Kingston receives intelligent community certification

It is one of three in Canada, and six around the world, to receive the designation.

Kingston is now a certified intelligent community.

The Limestone City joins Durham Region and Winnipeg as the only Canadian cities, and sixth in the world, to receive the designation that measures economic development.

The certification was completed by the Intelligence Community Forum (ICF) which looks into six factors when determining whether it is an intelligent community: connectivity, workforce development, innovation, digital inclusion, community engagement, and sustainability.

In a news release from the Kingston Economic Development Corporation, the City had to undergo a rigorous two-day onsite audit in September. ICF representatives toured Kingston's innovation facilities, met with leaders across industry, academia, and government, and witnessed firsthand the collaborative partnerships that define the city's approach to economic development.

"In just the past 6 years, the city has grown its labor force by 15%, its population and new jobs by 14% and seen a nearly 70% increase in manufacturing jobs," said Robert Bell, ICF co-founder and auditor in a statement.

"Kingston's private-sector employment now exceeds that of the public sector. It is the result of a conscious, consistent, all-of-community effort – not just to attract employers – but to create a powerful ecosystem that attracts, retains and rewards innovators in many different fields."

Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson says the certification confirms that Kingston is investment-ready and positioned to succeed economically, socially, and culturally in the digital age.

He says the city has transformed over the last decade bringing together government, academic institutions, businesses, and community partners to create opportunities for everyone.

Story by Ken Hashizume