Kingston’s waterfront is one of our city’s greatest natural treasures. That’s why we are always working on new and exciting ways to help both residents and tourists make the most of our shoreline.
A few years ago, City Council committed to a new walkway along the breakwater here in Confederation basin, as well as a swimming dock – adding a space downtown for kids and families to enjoy in the warmer months. As great as this will be, the City has now been approached with a proposal for a sizable private donation that will make this waterfront space even better.
This $1 million private donation from Patry Inc. would provide extra funds to allow for two new features. First, it would allow us to build a larger, enhanced swimming area with a diving platform, 25 metre swimming lane, and a larger space for seating and lounging. Swimming in this area would be free of charge, just like at the Gord Edgar Downie Pier or Lake Ontario Park.
Second, the City would be able to acquire a new inflatable water park, which would be accessible to kids and families at an affordable fee. Imagine an inflatable obstacle course on the water, which would be installed during the summer months and then removed in the off-season. Similar inflatable water parks in Barrie and Orillia have proven to be enormously popular, and it would add a new fun activity for families in the downtown core.
City Council will consider the proposal for this newly expanded swimming area and inflatable water park at our meeting next week, on July 8 – including naming rights tied to the donation. If approved, we’ll move forward with detailed design, planning, and construction, with a goal of having the Confederation basin promenade, the swimming area and the Patry inflatable water park ready for use in the summer of 2027.
Video: A Proposal for a New Inflatable Water Park and Swimming Area in the Downtown