Tariffs alone are not the issue
Downtown Kingston, like many historic Ontario downtowns, is facing significant economic challenges. The compounded effects of the pandemic, inflation, the rise of online shopping and the financial hardship that many businesses are trying to recover from are real and have the potential to change the landscape of downtowns across the country.
We are fortunate in that we do have a thriving, busy downtown in comparison to others, but to keep it that way, we can’t rely on hope alone. We need individual and community support to ensure the long-term economic health of downtown Kingston.
As the pandemic recedes into the past for many, small businesses continue to grapple with its lasting effects. Although government support, such as loans, grants, and training, provided a lifeline during the crisis, the post-pandemic landscape presents new challenges.
Significant challenges now include the repayment of loans that once served as a lifeline, stabilizing staffing in the face of workforce shifts, and reevaluating retirement plans following the depletion of savings during the pandemic. These issues require thoughtful solutions to ensure the long-term success and resilience of small businesses as they continue to navigate an evolving economic landscape.
While initiatives like the Downtown Kingston Gift Card and Downtown Dollars program bolstered local businesses, the shift to remote work has significantly reduced foot traffic, impacting daytime sales. Staff shortages have further complicated matters, hindering restaurants' ability to operate at full capacity.
The closure of LaSalle Causeway, a vital connection between Kingston's east end and downtown, from April to October last year, was yet another hardship for downtown Kingston businesses. This resulted in an average 10% reduction in foot traffic downtown on top of a soft tourism season due to the resurgence of international travel reducing the appetite for local staycation destinations that once thrived during the pandemic.
Today, Canadians await the effects of imposed of tariffs on Canadian goods from the US, while locally we are negotiating the timing of more disruptive closures of the LaSalle Causeway this coming summer.
Tariffs alone are not the issue for downtown Kingston. It’s the combined impact of everything over the last 4 years that continues to reverberate throughout the downtown Kingston community and threaten our very existence.
What is the BIA doing to assist downtown businesses?
The job of the BIA comes down to these three things:
to cultivate a community of shared joy, pride, optimism and prosperity
position the community as the region’s leading culinary, entertainment and commercial destination
attract more people to experience and contribute to our vibrant downtown community.
Recognizing the ongoing challenges faced by our local businesses, we acknowledge that the impact extends beyond regular working hours, affecting them around the clock. Although some threats are beyond our direct control, we remain dedicated to supporting our members in various ways. Below are some of the actions the BIA has taken to provide assistance:
Team Kingston Approach: In response to the evolving economic landscape, our office has been collaborating with key local partners, such as Tourism Kingston, Kingston Accommodation Partners, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Kingston Economic Development Corporation. Much like during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are working closely with these organizations to craft targeted messaging that promotes local businesses and encourages the adoption of more sustainable supply chains where possible.
Focus on people: Our in-house marketing efforts are shifting towards a new campaign, "Find It Here," which emphasizes the unique stories of local businesses and their teams. By focusing on the emotional connection that our followers have with our members we aim to promote a sense of local pride while encouraging community support and inspiring informed decisions that strengthen our local economy and foster a sense of togetherness. This adaptable concept will enable us to spotlight the rich tapestry of businesses and individuals that make our community truly special.
Local Events: We have upcoming marketing commitments in support of events like KCFF, Homegrown Music Festival, Kingston Frontenacs, and KPP's Spring Reverb. To highlight the local angle, we'll tailor our messaging around these events accordingly. For instance, instead of discussing an upcoming hockey game, we might create a post or blog featuring a local Kingston player, like Nolan Buttar, who was recently selected by the Kingston Frontenacs in the OHL priority selection. This approach allows us to showcase the community's connection to these events while still promoting them effectively. By spotlighting local talent and stories, we can create a stronger sense of engagement and foster a greater appreciation for the diverse range of events and individuals that make our community unique.
Consistent Messaging: The "Find It Here" Campaign will be featured extensively across our digital platforms. Our combined 54,000 followers on Instagram and Facebook will see the campaign, and it will also be showcased in our monthly Downtown Dish blog, which reaches over 5,000 subscribers. This wide reach ensures that the local community and beyond will be exposed to the stories and businesses that make our city unique. Not only do we have a high number of followers on our main social channels, but our audience is very loyal and engaged.
Not everyone is struggling or will be affected by the latest threats to our economy, but many are. I encourage you to reach out us, to your neighbours, or to any of the organizations like the BIA that are working to lessen the impact of the tariff’s and other challenges on our business community.
Marijo - cell/text: 613-661-4661, marijo@downtownkingston.ca
Executive Director | Downtown Kingston BIA
For Reference: Click to read the Tariff Action Plan from Mayor Paterson
