Market Square Becomes Accessible, Year-Round Venue

September 19, 2008

NEWS

The Ontario government is helping fund the final phase of the Kingston Market Square revitalization project.

The province is contributing $450,000 to help equip the market wing of City Hall with fully accessible washrooms and change rooms, giving everyone the opportunity to use the facility. Funding will also go towards the purchase of portable furniture, a bleacher and a stage to allow the Square to become a year-round venue for concerts, civic celebrations, movies and other outdoor events.

The funding is part of the Rural Economic Development Program which invests in community-based projects in three priority areas:

• Improved access to health care services
• Revitalized communities and downtowns
• Enhanced skills training.

QUOTES

"The revitalization of the market square will help attract more people to live, shop, work and gather in the downtown," said Kingston and The Islands MPP John Gerretsen "This project will help stimulate our local economy and will lead to a diversified business community."

"Providing universal accessibility allows everyone to enjoy our beautiful market square," said Kingston Mayor Harvey Rosen. "We will strengthen our community by increasing the opportunities for everyone to participate socially and economically."

QUICK FACTS

• Since 2003, Ontario has invested $60.1 million in 183 projects through the Rural Economic Development Program.
• Kingston is known as the fresh-water capital of North America.

LEARN MORE

Discover more about the City of Kingston.

Learn more about the Rural Economic Development Program.

For more information contact:
Sherry Persaud, Minister's Office, 416-326-6439
Brent Ross, Communications Branch, 416-326-9342