Downtown Kingston Blooms: BIA leads community project to brighten downtown

Story by Christena Lawrie, CFRC's Broadcast Journalist and Local Journalism Initiative Reporter.

Downtown Kingston is set to transform at the end of this week with the “Blooms: Downtown Kingston Flowerbed Project.”

A total of 31 flowerbeds downtown, sponsored by local businesses, community members, and organizations, will be planted with sustainable perennials, bushes, and flowers this weekend thanks to the new project from the BIA.

Since the pandemic, the flowerbeds scattered throughout the downtown core have taken a backseat, but the BIA is bringing them to the forefront this year with the support of the Kingston community.

The cost of the materials to plant the flower beds is covered by the sponsorships, which will be recognized with a plaque on each bed. The beds will be planted by over 80 volunteers from Friday, May 31st through Monday, June 3rd.

“We are excited to launch this initiative and see the positive impact it will have on downtown Kingston,” says Alex Splinter, chair of the Downtown Kingston BIA Clean and Safe Committee. “We believe that by working together, we can create a more inviting and visually appealing environment for everyone to enjoy.”

Gardening Kingston volunteers got a head start last weekend, planting four special beds celebrating the Kingston Horticultural Society’s 125th anniversary at the intersection of King Street and Princess Street.