Those with the Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market have circulated a letter and petition asking the City of Kingston to halt any decisions on moving forward with a proposed soccer stadium on the property of the Kingston Memorial Centre where their market and a number of other community organizations and events call “home.” Photos (clockwise from top left): Aerial view of the Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market, photo via Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market, rendering of proposed stadium at the Memorial Centre, image via screenshot of video posted by Mayor Bryan Paterson on Instagram; two dogs enjoying a play at the City’s off-leash dog park at the Memorial Centre, photo by Julep67 on Flickr; Memorial Centre Farmer’s Market Night Market in 2017, photo via Loving Spoonful; aerial view of the Kingston Fall Fair, photo via Kingston Fall Fair; and Yellow Bike Action Kingston’s space in the barns of the Memorial Centre in 2022, Kingstonist file photo.
Editor’s note: The following is an e-newsletter being circulated by the Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market entitled “Alert! Farmers’ Market and Fall Fair suddenly at risk!” issued on the evening of Thursday, Jul. 9, 2025, regarding the proposed soccer stadium on the grounds of the Kingston Memorial Centre. One of the events listed in the letter had already passed by time of publication, but was left in to reflect that it occurred. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Kingstonist.
Dear Market Friends and Family,
A city staff report came out earlier today regarding a sudden decision to discuss plans for a privately owned soccer dome proposed to be built on the Memorial Centre Grounds.
…and all of us?
We all have less than two business days left to have our say…
You can sign the petition here, but read on for many more ways to help us out!
This city report (link) outlines some of what will be lost:
All barns on site will be demolished for parking
No suitable location for the indoor farmers’ market has been offered
The Kingston Fall Fair will lose over half its space
Existing public sport fields will lose over half their space
But we know the impacts will be much greater…
Thousands of market regulars will lose access to fresh local food
Dozens of families who rely on the income from the market will be affected
Farmers across the region will lose an annual gathering space with a tradition going back over 150 years
Non-Profit bike shop, Yellow Bike Action could be forced to close down
Promises of a new indoor market space are vague and far in the future
Even without the barns, 200 parking spots can’t accommodate a 4,000 seat facility
This proposal unfairly pits the market, the neighbourhood, and Kingston Fall Fair communities against the soccer community.
Kingston’s soccer community deserved their pre-existing domes to be rebuilt years ago. This move did not consult residents of other neighbourhoods who want soccer facilities restored to their area.
This lack of notice is a clear undemocratic attempt to cut several communities out of the conversation.
Lend us your voice to help call on City Council to STOP or DELAY negotiations until a more suitable location is found.
There are MANY ways you can help:
Attend [Councillor] Vincent Cinanni’s Drop-in at the Memorial Centre (Friday, Jan. 10th 12-4 p.m.)
(Friday, Jan. 10th 12-4 p.m.) Join us with a sign at City Council Tuesday, January 14th (anytime after 5 p.m. at City Hall Front Doors)
(anytime after 5 p.m. at City Hall Front Doors) Call your Councillor and/or the Mayor (link)
(link) E-mail your Councillor and/or the Mayor (link)
(link) Sign the Petition (link)
(link) Forward this to your e-mail list
Share on all your social media (images to use on social media available on the Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market website)
Signed,
Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market
Williamsville Community Association
Kingston & District Agricultural Society
Yellow Bike Action
Beef Farmers of Frontenac
Share your views! Submit a Letter to the Editor or an Op/Ed article to Kingstonist’s Editor-in-Chief Tori Stafford at [email protected].