Canada's First Parliament

Kingston's City Hall was built with the notion that it would be situated in the capital of the country. After all, the first Parliament was housed in a vacant hospital building down the street.  MORE ...

FIRST CAPITAL HUB
WAS MARKET SQUARE

In the 1840's the centre of local commerce was in and around the Market Square, situated between King and Ontario streets, and Clarence and Johnson. You can take a virtual tour of the Market Square through history on this Web site.  MORE ...

2009 First Capital Award Winners
Honoured At Canada Day Ceremony

Jul. 02/09 > Philanthropist James Brown of Brown's Fine Foods, who has championed causes including the Boys and Girls Club, H'Art Studio and the St. Lawrence College Foundation, was honoured as a First Capital Distinguished Citizen during the Canada Day civic ceremony, while Julian Brown and Debra Lefebvre received Honourable Achievement Awards.  MORE ...

Springer Market Square Marker Unveiled

Jun 02/08 > To commemorate the revitalization of Springer Market Square, this year's First Capital Day celebrations will include the official unveiling ceremony of the Square's marker outlining its history and an accompanying plaque recognizing those who generously contributed toward this project. Kingston's Springer Market Square traditionally hosts a number of activities every June 15 to celebrate Kingston's role as the first capital of a united Canada.  MORE ...

First Capital Activities For Students Planned

Teachers will find some interesting activities for this year's First Capital Day celebration. Choose from a variety of interactive demonstrations and activities in Market Square, designed for students and the general public, and be sure to attend the concert, take in a wagon ride at the square etc.  MORE ...

Kingston Centre Of Sprawling Colony

On June 15, 1841, citizens watched the impressive ceremony of the opening of Canada's Parliament in the converted hospital building (shown at right) which now forms part of Kingston General Hospital. Because the building was to be only interim accommodation, Lord Sydenham arranged to buy land, now City Park, where he planned to erect the permanent Legislative Buildings.  MORE ...