City to grow wildflowers along Sir John A Macdonald Boulevard

This spring motorists along Sir John A. Macdonald Boulevard between Princess Street and Glengarry Road may see City of Kingston workers planting wildflower seeds.

This unique pilot project, originally slated for 2020, but delayed due to the pandemic, will continue in the coming years with the potential to expand to other areas around the city, the City of Kingston said in a release dated Monday, May 17, 2021. In addition to beautifying the roadway, this pilot project also supports endangered species of pollinators including bees and butterflies.

“We are using a perennial seed mix, which includes native wildflowers and grasses and is roadside salt tolerant,” said Troy Stubinski, Operations Manager, Public Works. “Once seeded, we will monitor the area for growth and, if needed, will complete isolated reseeding.”

According to the release, City staff will be installing signage in the boulevard area to indicate that wildflowers are growing. To support the growth, this area will not be cut or mowed. It may take a while to see the wildflowers, which are expected to mature and bloom in the second and third years of growth, the City said.

A July 9, 2019 motion from Council directed staff explore the potential of wildflower verges and report back by Q2 2020 with recommendations to facilitate a pilot project. On March 24, 2020, a Report to Council was approved to endorse the pilot and for staff to prepare the designated areas to plant, seed, maintain and monitor the wildflowers.