Rural Kingston Economic Development
The main goals of the Rural Kingston Economic Strategy are to help rural businesses and food producers, as well as collaborate with communities and partners to achieve certain objectives. The plan focuses on:
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- Promoting the growth of rural businesses and providing support at all levels.
- Assisting new and existing farms and food-related industries with agricultural sector development.
- Working with Kingston Tourism and nearby towns to revive rural tourism.
- Grow smaller communities and business parks in rural areas through a strategic approach.
Learn more about the Integrated Economic Development Strategy and the Rural Kingston Economic Strategy Strategy.
Boundaries
"Rural Kingston" includes areas outside of the metropolitan area. About 19,000 people live rurally, which is around 15% of Kingston's population. These areas make up about 83% of the City's total land. This information is based on the 2016 census.
Rural Initiatives
These programs and projects are designed to support and improve rural communities in Kingston.
Rural Working Group
The Rural Economic & Community Development Working Group represents the interests of the City of Kingston's rural residents and businesses, including farms, as they relate to rural community, business development and agricultural matters. Formerly the Rural Advisory Committee, the working group allows rural community members to be involved and engaged in the City of Kingston’s rural initiatives. Meetings take place every few months and are on the City Calendar.
Kingston Public Market
Kingston Public Market is in Springer Market Square in downtown Kingston. This oldest and longest-running Market in Ontario offers produce, food products and crafts by local artisans.
Food Production Training Days
The City of Kingston regularly hosts food production training days, aimed at helping prospective food producers learn how to rent commercial kitchens and get their products to market.
Local food survey
We have collected feedback from residents to inform our local food strategy. Learn more about the Local Food project.
Samsung Solar LP Community Benefit Fund
We engaged with the rural community by soliciting their ideas for how to allocate the Samsung Benefit Fund and which project they would like to see funded in rural Kingston. The community provided 215 total contributions, which we have shared with the Rural Advisory Committee. Learn more about the Samsung Solar LP Community Benefit Fund.
Dedicated rural support
The Rural Economic and Community Development office provides dedicated support to rural business owners, farmers, food producers and community projects.
Contact at 613-545-5114.
Contact Us
City of Kingston
City Hall
216 Ontario Street
Kingston, ON K7L 2Z3
Canada
contactus@cityofkingston.ca
Phone: 613-546-0000
Fax: 613-546-7816
The City of Kingston acknowledges that we are on the traditional homeland of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and the Huron-Wendat, and thanks these nations for their care and stewardship over this shared land.
Today, the City is committed to working with Indigenous peoples and all residents to pursue a united path of reconciliation.
Learn more about the City's reconciliation initiatives.
