Key topics of growth discussed during Kingston’s State of the City address

Highlights include health care, housing, and international trade

Kingston is booming, says Mayor Bryan Paterson, as he unveiled plans to tackle the city’s rapid growth during the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce’s State of the City address on Tuesday morning.

The event gave local businesses updates from city, provincial, and federal leaders about important issues affecting the area.

Paterson shared the city's growth bringing with it a lot of new and exciting challenges. The first being housing, which the mayor says they're working as fast as they can amidst the challenges in 2024. But despite those challenges, he shared Kingston was one of few cities in the province that exceeded the provincial housing target.

Paterson also highlighted efforts to attract businesses, improve health care access, and expand recreational spaces.

Kingston and the Islands MP Mark Gerretsen highlighted the Federal programs that are boosting affordable housing, public transit, and green innovation, including a $28 million grant to Kingston for housing and $30 million for electric buses.

Tourism and green tech also see federal investment, positioning Kingston and Canada as leaders in sustainable growth amid global economic shifts.

Kingston MPP Ted Hsu is busy advocating for important changes in Ontario’s energy, housing, and healthcare sectors. Hsu is pushing to expand the Rural Economic Development Program and improve access to primary care,

He also supports eliminating land transfer taxes for non-profit affordable housing developers. Hsu is preparing for a potential spring election, focusing on productivity growth and reducing interprovincial trade barriers to boost Ontario’s economy. His efforts aim to address local and provincial issues and improve Kingston’s economic future.