Arts, Recreation and Community Policies Committee to consider next steps to redevelop Kingston Memorial Centre

The City of Kingston is moving forward with its next phase in the proposal to expand and redevelop the Kingston Memorial Centre facility, with community use at the heart of the long-term plans.  

A report will be presented to the City’s Arts, Recreation and Community Policies Committee on June 25. Included in the report is a commitment from Queen’s University to advance a long-term structured leasing agreement at an expanded and redeveloped facility, which is part of the City’s broader multi-site visioning and capital planning initiative encompassing Centre 70 and Portsmouth Olympic Harbour that expands recreation opportunities for all Kingstonians.   

The Kingston Memorial Centre recreation facility, located at 303 York St. in the centre of the Williamsville neighbourhood, has been a vital hub for community recreation and varsity sports since its construction in 1950. It has been home to Queen’s University’s men’s and women’s varsity hockey teams and recreational ice programming for students for nearly two decades. Through the proposed agreement, this would continue. In addition to continuing to support community recreation programming and events, the redevelopment plans would include the potential for two NHL-sized ice pads, improved locker rooms and training areas, and enhanced spectator experiences.   

“We are excited to bring this opportunity to Committee and Council as part of the City’s long-term planning for recreation infrastructure,” said Amy Elgersma, Director, Recreation & Leisure Services for the City of Kingston. “Queen’s University’s interest presents a significant opportunity to explore a shared future for the Kingston Memorial Centre.” 

Queen’s University Athletics & Recreation Executive Director Linda Melnick emphasized the strategic importance of the state-of-the-art shared facilities: “Since becoming primary tenants in 2008, Queen’s Athletics & Recreation has valued the Memorial Centre as a home for our student-athletes and recreation program participants, as well as the broader Kingston community.” 

Learn more about the outcomes of Phase 1 of the Memorial Centre, Centre 70 and Portsmouth Olympic Harbour visioning community engagement in Report ARCP-26-007 on the City’s website.