The Hub Project is a multi-phase initiative designed to connect neighbourhoods through art by making a series of temporary and permanent improvements to the intersection of Princess and Division streets, known as “The Hub.” Through extensive community consultations completed in 2019 with over 350 people, themes and types of public art for the area were identified.

• Download the summary of the public feedback.

Recommendations for public art for the area include:

1. Incorporate small-scale public art interventions in the public realm (at-grade and community-driven) to respond to the desire for community gathering spaces and interactions;
2. Commission an iconic public art piece to respond to the desire for sense of pride and act as a destination for tourists and visitors;
3. Develop a Placemaking Strategy (and/or Community Benefits Strategy) to respond to the need for broader revitalization of and community priorities for the area.

This project is part of the City’s Public Art Program that supports the creation of permanent, temporary and community public artworks and projects.

Current Public Art Projects

Poetry Billboard Project

From January – September 2020, the City has rented a billboard on top of the UPS store at the intersection of Princess and Division Street that was a platform for poetry public art installations created by Kingston-based poets. Featured poets include:

• Jason Heroux, City of Kingston Poet Laureate (January-March 2021)
• Bruce Kauffman, poet, editor and organizer of literary events (March-June 2021)
• Chantel Lavoie, poet and associate professor at the Royal Military College (July-September 2021)

Art Bike Stands

Through an open call for submissions process, the City has selected local artist and illustrator Jenny Moring to create two artist designed bike stands that engage the community in a playful and resourceful way, adding vibrancy and colour to the area, and generate new ways of thinking creatively about the urban environment. This project is being delivered in partnership between Arts & Culture Services and Transportation Services. The Art Bike Stands will be installed in Spring 2022.

Princess Street Sidewalk Project

The City is thrilled to announce Brandon Vickerd’s, “The Wilds of Kingston” as the selected public artwork for the Princess Street Sidewalk Project, an initiative of the Hub Project designed to connect neighbourhoods through art by making a series of temporary and permanent improvements to the intersection of Princess and Division streets. "The Wilds of Kingston" was installed in November 2021.

Engagement Opportunities

January 2021

Public engagement on Princess Street Sidewalk Project Preliminary Public Art Proposals

Spring 2019

Published the reporting back on the feedback for this project.

March 2019

Two in-person engagement sessions were held at The Spire. These workshops, led by the Crazy Dames, a consulting trio who specialize in urban planning and cultural engagement in cities and public spaces, gave residents the opportunity to learn more about the Hub Project and share their input on public art at Princess and Division.

September 2018

Hub Project pop-up booth was set up at the 2018 Princess St. Promenade. Residents had the opportunity to speak with City staff about the project and provide their input on public art at Princess and Division.

Project News