BUSINESS

Kingston's Food Woes: Economic Growth is the Key

Kingston, CanadaWed Jan 22 2025
Kingston faces many challenges, from housing to healthcare. But a new problem has emerged: food insecurity. The city declared an emergency, raising questions about what needs to be done. While awareness is great, the real solution might lie in boosting the economy. This isn't just about helping those on income assistance, but about closing the gap between wages and rising costs. Inflation is hitting hard, and Kingston needs to step up. Kingston has a lot going for it. Granite Ridge and St. Lawrence College bring brainpower, and our city is beautiful, drawing people and businesses. We're also leading in startup ecosystems and clean tech. This makes our city ideal for investing in chemical and clean technology sectors. We have pros in chemistry and recycling, ready to build supply chains of crucial minerals. Imagine Kingston as a global leader in chemical tech, creating jobs at every skill level! But there's a catch. Kingston's City Council needs to tackle the shortage of ready-to-build land. Attracting new businesses and helping existing ones grow depends on it. Our land inventory isn't as competitive as other places, making it tough for us to keep up. Fixing these issues should be a top priority. It's time for Kingston to take the reins. We can't rely on government alone to solve affordability issues. Let's dream big and boost our competitiveness. Economic growth can help put food on the table, step by step.

questions

    What specific steps can Kingston take to increase the inventory of build-ready employment land to attract new companies?
    What measures can be taken to protect against potential environmental hazards associated with increased chemical processing?
    How can Kingston effectively compete with other jurisdictions in attracting businesses given the current state of its land inventory?

actions