Kingston Economic Recovery Team

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About the Project

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The Kingston Economic Recovery Team is a community working group that will plan and coordinate short and long-term strategies to respond to the economic impacts of COVID-19 in Kingston. Its objective is to generate recommendations to respond quickly to changing conditions from both public health and economic perspectives.

The team will operate with greater flexibility than a City of Kingston-sponsored committee or taskforce. Recognizing that people will want to hear what the team is working on, meetings will be open to the public and will begin in a virtual format.

The team will receive staff-level support from both the Kingston Economic Development Corporation and the City of Kingston. The work of the group will be communicated to the public and the team will report to Council regularly.

This 11-person team (10 representatives and a special advisor) reflects the diversity of the industries most impacted by COVID-19 and the provincial closure of non-essential businesses (i.e. accommodation and food services, retail, recreation, personal services, arts and entertainment, and construction services).

Latest Updates

Oct. 8, 2020 - The team holds its sixth meeting.

   

Sept. 10, 2020 - The team holds its fifth meeting.

 

July 16, 2020 - The team holds its fourth meeting.

     

June 18, 2020 - The team holds its third meeting.

 

June 4, 2020 - The team holds its second meeting.

 

May 19, 2020 – The team holds its first meeting.

 

May 11, 2020 - Mayor Bryan Paterson announces more details about the economic recovery team. Read the terms of reference.

April 28, 2020 - Mayor Bryan Paterson to lead Kingston economic recovery effort.

Content - City Hall - Projects - KERT FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will the team run?

The team is intended to operate for a term of one year with an option to renew for additional one-year terms as necessary to support recovery efforts.
 

What about the social and mental health impacts of COVID-19?

United Way KFL&A has been working closely with local social services agencies to address both the short and longer-term impacts of COVID-19. As a member of the economic recovery team, United Way President and CEO Bhavana Varma not only represents the non-profit/charitable sector of our local economy but will also help ensure connection between economic and social recovery efforts

How was the team formed?

This diverse group was formed in consultation with Kingston’s business support organizations and local industry leaders from those sectors most impacted by the pandemic.

The representatives come highly recommended by their peers and reflect a diversity of experience. Each member brings substantial expertise about their respective industries in Kingston and many also serve on business organization boards. All are committed and driven to help the Kingston economy rebound stronger than before.

Does the team have a budget?

No. The team will receive staff support from the City of Kingston and from the Kingston Economic Development Corporation to communicate to the public and report to City Council on the work being done and the initiatives and strategies being implemented.

Depending on the recommendations developed by the group, there may be financial requests, but only as recovery tools to support Kingston’s economy. Recommendations with financial considerations will be brought to Council and/or the appropriate board or organization for approval.

Is the recovery team a City of Kingston committee?

No. This is a community group responding to and developing recommendations to address the economic impacts of COVID-19 at a community level. Recommendations will be ongoing and action items will be carried out by a specific business support organization, the City of Kingston, or the Mayor. All recommendations and policy considerations tasked to the City of Kingston will be brought to Council for approval.

Will there be opportunities for others to participate in the work of the team?

The team will draw on the expertise of key partners across various sectors. This will include consultation and information sharing with experts and businesses in a range of industries. The team may branch off and create project or issue-specific working groups as needed. The team will also explore ways to engage and communicate with the public on its work.

How often will the team meet?

Meetings will be at the call of the Chair. Frequency will vary based on the need to address issues. Meetings will be open and be conducted in accordance with the advice of KFL&A Public Health. Meetings will begin in virtual format with the potential to transition to in-person meetings at a later date. 

What if the industries experiencing the most dramatic impacts changes over time?

The team can call in other experts, partners or leaders to inform the group. The team is designed to be able to create additional working groups if needed.

Content - City Hall - Projects - KERT Team

 

Team Members

City of Kingston / Public Sector Representatives
Bryan Paterson, Mayor of Kingston (Chair)
Lanie Hurdle, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Kingston

Public Health Special Advisor
Dr. Kieran Moore, Medical Officer of Health, KFL&A Public Health

Non-Profit / Charitable Sector
Bhavana Varma, President and CEO, United Way KFL&A

Cultural Sector
Tricia Baldwin, Director, Isabel Bader Centre 

Accommodation Sector
Sean Billing, Owner, Frontenac Club 

Construction Sector
Dan Corcoran, Ower/President, Corcoran Excavating Ltd.

Personal Services Sector 
Aba Mortley, Owner, Cher-Mère Day Spa 

Restaurant Sector
Tim Pater, Owner/Operator, Black Dog Hospitality Group
                                     
Retail Sector 
Susan St. Clair, General Manager, Cataraqui Centre

Labour Representative
Dave Doran, Advanced Care Paramedic, Frontenac Paramedics 

Read the full member bios.

Contact - General - Amber Bryant

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