Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Kingston, in partnership with Kingston Economic Development, is collecting input to develop the Kingston communityโs Integrated Economic Development Strategy. This strategy, the first of its kind for Kingston, will identify new opportunities and initiatives to strengthen the local economy by increasing job opportunities and growing the local gross domestic product.
Get Involved Kingston has created a survey and feedback can be sent through the โIdeasโ tab by Oct. 20 at 4 p.m.
โThe goal of this public engagement is to complement the extensive research that has been conducted by the end of the year,โ says Craig Desjardins, director of strategy, innovation and partnerships. โWe want to collect resident input to better inform the project teamโs research and ensure that weโre working toward a strategy that represents what Kingstonโs residents want and need at this critical time.โ
In October 2018, city council approved an integrated economic development strategy format with the City of Kingston and Kingston Economic Development working together to set a vision and strategies for growing Kingstonโs economy.
At an April meeting, Kingston Economic Development was directed to develop a response and recovery plan by May to address the COVID-19 impact on the local economy and deliver a long-term strategic plan.
Work has continued with project consultants to conduct stakeholder interviews and focus groups with representatives across sectors in the community.
It is expected that the strategy will focus on supporting local business, while identifying sector priorities and offering strategic and tactical approaches to facilitate post COVID-19 economic growth.
โWeโre pleased to be working in tandem with the City of Kingston to support Council priorities to strengthen the economy,โ said Donna Gillespie, chief executive officer of the Kingston Economic Development Corporation. โWhile we need to focus on todayโs challenges, it is imperative that we establish long-term plans for economic community success.โ
The 17-question GetInvolved.CityofKingston.ca survey takes about 15 minutes to complete and asks a range of questions about economic sectors, including health innovation, manufacturing and creative industries, and about rural land development and culture.