Kingston agencies unite to support local businesses affected by U.S-Canada trade

Kingston, Ontario - Five Kingston organizations have come together to address the impact that evolving U.S.-Canada relations and potential tariffs may have on local businesses.

Tourism Kingston, Kingston Accommodation Partners, Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Kingston Business Improvement Area, and Kingston Economic Development Corporation are working jointly in response to a motion presented at Kingston City Council Tuesday night. Leveraging their complementary mandates to support local businesses, together the group will provide supply chain guidance; market diversification; government advocacy; resident engagement; and destination marketing.

Tourism Kingston:

The local visitor economy attracts millions of visitors and generates millions in economic impact each year, supporting our local hospitality, attraction, and accommodation workforce and community more broadly. In 2024, Kingston welcomed 2,657,019 visitors and saw $513,998,980 in visitor spending.

Tourism Kingston’s mission is to promote Kingston as a uniquely historic and hip destination to explore year-round, which is achieved through destination marketing and sales activities in each of its portfolios, including travel trade, business events, sport tourism, film and media, and music.

Tourism Kingston builds profile for Kingston and promotes the city year-round through targeted marketing campaigns, primarily attracting visitors from nearby urban centres Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal. To provide further support for Kingston’s tourism businesses, the organization will work in partnership with Kingston Accommodation Partners to enhance our marketing activities early spring through summer, showcasing Kingston as the ideal destination for Canadians who are increasingly interested in travelling within Canada this year.

“Kingston’s many connections to Canadian history, our unique attractions, beautiful waterfront location, delicious culinary scene, and vibrant downtown make for an incredible getaway,” says Megan Knott, CEO of Tourism Kingston. “We’re just down the 401 from nearly one-third of the Canadian population. This spring and summer – and year-round – we want them to come and experience all that Kingston has to offer.”

Kingston Accommodation Partners:

Kingston Accommodation Partners (KAP) is the leading voice of advocacy for tourism and the accommodation sector in Kingston, collaborating with tourism stakeholders to attract and welcome visitors for overnight stays. KAP is working diligently with our provincial and federal advocacy partners to ensure that Kingston remains top of mind when considering targeted policy solutions for the tourism sector in these challenging and uncertain times.

This spring, KAP will work in partnership with Tourism Kingston through a marketing campaign to showcase Kingston as an ideal four-season tourism destination, targeting those travellers who are increasingly showing interest in travelling within Canada right now.

“Our local hotel and accommodation partners pride themselves on their visitor focus and exceptional guest experience,” says Krista LeClair, Executive Director of Kingston Accommodation Partners. “I know they will help travellers looking to stay and travel in Canada this year make the most of their time in Kingston.”

Key areas of focus for KAP with the looming tariff uncertainties include advocating to reinstate the Ontario Staycation tax credit, requesting the creation of a provincial sport and business events bid fund that would incentivize large-scale events and tourism activities to come to Ontario and Kingston, and extending the HST/GST holiday for all restaurant meals to benefit our local culinary partners.

Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce:

The Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce is committed to stimulating the growth and prosperity of the local business community. As is our mission, we will influence public policy, be a catalyst for connectivity, and provide unique competitive advantages for our members. Along with our partners Kingston Economic Development Corporation, Tourism Kingston, Downtown Kingston BIA, and Kingston Accommodation Partners, we will ensure a strong way forward as we navigate this new landscape.

“While the pending tariffs present significant challenges to our community, we are confident that through collaboration and teamwork, we can overcome these obstacles and continue to thrive,” says Karen Cross, CEO of the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce. “Each partner plays a vital role in supporting the community, from attracting visitors to explore Kingston to fostering the growth of manufacturing facilities to encouraging new businesses to set up shop here—all aimed at strengthening and sustaining our local economy.”

During the pandemic, Kingstonians worked together to support each other, local businesses, and our community. We all understood how important it was to support our community. The Chamber of Commerce will address these new challenges faced by our community by focusing not only on shopping locally but also in finding new supply chains and access to global markets for businesses across our city.

Kingston Economic Development Corporation:

Kingston Economic Development Corporation is actively supporting the manufacturing community through these challenging times of uncertainty and looming tariffs. The organization is engaged in ongoing discussions with federal government agencies, particularly Global Affairs Canada, Trade Commissioner Services, to address concerns and seek solutions. Our team is diligently channelling company requests and continuously updating businesses with the latest news from government contacts.

Kingston Economic Development is working with small and medium enterprises (SME), which are particularly impacted by the rising operational costs. Focusing on regional collaboration in Eastern Ontario and with the wider Ontario business community, the team is advocating for and guiding companies to shop and source locally. The team is also promoting resources such as “Ontario Made,” which allows companies (business-to-business and business-to-consumer) to register their products and services and connect with other Ontario companies.

Key focus areas include diversifying markets beyond the U.S., exploring opportunities in Canada and globally, as well as finding alternative sources for parts and raw materials. The team maintains close contact with local companies, especially those most affected by the current situation, providing regular support and guidance. Kingston's economy is heavily reliant on the U.S. market for both exports and imports. The city's aluminum sector, a significant contributor to the local economy, is specifically targeted by U.S. tariffs.

Kingston Economic Development’s role extends beyond business retention and expansion to include foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction. In response, our team is updating the city's value proposition, recognizing that FDI markets will change during these uncertain times. The organization's primary role remains focused on maintaining jobs, helping companies grow, and attracting FDI to Kingston, despite the challenging political climate.

Downtown Kingston Business Improvement Area:

The Downtown Kingston Business Improvement Area (BIA) is responsible for fostering a vibrant culinary, entertainment, and commercial scene while supporting over 700 local property and business owners. With an average of 40,000 monthly visitors in 2024, the historic downtown remains a top destination for tourists and locals alike. Despite the challenges faced in recent times, such as the pandemic's financial aftermath and increased online shopping, downtown Kingston continues to be resilient and adaptable.

As new economic hurdles emerge, including the impact of tariffs on businesses, the BIA will be shifting its messaging to emphasize the importance of supporting local businesses. This effort is aimed at bolstering the local economy by encouraging residents and visitors to shop, dine, and access services in the downtown area first.

With a combined social media following of over 50,000 engaged users, the BIA is committed to sharing its members' stories and highlighting the value of investing in local businesses.

In collaboration with partners such as the Kingston Economic Development Corporation and the Chamber of Commerce, a strong support network will be in place for local businesses. By working together with Tourism Kingston on the significance of keeping things local, the BIA and its partners believe that Kingston's downtown core will continue to thrive.