The Queen's University area is used to hosting loud parties, but this time it will be different. Aberdeen Street, usually the scene of unsanctioned street parties, will now be turned into a construction zone for several months. This means the noise of heavy machinery may replace the noise of street parties in the autumn.
Kingston’s University District will undergo significant construction this summer to support housing growth, and a comprehensive reconstruction of Aberdeen Street will begin in July. The city says the project is designed to facilitate housing growth and improve pedestrian safety, and it also provides an opportunity to restore Kingston’s iconic street.
The project will begin with an upgrade to the water system. Once the underground pipe work is completed, the street will be rebuilt to improve pedestrian access and safety, including the addition of a boulevard separated from the road.
The only problem is that the street synonymous with back-to-school parties may be closed until November, meaning the popular fall gathering will have to find a new home in 2024.
“The project will take too much time. So we will start this summer to avoid the initial impact. But the project will probably continue into early winter,” said Melanie Knowles, project manager for the City of Kingston.
Two Queen's University students who are spending the summer in Kingston said they had heard rumors of the upcoming construction but never thought it would affect homecoming festivities.
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“Because there was construction going on there, I came here today and saw the flags so I thought maybe something was going on here,” said Kara McKenzie.
“It's definitely sad. This is my senior year, so I'm a little sad that Homecoming isn't going to look the same as it did before. But obviously, it is what it is,” said Sarah Oshry.
William Street will remain open throughout the construction period, but Aberdeen Street will be completely closed to vehicle traffic and no street parking will be provided. Pedestrians will still have access to buildings on Aberdeen Street, and rubbish and recycling collections will continue with some minor changes.
While there may not be a party scene on Aberdeen Street this year, two students believe Homecoming will still be celebrated.
“It's possible this could happen somewhere else,” McKenzie said.
“We’ll find another way to enjoy the celebration,” Oshri said.
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