Kingston collecting input for economic development strategy

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Ontario Construction News staff writer

The City of Kingston, in partnership with Kingston Economic Development, is collecting input to develop the Kingston community’s 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 “Ideas” tab by Oct. 20 at 4 p.m.

“The goal of this public engagement is to complement the extensive research that has been conducted by the end of the year,” says Craig Desjardins, director of strategy, innovation and partnerships. “We want to collect resident input to better inform the project team’s research and ensure that we’re working toward a strategy that represents what Kingston’s residents want and need at this critical time.”

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 Kingston’s 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.

“We’re pleased to be working in tandem with the City of Kingston to support Council priorities to strengthen the economy,” said Donna Gillespie, chief executive officer of the Kingston Economic Development Corporation. “While we need to focus on today’s challenges, it is imperative that we establish long-term plans for economic community success.”

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.

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