Waterfront Master Plan

The Waterfront Master Plan provides a long term framework to Kingston’s waterfront development. Creating a connected system, improving water access and enhancing opportunities for all types of recreation along Kingston’s shoreline is the vision. Learn more about our current Shorelines Projects.

What is Kingston's waterfront?

Kingston’s waterfront is a place where all residents and visitors can take part in a variety of land and water-based activities along an integrated system.

There is over 280 kilometers of both rural and urban shoreline under both public and private ownership. Approximately 40% of the shoreline is in the urban area. The shorelines studies include part of Lake Ontario, the Cataraqui River, and St. Lawrence River. The plan has six focus areas:

1. Cataraqui (LaSalle Causeway North to Kingston Mills)
2. Rideau Canal & St. Lawrence (North of Kingston Mills, Colonel By Lake, Loughborough Lake, and Collins Lake to Treasure Island East)
3. Lake Ontario West (Collins Bay to Elevator Bay)
4. Lake Ontario Central (Elevator Bay to Simcoe Street)
5. Lake Ontario Central (Simcoe Street to Wolfe Island Ferry Terminal)
6. St. Lawrence (LaSalle Causeway to Treasure Island)

Explore the focus areas online with our Kingston Waterfront Master Plan map.

What is the purpose of the plan?

The plan identifies, outlines and prioritizes 138 waterfront improvement projects. Each project highlights recommended improvements, required resources and associated challenges as a guide in implementing the master plan.

Key components of the master plan

• Executive Summary
• Master Plan
• Background
• Implementation Plan
• Appendix A: Community Engagement 
• Appendix B: Project Sheets
• Appendix C: Priority Matrix
• Appendix D: Cost Assumptions
• Appendix E: Project Feasibility
• Appendix F: Land Access Strategy