The proposal to build a multi-purpose stadium and attract a professional soccer team to Kingston in Ontario has gained some supporters, but it also faces strong opposition from those concerned that the costs of the project will burden the community.

The proposal to bring a real soccer team to the city

Victory Grounds Ventures (VGV) proposes installing an artificial pitch that would be covered by a dome during the winter at Memorial Centre in downtown Kingston. The company stated that it wants to enter into a long-term lease agreement for part of the land to attract a team from the Canadian Premier League and two semi-professional teams. The facility would also be available for local groups.

The plan offers exponential tourism benefits for local businesses, according to Paul Barbeau, managing partner of Victory Grounds Ventures (VGV), who claims that the stadium will not require any taxpayer money. In fact, it’s quite the opposite, he said in an interview with Ontario Morning. I actually want to pay taxpayers as part of the lease agreement to keep ownership of the land.

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Opinions are divided

The Kingston City Council is set to consider the proposal, but not everyone supports it. On the contrary, some are strongly opposed to the idea. This is public space being taken over by private interests, and it will have a huge impact on the residents in the area, really disrupting their quality of life, said Annette Burfoot, co-chair of the Williamsville Community Association.

The Memorial Centre grounds currently host an arena and a water park. A report prepared by city officials stated that the soccer stadium would not affect the playground or the water fountain on the site but would require relocating the popular dog park and losing some sports fields. It would also affect the running track that surrounds the area. The building, which hosts the Kingston Fall Fair and the Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market during the colder months, would also have to be demolished to make way for additional parking, according to the report.

What exactly does the report say?

The report states that future development plans for the centre will include space for a year-round farmers' market, but this commitment was considered unclear in a post on the market’s website, urging customers to sign a petition against the stadium. The document highlights bright lights on the pitch, crowds of fans, and a lack of parking as potential problems for homeowners nearby, adding that while residents are accustomed to disruptions from annual events like Ribfest or the fall fair, regular matches would be a completely different matter.

Williamsville district councillor Vincent Cinanni said the stadium proposal comes with many unresolved questions. He added that the main message he’s hearing from his constituents is a desire to slow down the process. Cinanni agreed that the plan would likely bring economic benefits and also pointed out that there is a demand for a soccer pitch like the one proposed in Kingston. However, he stressed that it doesn’t necessarily have to be located at Memorial Centre.

The report prepared by city officials includes the following options: collaborating with VGV to develop a long-term lease agreement for Memorial Centre, working with the company to find an alternative location for the stadium in Kingston, or instructing staff not to work with the company on long-term leases of city properties.

The report notes that if the city council decides to support the stadium plans, further analysis and public consultations will be needed before final approval is given. The document also urges the councillors to make a decision soon, as VGV must confirm its firm intentions with the soccer league by the end of March.