An aging Kingston landmark is coming back to life.
The Kirkpatrick Fountain in front of the Frontenac County Courthouse, over a century old, is in desperate need of repairs. Now, the city is going to do something about it.
Erected in 1903, the Kirkpatrick Fountain has had numerous problems, including an approximately three-degree tilt. There’s also the failing cladding as well as rust, which is eating away at many parts of the structure.
Rob Crothers, the city’s project engineer, says it’s probably a nine to 12-month project once it goes to tender.
“We hope to tender it this fall so the work in the shoppes is done during the winter,” Crothers said, “and then we’ll be reassembling it next summer, testing it and finishing up the site workaround.”
Also being fixed is the plumbing, including the pump and water system, as well as some rewiring. It’s been 12 years since some noticeable work was last done of the fountain, which Kingstonians may remember as being when one of the trademark lions went missing.
City curator Paul Robertson says the history of this Sydenham District fixture needs to be preserved.
“It’s one of our only fountains, monumental fountains named after a prominent citizen, Sir George Airey Kirkpatrick, former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario,” Robertson said. “It’s important that we look after this piece”.
As for the price tag, just under $300,000 has been earmarked for the project.