The Queen’s University District in Kingston will undergo significant construction this summer to support housing growth, with Aberdeen Street being fully reconstructed starting in July. The city aims to improve pedestrian safety and foster housing growth with this project, which also presents an opportunity to restore an iconic street in Kingston. The project will begin with upgrades to the water main system, followed by the reconstruction of the street to enhance pedestrian access and safety, including the addition of a separate boulevard. However, this means that the popular fall gathering for homecoming parties will have to find a new location for 2024 as Aberdeen Street will likely be closed through November due to the construction.
The construction project on Aberdeen Street is expected to last until early winter, closing the street to vehicles and eliminating street parking. Despite this, pedestrians will still have access to buildings on Aberdeen Street, and garbage and recycling collection will continue with minor adjustments. Two Queen’s students who are staying in Kingston for the summer expressed surprise that the construction would affect homecoming celebrations. They acknowledged the changes with sadness but also expressed confidence that homecoming would still be celebrated, albeit in a different location.
The residents and students in the University District are accustomed to loud gatherings, particularly during homecoming parties. However, this year, noise from heavy machinery may replace the sounds of street parties as construction work commences on Aberdeen Street. The construction project is part of the city’s efforts to support housing growth and improve pedestrian safety in the area. While the closure of Aberdeen Street may impact the usual festivities, residents are hopeful that homecoming celebrations will continue in alternative locations.
The students expressed disappointment that the construction on Aberdeen Street would affect their last year of homecoming celebrations but accepted the situation as it is and hoped to find other ways to enjoy the festivities. They mentioned that they had heard about the upcoming construction but did not expect it to impact homecoming celebrations. Despite the changes, the students remain optimistic that they will still be able to celebrate homecoming in a different location and find ways to enjoy the celebrations outside of Aberdeen Street.
The construction work on Aberdeen Street will begin with upgrades to the water main system, followed by the reconstruction of the street to enhance pedestrian access and safety. The project provides an opportunity to restore an iconic street in Kingston while supporting housing growth and improving the overall infrastructure of the University District. While the construction may disrupt the usual homecoming celebrations on Aberdeen Street, residents and students are looking forward to finding alternative locations to continue the tradition and celebrate the event in a different setting.
In conclusion, the construction project on Aberdeen Street in the Queen’s University District in Kingston will bring significant changes to the area, including the closure of the street and the elimination of street parking. Despite the impact on homecoming celebrations, residents and students are optimistic about finding alternative locations to continue the festivities. The project, which aims to support housing growth, improve pedestrian safety, and restore an iconic street, presents an opportunity for long-term improvements in the University District. Despite the temporary disruptions, the community looks forward to celebrating homecoming in a different setting and finding ways to enjoy the celebrations outside of Aberdeen Street.
