The Startup Ecosystem Rankings for 2019 recently came out with a list of top cities in the world for startup companies. While big cities like San Francisco, New York and London top the list, there was a lot of discussion in the report about the emergence of innovation ecosystems in smaller cities like Kingston. So…
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Additional Links: Agenda Noise Exemption – Queen’s University, Richardson Stadium Climate Change Working Group Motion (pg. 17)
Local employers face challenges finding the right people to help their organizations grow and thrive. We have many incredible businesses and agencies but in order for them to excel in the face of global competition, it’s critical that they find the right people with the right skills. That’s why I am thrilled that a number…
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An exciting economic and cultural development initiative is underway in Kingston. The goal is to attract film productions to our community, which in turn will help build a thriving local industry of artists and film makers! Major film producers like Netflix, Warner Bros. and Fox Searchlight have all expressed interest in filming in Kingston, thanks…
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Additional Links: Agenda First Capital Place Filming Opportunities Climate Change Motion (pg. 10)
I was pleased to hear the Premier’s announcement that provincial funding reductions for municipalities would be reversed for this year. My colleagues from cities across the province were united in our view that cuts to our current budgets would hurt frontline services that our residents depend on. I appreciate that the provincial government listened to…
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During last fall’s election, I made it clear that I had changed my mind on one of the more controversial issues in Kingston: the proposed Wellington Street extension. When I first ran for Mayor back in 2014, I saw the Wellington Street extension as a tool to revitalize and redevelop the City’s Inner Harbour, including…
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Additional Links: Agenda North King’s Town Strategic Corridor Analysis for the Wellington Street Extension Hospice Kingston Fundraising Campaign Addiction & Mental Health Services Motion (pg. 14)
Miss Council last night Kingston? Check out the latest version of From the Mayor’s Chair where I break down the decisions of Council in 2 minutes! Additional links: Council Agenda Electric Bus Purchase (Pg. 9) Public Health Motion (Pg. 21)
This week City Council completed its strategic planning work with a very important decision: we are going to begin reducing the annual property tax rate increase below its current level. For the last number of years, we have worked to advance new projects, maintain existing city services and hold the line on property tax increases…
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