Petition: Stop proposed increase in LaSalle Causeway closures for Summer 2025. Start working on a viable bridge solution for 2026.

On behalf of over 700 businesses in downtown Kingston, we are writing to express our serious concerns regarding Transport Canada's consideration to extend the closure time of the La Salle Causeway this summer to include Sunday and Monday mornings. The current proposed scheduled closing of the causeway on Saturdays throughout the summer is already showing a negative impact on the community. The extension would have significant implications for our local businesses, employees, and customers.

As the primary connection between the east and west parts of Kingston, and a main artery into the commercial district, the LaSalle Causeway is crucial for the flow of traffic, commerce, and tourism in our city. Extending the closure period would not only disrupt daily operations but also hinder access to downtown businesses during the peak tourist season.

We understand that the closure is necessary to facilitate the temporary opening of the main marine navigation channel; however, we strongly urge Transport Canada to consider the potential impacts on our community and explore alternative solutions that balance the needs of both marine and land-based transportation.

Noting that the regulator Transport Canada is still considering PSPC's proposed schedule to open the main navigation channel in 2025, PSPC advised Kingston that Transport Canada is now considering that the channel be open from Saturday morning until Sunday evening with openings extended until Monday evening on the Civic Holiday and Labour Day long weekends. Additionally, Transport Canada is contemplating requiring additional openings on Tuesday, July 1st (Canada Day) and Saturday, October 11th. 

Our concerns over the original proposed schedule that included biweekly Saturday closures in April and May, and all Saturdays in June, July, August are amplified given the potential for extended lift operations that include Sunday's and holidays. 

The facts:

1. The unexpected closure of the LaSalle Causeway from April to October 2024 had a significant impact on the downtown Kingston business community. This closure resulted in an average 10% decrease in pedestrian traffic to the downtown core from the previous year, with days as much as a 23% reduction. The decline in foot traffic negatively affected local businesses, with some seeing as much as a 30% drop in revenue, particularly those in the tourism sector who depend on the summer season to sustain their business.
2. The potential for full weekend and long weekend closures all occur on peak days for tourism travel, downtown food & beverage, and retail, as well as sporting events and attractions. 
3. Several planned City construction projects in the area were significantly delayed in 2024 due to the bridge failure and are now scheduled to begin mid-March and extend into the fall of 2025. These projects rely on the Causeway’s availability to accommodate traffic volumes and mitigate impacts to the community.
   
4. LaSalle Causeway closures to vehicular traffic have a significant impact on the operations of emergency services, including paramedics accessing two major  hospitals in the downtown core and other supporting services. This disruption results in not only in additional costs and necessitates extensive coordination and communication efforts to ensure that emergency response times and essential services are maintained, but could cost lives.
   
5. In addition, the current tentative nature of the LaSalle Causeway closures beyond May 31, 2025, is creating significant uncertainty and hindering the ability of event organizers and tourism destinations to organize and promote events, secure vendors, and ensure adequate staffing levels.

6. Lastly, addressing the long-term sustainability and growth of downtown Kingston requires a comprehensive solution for the LaSalle Causeway for future years. It is crucial to prioritize the development of a plan that allows the causeway to remain open for marine traffic while simultaneously accommodating vehicular and pedestrian traffic. This balance is essential for maintaining the viability of our community and supporting local businesses, residents, and visitors.

As we approach the summer of 2026, it is crucial that the federal government prioritizes the urgent need for a comprehensive plan that addresses the requirements of all stakeholders impacted by the LaSalle Causeway. A continued cycle of seasonal closures is not sustainable for the business community in downtown Kingston, and it poses a significant threat to the economic vitality of the area.

Immediate attention and concerted efforts must be directed towards finding an innovative and balanced solution that maintains the navigational functionality of the causeway while ensuring uninterrupted access for vehicular and pedestrian traffic. This critical infrastructure project demands close collaboration between the federal government, municipal authorities, and local businesses to secure the long-term prosperity and growth of downtown Kingston, and the businesses along the water that depend on being able to navigate through the causeway freely.

We strongly encourage ongoing communication and cooperation between the relevant authorities, community leaders, and the public to achieve a sustainable and effective resolution for the LaSalle Causeway. Together, we can ensure that our downtown remains a vibrant and accessible destination for years to come.

This petition is a representation of community stakeholder voices in and around downtown Kingston and we urge PSPC and Transport Canada to:

1. reconsider the proposed extension to the 2025 summer schedule of closures
2. expedite the planning and installation of a permanent solution for the causeway as soon as possible.