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Kingston May Finally Get Some Much-Needed Indoor Turf—And No, It’s Not Another Dome

Good news, Kingston sports fans—another indoor multi-sports facility is on the table, and this one is bringing some serious year-round game. If approved, the 94,000-square-foot facility would land in the St. Lawrence Business Park, right next to the John Machin soccer fields. Think of it as a sports oasis in the east end, minus the palm trees.

City Council decided on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, to sell a 4.4-acre plot of vacant land at 735 Innovation Drive to Kingston Multisport Investment Group Ltd. The price? Well, that’s a mystery for now (cue dramatic music).

A Sportsplex Without the Taxpayer Bill? Say What?

According to Paige Agnew, Kingston’s Commissioner of Growth and Development Services, this privately funded facility has been in the works since 2023. Initially, there were some concerns that it might trample over existing soccer fields like an overenthusiastic midfielder, but fear not—the revised plan respects the current field boundaries and even preserves the emergency access route.

If green-lit, the facility will feature:
✅ Four full-sized soccer pitches (no more driving out of town for winter training!)
✅ 173 parking spaces (because let’s be honest, finding a spot is half the battle)
✅ A solid, year-round structure (no inflatable dome situation here)

Wait—Is This the Same as the Memorial Centre Plan?

Nope! While there’s already talk about Victory Grounds Ventures building a winter-friendly soccer stadium at the Memorial Centre, these two projects are as related as hockey and figure skating.

Councillor Ryan Boehme, who’s been keeping a close eye on the east-end proposal, confirmed:
“There’s a group of Kingstonians who really want to invest in sports and soccer here. This is not a dome—it’s a year-round, solid structure that offers a full indoor turf field for soccer and other sports.”

But What About the Neighbors?

Public feedback was gathered in September and October 2024, and while some residents initially worried about losing green space, the updated plans have kept the fields intact. Concerns about noise and environmental impact will be addressed in the planning approval process, because, well, nobody wants a rogue soccer ball smashing through their backyard.

Who’s Paying for This?

The Kingston Multisport Investment Group Ltd. is footing the bill for construction and operations, but they are asking for a 10-year deferral on $1.8 million in development charges, plus another $226,000 in building permit fees. That’s a hefty tab, but the city will still collect interest on any unpaid balances over the decade.

Proceeds from selling the land will be deposited into Kingston’s Industrial Land Reserve Fund, which, we assume, isn’t just a fancy name for “City Council’s vacation fund.”

What’s Next?

City Council has now weighed in, and Kingston’s soccer and sports community is one step closer to having a year-round place to train—no more road trips just to find a decent indoor pitch. With the project moving forward, all eyes are on the next stages of development, from finalizing plans to breaking ground.

For those who love a good play-by-play, updates on construction timelines and facility details will be shared through official city channels and local media. Stay tuned—Kingston’s sports scene is about to level up! ⚽🔥