Kingston is a city rich in history, as the first capital of Canada. It is surrounded by fresh waters and is home to first-class academic, sport and cultural facilities. Established in 1673, Kingston is the oldest city in Ontario, located at the confluence of Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River and the famous 1000 Islands. In 2007, the Rideau Canal Heritage Route, including Fort Henry National Historic Site of Canada and the Kingston Fortifications, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, the city is proud of its ability to merge its historic legacies with new innovations and is truly a city bursting with opportunity,

With a population of 200,000, Kingston is situated between the major hubs of Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and New York State and serves a regional population of 1.6 million. With its central location, proximity to three major uncongested border crossings into the United States, and opportunity for industry/academic partnerships with three leading post-secondary institutions, Kingston’s advantages for high growth business success are plentiful. Combine this with first-class infrastructure, competitive tax rates and a skilled and motivated labour force and you a have a city that is the perfect place to grow business in North America.

As home to many of Canada’s brightest minds – students, researchers, officers, and professionals, this vibrant and dynamic community is woven with the intermingling of ideas and experiences. Kingston was named one of the world’s 21 smartest communities in 2012 and 2013 by the Intelligent Community Forum, which highlights cities that harness information and communications technology to foster inclusive, prosperous and sustainable economies. Earning a place among the Smart21 validates Kingston’s status as a smart city, adding to other related high-caliber accolades including; being named one of the top Best Places to Live in Canada and being ranked as a Top Canadian Hotspot for Young, Talented Workers.

The city has realized successful growth in part due to its stable and diversified public/private sector economy as well as its smart and innovative companies who are making impact in their fields around the world. Home to Canada’s largest military training base, regional health care centres and Canada’s “Ivy League” Queen’s University, the Kingston economy is a balanced split between public and private sector enterprises. Active private sectors include advanced manufacturing, clean technologies, and defense and information technologies. Kingston is also particularly attractive for food processing companies as it is part of a region that represents the largest food and beverage processing jurisdiction in Canada.

Companies in Kingston benefit from an active labour force drawn to the region for the lifestyle amenities and career opportunities. With a combination of quality of life, history and architecture, cultural and recreational amenities, education and healthy living options, the city is one of Canada’s premier communities.

Over two million visitors travel to Kingston every year to enjoy the four-season experiences the city offers. Known for its vibrant and historic downtown core, Kingston boasts acclaimed restaurants and an active local food movement, boutique shopping and cultural offerings from galleries to symphony orchestras. Recognised as the fresh water sailing capital of the world, Kingston also has incredible sailing and boating facilities as well as the most golf courses per capita in Canada.

As one of the top sustainable cities, best places to visit, live, work and do business, Kingston’s charms are setting international standards.