can have an economic impact by allowing Kingston to attract more athletic tournaments; will replace aging arenas with a more economic and energy efficient operation; and allows consideration of adapting those older community centres to other community and recreational uses. Construction began in October 2006, with the first phase to be completed in the spring of 2008.

The Widening of John Counter Blvd: Reconstructing John Counter Boulevard. to create a four-lane roadway with bicycle lanes and a railway overpass will improve the city's basic infrastructure. The project is in the design stage with construction scheduled to begin mid-2007. The project will be completed in 2012 at an expected cost of $29.5 million.

The Refurbishment of the Grand Theatre: This $17.1-million renovation project will improve the traditional cultural centrepiece of the community, an important element of our infrastructure, and contribute to economic prosperity through its role in cultural tourism. The changes include more spacious seating in the auditorium, an expansion of the Baby Grand Theatre, and various user amenities. Council has approved the final phase of this project and the curtain is expected to rise in early 2008.

The Revitalization of Market Square: Now in its final phase, this $5.65 million project has reclaimed Market Square and restored it to its rightful prominence as a cultural hub and community gathering place. The project has involved extensive work to install below-street services, but its most visible impact is on the surface, with high quality finishes consistent with the surrounding heritage architecture. The skating rink has been embraced by the community and enjoyed extensive use during its first two years of operation, while the completed fountain doubled as a base for a Christmas tree during this past holiday season. The base can also be used as a stage or sound platform. Phase III of the project, now underway, focuses on rebuilding the Square's courtyards with a target for completion in August of 2007.

The Acquisition and Opening of the K&P Trail: Creating an urban-rural trail that could eventually run from City Hall to Sharbot Lake would provide a significant recreational boost and improve the "quality of place" citizens enjoy. A deal for the land for the City's share of the rural trail is now being completed. The acquisition and opening of the K&P trail will cost $600,000.