The Frontenac Heritage Foundation Presents: Evolution of a Village, A Walk Through Portsmouth 1820 – 2024
RESCHEDULED — 5:00pm September 18th 2024 Aberdeen Park (621 King St W, Kingston) Walk is 1.5 hours in length Mike Sayer, Walk Leader(Portsmouth District Community Association)

While a major part of life in Portsmouth Village since the 1830s has been associated with Kingston Penitentiary and Rockwood Asylum, the harbour has been an active centre for maritime trade, ship-building, industry and entrepreneurship. Particularly in the mid 1800’s, separate from Kingston, this included quarries, wharves, marine railways, shipbuilding, a tannery and a brewery (and taverns!) all in states of active growth or demise.

A diverse population lived in the area. In the late 1800’s due to economic circumstances, activity slowed although the brewery continued until 1933. Facilities (residential water and sewage, etc.) were enhanced when the village became part of Kingston in 1952. The harbour was transformed to host the sailing events for the 1976 Olympics and has continued to attract sailors annually from all over the world to international competitions.

The walk will commence near the Town Hall in Aberdeen Park, review the early development of the harbour, consider the nature of the residential, commercial and institutional buildings around the park and discuss the daily activities of the Penitentiary. We will then cross King St and walk through the harbour to envisage the industry, the people and the families who have thrived on the site of the Olympic Harbour parking lot. Since 1933 the Portsmouth Tavern, and until 1993, the Lakeview Manor have provided much colour to the village. The walk will end with a review of some of the proposals made in recent years as to how the area should develop.