Theme EC 1: Economic Development

Theme Statement

Kingston focuses on strengths and opportunities for a vibrant, diverse, and dynamic economy which attracts and retains businesses and skilled employees, contributes to global knowledge, incubates innovation, and brings new goods and services to market.

Indicators

Unemployment Rate (Percentage of Employment Force that is unemployed).
Job Creation (Total employed Labour Force).

Goals

Establish Kingston as a leader in Green Technology (wind, solar, bio fuel) and build on the city’s existing core strengths and assets in this area while positioning Kingston and Frontenac County as the Green Capital of Canada.
Attract innovative Advanced Manufacturing businesses which can benefit from existing incentive programs, the local supply chain, and Kingston’s convenient access to markets.
Become a hub for Research and Development companies which will benefit from leveraging our institutional and academic research base, highly skilled population, and integrated incubation space.
Deliver essential services which support the development, growth and retention of public, private, and non‐profit businesses in Kingston.
Attract and retain talented researchers, incubate innovation, and bring new goods and services to market.
Provide resources for the business community which can help build the business case for and support the transition towards more sustainable practices.
Address the relationship between sustainable economic development and creating jobs necessary to reduce poverty.

Actions

Action	Action Lead	Target	Status
Promote the Use of Employee Benefits Continue to support economic development by promoting the use of employee benefits to business in the Kingston are. Employee benefits can assist residents during the time they need it most, and can assist business in attracting and retaining valuable employees.	Strategic Benefits & Insurance Services Ltd.	Continue to manage, administer group benefit programs through out many strategic partnerships across Canada.	Ongoing
Targeted Academic Programs (Energy Systems Engineering Technologist, Wind Turbine Technician, Geothermal Engineering Technician)	St. Lawrence College	Train a growing workforce in renewable energy development, installation and maintenance.	Ongoing
Support Local Craft Breweries Featuring Beau’s, Mill St., Steam Whistle, Muskoka, Cameron’s	Iron Duke on Wellington	Grow share of taps and bottles from local sources	Ongoing
Solar Panel Financing RBC is committed to helping Canadian businesses finance renewable energy projects. Whether you are investing in renewable energy to control costs as part of a building retrofit, to access a new revenue stream or simply to reduce your carbon foot print.	Royal Bank of Canada	To offer finacial support to renewable energy generation.	Ongoing
Develop Green(er) Fuel Protocol (GFP)	Lafarge	Formalization of the protocol through a community task force and presentation to the public by Dec 2011.	Technical evaluation tool nearing completion, to be released for public comment Nov 2011.
Business Consulting & Market Intelligence Elorin currently works with approximately 15 companies in Eastern Ontario to provide free business consulting. We have access to experience entrepreneurs who work with each client to develop a strategic plan and provide help with each company’s unique needs. Help varies by client but may include assistance with finding a first customer, process re-engineering, access to venture/angel investors, market intelligence services, or connecting with academic researchers.	Elorin – Regional Innovation Centre	Help clients improve their businesses, create jobs, increase investment in Eastern Ontario.	Ongoing
Share Information about the KFL&A Area Regarding New Energy - new energy jobs - businesses - products - education & research - tourism - awareness - events - activities - funding opportunities - government incentives - success stories and best practises	New Energy Project	To share as much as possible to businesses, NGO’s, NFP’s, residents and governments in and outside the KFL&A area.	Existing (basic) website, will be developed into a web-portal end of 2011. Social media: Follow us on Twitter
LaSalle Secondary School Photovoltaic System In the summer of 2010 the Limestone Board installed an 8 kilo-watt photovoltaic system on LaSalle Secondary School. This system is connected to the utility grid under the Ontario Power Authority's — Micro FIT program. A monitoring system has been installed in the lobby which displays live data of the system’s performance parameters. Limestone currently has four photovoltaic projects installed and aims to install various renewable energy systems in the future.	Limestone District School Board	To expose students to innovative technologies and information. Generate revenue from the “green” electricity produced.	Ongoing
Promotional Program of Kingston as a Wise Choice for Green Technology Business Location A full description is available on the website.	Kingston Economic Development Corporation	To support Kingston's goal of becoming Canada's most sustainable city.	Ongoing