Kingston City Hall

Kingston City Hall is the seat of local government in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Occupying a full city block facing Lake Ontario in Kingston's downtown, the city hall is a prominent edifice constructed in the Neoclassical style with a landmark tholobate and dome.The city hall was completed in 1844, with its scale and design reflective of Kingston's status as capital of the Province of Canada at that time. The architect chosen for the project in 1841, was George Browne, an architect who had moved to Kingston, from Quebec, with the new government for 3 years. This building was believed to be one of his most outstanding works, but completed after the government removed itself to Montreal, and the building was never used as the capital of Canada.The building was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1961.HistorySir John A. Macdonald, Canada's first prime minister, lay in state here following his death on June 6, 1891. There was a fire July 24, 1908 caused by accident.Kingston MarketThe area directly behind city hall serves as a seasonal farmers' market. During the winter, the market square is transformed into an outdoor skating rink.The Kingston Police Department was based at city hall until 1971, when it was moved to a (then-new but now demolished) building of its own at 11 Queen Street. KPD 705 Division is currently located next to the city's public works department.