Improvements on the Horizon for Coronation Market as KSAMC Plans Fee Increase and Facility Upgrades

Coronation Market, one of downtown Kingston’s busiest hubs for commerce, is on the verge of receiving much-needed enhancements as part of ongoing efforts by the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) to improve the facility’s operations. Mayor Andrew Swaby recently led a tour of the market, where he expressed his dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs, citing poor cleanliness and inadequate maintenance as key concerns.

The Mayor outlined a series of initiatives aimed at transforming the market into a more efficient and sanitary space for both vendors and shoppers. One of the most immediate actions will be an increase in the number of days dedicated to cleaning and clearing garbage from the market. “It’s clear that changes are needed, and we plan to tackle these problems one by one,” Mayor Swaby said. “Our workers must understand and meet the minimum standards expected of them, and vendors also have a responsibility to help keep the market clean.”

As part of these efforts, KSAMC is reviewing the fees currently charged to market vendors. Mayor Swaby noted that the existing fee structure may no longer be sufficient to cover the rising costs of maintaining the market, particularly as the demand for services like waste removal and facility upkeep increases. “The fees we are charging right now are simply not enough to meet the costs of the services we need to provide,” he explained. “While we are trying to keep fees as low as possible, there is a clear need for a review to ensure we can maintain the market to a higher standard.”

Alongside these improvements, the construction of a new parking facility on Darling Street is nearing completion. The new car park, which will serve market users and reduce traffic congestion, is expected to be finished within two months. Mayor Swaby expressed his gratitude to the Minister of Local Government for providing the necessary funding to complete the project. “This new parking facility will allow people to come downtown and park in comfort. It will also ease traffic and provide better access for emergency vehicles, which is critical for safety,” Swaby added.

The proposed fee increase and planned upgrades to the market’s facilities reflect KSAMC’s commitment to improving Coronation Market for both vendors and customers. With the additional parking and enhanced maintenance services, the market is poised to become a cleaner, more accessible, and better-managed space, further boosting its role as a central point of commerce in Kingston.