Kingston’s downtown light displays to shine all winter long

The City of Kingston and Tourism Kingston have partnered to add more LED lights and lighting installations downtown this winter.

“Many have already noticed the heartwarming ‘Love’ lighting installation in Confederation Basin,” said Mayor Bryan Paterson. “Coming to see the lights we’ll have down Princess Street and around City Hall is a free, safe, outdoor activity that everyone can enjoy. Our city takes on a whole new beauty in the winter months and the illumination will add a special touch to the downtown experience,” he said.

The lights will be installed by the first week of December will remain on nightly through March 2021.

The City said adding “energy-efficient shimmer and light” to downtown Kingston is part of the larger and ongoing Love Kingston effort. Initiated to help support local businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the project’s elements – including these winter lights – are expected to continue as a silver-lining legacy of 2020.

“This is a celebration of the community’s perseverance,” said Megan Knott, Executive Director of Tourism Kingston. “It goes without saying that we hope people will grab some takeout or a gift when they come down to see the lights and enjoy whatever activities Downtown Kingston and the City are able to offer in Springer Market Square over the coming months.”

Knott said that she encourages Kingstonians to get out to enjoy the heritage, history, and architecture of Kingston paired with an illuminated outdoor experience.

In addition to the Love sign in Confederation Park, the City is advising Kingstonisans to watch for these lights:

• A glittery heart beside the “Kingston” sign by the Visitor’s Centre on Ontario Street.
• All the trees along Princess Street from Division to Ontario will be wrapped with lights.
• Colourful neon hearts will be added to downtown storefronts.
• Additional shimmering lights and fire pits in Springer Market Square by City Hall.
• City Hall will be lit with blue and white snowflakes nightly.
• Lamposts and tree trunks in the Square will be wrapped in lights.
• Shimmering lights will illuminate the festive tree in the Square.

Downtown Kingston and the City said they are working on plans for activities in and around the Square, including skating on the outdoor rink, guided by advice from Kingston Frontenac Lennox & Addington (KFL&A) Public Health.

“In the meantime, residents wearing their face coverings, may show their local love by shopping at the abundance of independent stores and boutiques, all while surrounded by the light – and love – of Kingston,” said the City.