Curiosity around proposed soccer stadium answered

Why Kingston? What about parking? Will this effect events?

A proposed soccer stadium could be coming to the City of Kingston on the grounds of the Memorial Centre. Several public consultations have already taken place.  

Victory Grounds Ventures Managing Partner Paul Barbeau explains why they chose Kingston.

How would it be built? A lot of the construction would be off-site then the assembly would be on-site. Barbeau says that then minimizes the impact on the community and minimizes the construction period to about 8-9 months. 

Some residents have voiced concerns about other activities on site being disrupted. Barbeau says you'll see minimal changes.

He also adds that several major events throughout the year will not be impacted and you'll see no overlap.

Barbeau explains what council is doing at their meeting tonight (Tuesday).

He also wants to reassure everyone that this meeting will not decide whether the stadium will officially be built or not.

Many in Kingston were curious about parking for the proposed stadium and many had concerns at public consultations, that the nearby horsebarns would be torn down for extra parking. Barbeau says tearing down the buildings is not part of the plan. He talks about the unique way soccer stadiums deal with parking.

Should the stadium be built, the City could see a professional team in the future with the Canadian Premier League.

Further decisions on the proposed stadium will take place over the course of the year, along with several more public consultations.