The City will review recommendations for possible changes to policies guiding commercial growth in Kingston’s east end Rideau Community at an upcoming public meeting.
“Our review determined that approximately 150,000 square feet more of commercial space is required in this area in order to meet future demand. These recommendations speak to where and how to add this additional commercial space to best meet the needs of residents in this area,” says Cherie Mills, Manager, Policy Planning.
The public meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7 in Council Chambers, City Hall, 216 Ontario St.
The “Rideau Community Secondary Plan” guides the growth of the east area of the city bordering the Cataraqui River, from Barriefield up Highway 15 to just beyond the St. Lawrence Business Park.
The Draft Rideau Community Secondary Plan Commercial Policy Study Proposed Official Plan Amendment and associated documents are posted for review at the City of Kingston website.
The City retained Sorensen Gravely Lowes Planning Associates Inc. in association with urbanMetrics Inc. to conduct the Commercial Policy Review of the Rideau Community Secondary Plan and the consultants will present their recommendations at the public meeting.
Amongst the Review recommendations is the suggestion that additional commercial space be reserved for food stores, non-food shops and other services – and not be used for large-format non-food retail stores. The Review also suggests the creation of two distinct commercial focal areas in the Rideau Community, by adding a second commercial node on the west side of Highway 15 at Rose Abbey Drive and expanding the existing commercial centre on Gore Road.
Plan to get to the meeting by bus – plan your route with Google Transit.
Release source: City of Kingston | Photo: Wikimedia Commons
