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Save 218 Princess St (Grand Theatre)
It is on Kingston's heritage register as a listed property. Unless council issues a notice of intention to designate, it comes off the register on January 1, 2027 and can't be listed again for five years.
The Grand Theatre in Kingston is built on a site that has held a theatre since 1879. In 1889, it presented Canada's first opera, Leo, the Royal Cadet, which was written by two Kingston residents, Oscar Telgmann, and George Cameron. The original Martin’s Opera House burnt down in 1898, and the present structure took its place in 1902. It opened on January 15 of that year with the comic opera Dolly Vardon. It went on to host many operas and dramas with great success. Famous performers such as Sarah Bernhardt, Harry Houdini and Al Jolson appeared on the stage of the Grand Opera House. The theatre became a Famous Players movie house in 1938, and continued in that capacity until 1961. The local…From the municipal heritage register
Heritage neighbours: 6 other heritage properties within 100 m
1. Add your support
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2. Write to your councillor
Council decides whether to issue a notice of intention to designate. A short, personal letter from a resident counts.
Write the letterFind your councillor
Ontario's municipal election is on October 26, 2026. Send the same letter to the candidates in your ward and ask where they stand.
3. Go to council
Coming up in Kingston before January 1:
- Heritage Properties Committee, October 14, 2026
- Planning Advisory Committee, October 14, 2026
- City Council Meeting, November 3, 2026
- Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee, November 4, 2026
- Planning Committee, November 5, 2026
Anyone can ask to speak (a deputation) or send a written comment; check the meeting page for how and by when. How to speak at council.
4. Help with the research
Heritage staff need evidence. A research record gathers the building's history and why it matters, in the shape they use.
Priority for volunteers: 33/100 (register has a detailed description).
Spread the word
Status from City of Kingston — Heritage Properties, as of October 12, 2026. Not legal advice. Confirm status with the municipality.