Memorial Centre is Kingston’s heart of community connection. Privatization risks turning it into an exclusive, inaccessible space.
On Jan. 14, the City of Kingston took another step towards privatizing the Memorial Centre grounds. Council voted to consider Victory Ground Ventures’ (VGV) proposal to build a 4,000 to 6,000 seat soccer stadium in the residential area of Williamsville. Negotiations regarding the public green space have sparked controversy. While the council’s decision doesn’t necessarily seal the deal, it paves the way for future discussions that may end in the closure of this essential public space.
The Memorial Centre is a community staple, with the property housing a sports and entertainment venue, large playground, off-leash dog park, and running track. Home to the farmer’s market since 2012, the grounds host a variety of events, from the Kingston Fall Fair, Kids Triathlon, and Queen’s student favourite—Ribfest. As for local residents, the space is an oasis from the urban landscape of Kingston, allowing a public area to play sports and connect with neighbours—activities that are anchored in community identity.
VGV’s vision for the Memorial Centre Grounds includes a multi-use turf stadium, capable of hosting Canadian Premier League and semi-professional athletes. It would be winterized, with a large dome covering, ensuring year-round utility. ers boast the project’s potential for job creation and economic activity, all while assuring taxpayers it won’t cost them a dime.
But there will be a cost. Replacing the Memorial Centre with a for-profit facility raises issues of equity and accessibility. Taking this public resource and turning it into a commercial venture financially restricts its use, where only those who can pay-to-play will benefit.
Building the stadium prioritizes profit over people and could be the end of a space that easily and equitably brings community together, s local farmers, and nurtures a sustainable way of living.
As a longstanding er of the farmer’s market, I’ve spent countless Sundays watching the Memorial Centre come to life, buzzing with families and farmers. Every weekend, I see parents push their children in strollers and wagons, feeding them fresh carrots and apples while parading them to each vendor’s stall. I listen to local musicians sing and play guitar, while I sit at a picnic table, stuffing my face with buttery homemade perogies. I’ve learned lessons about where my food comes from, how produce is harvested, and the importance of eating with the seasons. Each Sunday at the farmer’s market, I chat with grandparents, grandchildren, and every age range in between.
I’ve worked closely with Tim Lyon of Main Street Urban Farm , a staple vendor of the market, who can be found on Sundays selling produce and peacefully making Japanese Okonomiyaki. Him and his wife, Tracy, have created a workshare for Kingstonians, allowing volunteers to aid in farm work in exchange for produce.
Curious about the concept, I led a trip with the Outdoors Club in the fall, allowing students an opportunity to learn about agriculture, help Tim with harvesting, and return home with fresh root vegetables to cook in the kitchen. I witnessed the gap between rural and urban life become bridged, and it showed me first-hand how spaces like the Memorial Centre enable connections that strengthen community ties.
When I learned about the farmer’s market being in jeopardy, I bundled up and made my way downtown to and stand outside of City Hall. “Peaceful” is the only word that comes to mind when describing this protest. While speaking with farmers and ers outside the venue, they voiced frustration about the six-day public consultation notice, giving them little to no time to express their concerns. With mittens holding signs saying “We won’t play ball” and “Save the Farmer’s Market,” the 30 advocates stood outside for two hours before heading into the council meeting.
The Memorial Centre isn’t just a plot of land. The same barn that hosts the farmer’s market is home to initiatives like Yellow Bike Action , a volunteer-run nonprofit bicycle shop and recycling center. Through the sales of refurbished bikes and parts, the team provides affordable repairs, accompanied with lessons on maintenance and safe riding. With a shop and central operations run out of the Memorial Centre’s barn, the new construction could force the organization to shut down.
Williamsville, Kingston’s most densely populated neighbourhood, already has the least green-space per capita in the city. The soccer dome will create noise pollution, backed-up traffic, and clogging of nearby residential streets. Nearly a decade ago, the building of a new school on the property was discussed, but eventually, the idea was shut down due to the historical nature of the site. The Memorial Centre sits on the land where John Graves Simcoe founded the Agricultural Society of Upper Canada in 1792. With the first fall fair being held in 1825 and buildings dating back to 1950, it’s a unique landmark that showcases how the past of Kingston is still alive and breathing.
The concept of a Canadian Premier League team would be an incredible addition to Kingston’s vibrant sports scene. However, the Memorial Centre just isn’t the right venue.
When Mayor Paterson announced the stadium proposal on Instagram last week asking if citizens would it, the comments section was flooded with s defending the space. Concerns have been voiced regarding the transfer of this public asset into private hands, as the commercial venture will exclude individuals and families who may not have the financial means to buy tickets. This leads to loss of accessibility, and with the wealth gap between Canadians rising, this decision will limit who can use this community space. In addition to the social media outrage, a petition with over 5,500 signatures has been floating around asking for a halt to the proposal.
Although I first got involved with the cause through my fear of losing the farmer’s market, I’ve come to learn that the Memorial Centre is an integral part of Kingston, promoting values of equity , sustainability, and connection. As a society, we need more third spaces where community can spend time outside of their homes and offices. As urbanization grows in Kingston, it’s more important now than ever to preserve the Memorial Centre grounds.
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Neal Maher
Why can’t they use Richardson Stadium for pro soccer? Queen’s football isn’t there that often and it otherwise lies barren.