Community Priorities: The Group of Seven
In 2004, City Council, taking direction from a series of Community Priorities outlined by FOCUS Kingston, approved the Group of 7 Community Priority projects. These projects were undertaken to build an economically-vital, better-equipped, more-exciting, and environmentally-sound Kingston for you and your neighbours to use and enjoy. They represent a significant investment in infrastructure in a city already blessed with a rich cultural heritage and natural assets.
The revitalization of Springer Market Square and the renewal of the Grand Theatre honour these lively historic cultural centres, while the addition of the new K-Rock Centre, Invista Centre and the K&P Trail means that Kingstonians have more places to go and things to do than ever before. The completion of the Ravensview sewage treatment facility and broadening of John Counter Boulevard will ensure the City is prepared to accommodate future growth.
- Revitalizing Springer Market Square ($6.185 million, completed 2008)
- Taking ownership of the K&P Trail ($600,000, completed 2007)
- Building the K-Rock Centre ($46.5 million, completed 2008)
- Building the Invista Centre ($33.6 million, completed 2008)
- Renewing the Grand Theatre ($17.1 million, completed 2008)
- Upgrading the Ravensview sewage treatment facility ($115 million, to be completed September 2009)
- Making John Counter Boulevard a four-lane roadway with a railway overpass (budget now under review).
Investment in the Group of Seven had been a major commitment to the future of our city and is being funded through a variety of methods, including:
- Grants from other levels of government
- Fundraising and donations
- User fees
- Property taxes
- Reserve funds
- Development charges paid by builders and developers
- Special levies
- Debt ("Debt" is the amount of funding the city borrows to pay off costs associated with facilities and infrastructure. Debt is paid off over a period of time similar to a home mortgage.)
