Briefing on Kingston and the Islands

Kingston and the Islands is a federal electoral district located in Southeastern Ontario, Canada. It is situated at the eastern end of Lake Ontario, and includes the city of Kingston and a number of smaller islands in the St. Lawrence River. The district encompasses a mix of urban and rural areas, and boasts a rich history and diverse cultural scene.

Population centres

Kingston is the largest city in the district, and serves as the commercial and cultural hub of the region. The city is home to several important academic institutions, including Queen's University and the Royal Military College of Canada. The nearby town of Gananoque is known for its beautiful waterfront and access to the Thousand Islands National Park, while the smaller communities of Howe Island and Wolfe Island offer stunning natural landscapes and a slower pace of life.

Issues and events

Between 2019 and 2022, some of the key issues that have impacted the Kingston and the Islands district include the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic fallout, the ongoing debate over climate change and environmental policy, and concerns over housing affordability and property taxes.

Economy

The Kingston and the Islands district is home to a number of major employers, including Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Queen's University, and the Canadian Forces Base in Kingston. The region is also known for its strong tourism industry, with attractions like the Kingston Penitentiary and the Thousand Islands National Park drawing visitors from across Canada and around the world. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the local economy, with many businesses facing significant challenges in the wake of lockdowns and decreased travel.

Important landmarks

Some of the most significant landmarks in the Kingston and the Islands district include Fort Henry, a historic military fortress that is now a popular tourist attraction; the Thousand Islands, a collection of beautiful small islands in the St. Lawrence River that offer stunning scenery and recreational opportunities; and the Kingston Waterfront, a bustling downtown area that is home to a wide range of restaurants, shops, and cultural institutions.

Arts and culture

The Kingston and the Islands district is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, with several major cultural institutions based in the city of Kingston. These include the Agnes Etherington Art Centre, the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts, and the Kingston Canadian Film Festival. The region is also home to several annual festivals and events, including the Kingston Buskers Rendezvous, the Limestone City Blues Festival, and the Kingston WritersFest.

Electoral issues

During the 2021 federal election, some of the key issues facing the Kingston and the Islands district included climate change and environmental policy, healthcare, and affordable housing. Candidates from across the political spectrum proposed different approaches to these issues, with some advocating for increased government spending, while others emphasized the importance of balanced budgets and economic growth.

Community organizations

The Kingston and the Islands district is home to a number of important community organizations working to support economic and social development in the region. These include the Kingston Economic Development Corporation, which works to attract new businesses and investment to the area; the Community Foundation for Kingston and Area, which provides support for local community organizations; and the Kingston Frontenac Public Library, which offers a wide range of educational and cultural programming.

Multicultural groups

The Kingston and the Islands district is home to a diverse mix of cultural demographics, including significant Indigenous, Black, and LGBTQ+ communities. Indigenous organizations like Four Directions Aboriginal Student Centre and the Kingston Indigenous Language Nest work to support the local Indigenous community, while groups like the Kingston Pride Association and the African Caribbean Heritage Committee promote awareness and celebration of diversity in the region.

Overall, Kingston and the Islands is a vibrant and diverse region with a rich history and strong community spirit. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and other economic and social issues, the district continues to attract new businesses and investment, and offers a wide range of cultural and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.