Kingston - Where history and innovation thrive
Kingston is a bustling urban hub and a leading Canadian economy, on the fastrack to becoming a smart city. Kingston attracts both national and international attention for its exceptional livability, business and job opportunities, and cultural scene.
#1 Small City for Foreign Direct Investment
Source: (2017 Financial Times UK)
#1 Place to be a Woman in Canada
Source: (2019 The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives)
#6 Start-Up Ecosystem globally for cities with 100,000- 300,000 population
Source: (2021 Startup Blink)
Benefits of Relocating
The smartest workforce in Canada
- Kingston ranks #1 In Canada for PhD Holders Per Capita, making it the smartest workforce available in the country.
- In 2017, Financial Times recognized Kingston as one of the top ten cities in North America for Human Capital.
- With Kingston Economic Development Corporation being a referral partner for Global Skills Strategy (GSS), employers can get Labour Market Impact Assessments in ten business days and work permits in ten business days.
- Top universities like Queen’s University, Royal MIlitary College of Canada, St, Lawrence College attract national and international students in very high volumes every year.
- With its deep history in Chemical technology and Metallurgy, Kingston has a very mature human capital infrastructure to foster the third wave of chemical- based start-ups in the city.
- Top program completions in Kingston range from Business, management, and marketing, Health professions, Education, and Engineering.


Kingston Support Services

Sitting at the southern edge of the Canadian Shield, Kingston is located at the confluence of Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River, and the Cataraqui River.
Kingston’s reputation as a progressive city with a history of pioneering research and innovative solutions has made it a favoured destination for young investors and global enterprises seeking to establish roots.
In Kingston you will find proactive business support for new and existing entrepreneurs. The City fosters growth by involving entrepreneurs, start-ups, students, artists, creative residents, and growth-oriented companies to promote opportunities for local businesses.
Companies looking to expand their customer base, open a satellite office, develop distribution channels or partnerships are welcome to ‘land’ in Belleville, Ontario. Work with our team of consultants who will ensure your transition is a smooth one by providing:
- Dedicated programs helping international firms explore the City of Belleville as a landing site for expansion/investment into the North American Market
- Business Services – Professional support from legal, immigration and taxation, business coaching and mentoring, introductions to business networking organisations.
- Relocation Services – Dedicated staff providing concierge services to help you “land” in Belleville.
- Mix of different office spaces ranging from coworking spaces to premium Class A office suites
Key Sectors
Kingston, Ontario’s location, sector-specific talents, market accessibility, and prime real estate offer significant benefits to businesses. The city focuses on sectors with a long-term, sustainable outlook, positioning itself as a leader in its peer group.

CleanTech

Electric Vehicle & Battery Technology

Health Innovation

Chemical and Metallurgy Capabilities

Life Sciences

Agri Food Industry

Research & Development

Warehousing & Distribution

Sustainable Manufacturing

Access to Markets
STRATEGIC LOCATION
Kingston is the regional centre for Eastern Ontario. It is located on Ontario’s major 401 highway, rail lines, St. Lawrence river and is also home to YGK airport, providing easy access to national and international markets.
The area within an eight-hour drive of Kingston represents the third largest GDP concentration in North America. This includes:
- 14.5M people in the Toronto-Ottawa-Montréal corridor
- 25M people within 8-hour drive
- 130M people within a day’s drive
Proximity to major markets include:
- TORONTO, ON 260 km / 161 mi
- OTTAWA, ON 190 km / 118 mi
- MONTREAL, QC 280 km / 174 mi
- SYRACUSE, NY 213 km / 132 mi
- NEW YORK CITY 600 km / 372 mi
- BOSTON, MA 645 km / 400 mi
Access to the US Market from Kingston includes:
- Highway
Direct HWY 401 and I-81 access - Border
1000 Islands International Bridge/I-81: 45 km / 28 mi
Avg Border Wait Time (Trucks) 0-5 min - Shipping
Picton Terminals – Deep Water Terminal: 65 km / 40 mi - Airport/Rail
Kingston Airport – $16M Expansion (2019)
VIA Rail Station – 5th Busiest Passenger Rail
CN Rail – Freight Service Available
GATEWAY TO GLOBAL MARKETS
Canada’s trade agreements cover markets valued at over US$50 trillion with 1.7 billion consumers. Canada has free trade agreements with the largest manufacturing markets in the world: United States (USMCA), the European Union (CETA) and Asia-Pacific (CPTPP).
CPTPP allows seamless trade flows between Ontario and numerous Asian-Pacific countries, eliminating tariffs on auto parts and phasing out all tariffs on passenger vehicles by 2023.