In late 2017 Queen’s University purchased the former St. Mary’s of the Lake Hospital site with the goal of easing space pressures on main campus.

Planning and preparation for a move of some administrative units to the southern portion of the building includes interior renovations to accommodate administrative offices. In April of this year a contractor was engaged to undertake the first stage of interior renovations, which consists of designated substance abatement and demolition. Work has now started on this phase of construction after experiencing some delays related to COVID-19 restrictions.

This resumption of activity is in accordance with the recent announcement by the Government of Ontario allowing construction work for projects undertaken in sectors such as municipalities, postsecondary institutions, and schools. Contractors working at the St. Mary’s site will be responsible for following all required COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.

The work will begin with some interior demolition and sorting of material for recycling, as well as the placing and removal of waste bins. As part of Queen’s commitment to environmental sustainability, there will also be equipment on site doing test drilling for the planned geothermal system that will be installed to the south of the existing building, facing King Street.

The interior demolition work is expected to take place during normal working hours and to be completed by late July. Any noise generated by this work is will be minimal and in accordance with the City of Kingston’s noise control bylaw. Area residents may notice some additional traffic in the area as this work takes place. Any questions regarding this work may be addressed to community@queensu.ca or to Physical Plant Services at 613-533-6757.