Growth Projections and Employment and Commercial Land Reviews

A line drawing of the Kingston waterfront showing City Hall and other landmarks.


As part of the preparation for the upcoming review of the City of Kingston’s Official Plan three key background studies have been initiated. These studies are listed below and linked for more information about each one:

  1. Population, housing and employment forecast
  2. Employment land review
  3. Commercial land review

The City has engaged a team of specialist consultants, led by Watson & Associates Economists, to undertake these studies. They are anticipated to be completed in the spring of 2024.

The analysis, conclusions and recommendations resulting from the studies will form the basis for the residential, industrial and commercial land use policies in the upcoming review of the City's Official Plan as well as updated regulations in the new Kingston Zoning By-Law.

Population Housing and Employment Projections

Completed every five years, this study provides a foundation for the City’s long-range land use, transportation, infrastructure and capital expenditure planning. This helps ensure the efficient use of land, infrastructure and public services.

The Population, Housing and Employment Projections take into account growth within the City of Kingston as well as across the entire Kingston Census Metropolitan Area which includes the City of Kingston, Loyalist Township, South Frontenac Township and Frontenac Islands Township. The last study was completed in 2019 and covered anticipated growth to 2046.

Employment and Commercial Lands Review

  • The City designates land for commercial and employment uses to support the needs of its residents.

The Employment Lands Review and the Commercial Lands Review are founded upon the findings of the Population, Housing and Employment Projections. 

Public Engagement

Throughout this process, opportunities to engage will be shared on this webpage.

Check out the Key Dates section for upcoming public engagement opportunities.

Past Public Engagement

A line drawing of the Kingston waterfront showing City Hall and other landmarks.


As part of the preparation for the upcoming review of the City of Kingston’s Official Plan three key background studies have been initiated. These studies are listed below and linked for more information about each one:

  1. Population, housing and employment forecast
  2. Employment land review
  3. Commercial land review

The City has engaged a team of specialist consultants, led by Watson & Associates Economists, to undertake these studies. They are anticipated to be completed in the spring of 2024.

The analysis, conclusions and recommendations resulting from the studies will form the basis for the residential, industrial and commercial land use policies in the upcoming review of the City's Official Plan as well as updated regulations in the new Kingston Zoning By-Law.

Population Housing and Employment Projections

Completed every five years, this study provides a foundation for the City’s long-range land use, transportation, infrastructure and capital expenditure planning. This helps ensure the efficient use of land, infrastructure and public services.

The Population, Housing and Employment Projections take into account growth within the City of Kingston as well as across the entire Kingston Census Metropolitan Area which includes the City of Kingston, Loyalist Township, South Frontenac Township and Frontenac Islands Township. The last study was completed in 2019 and covered anticipated growth to 2046.

Employment and Commercial Lands Review

  • The City designates land for commercial and employment uses to support the needs of its residents.

The Employment Lands Review and the Commercial Lands Review are founded upon the findings of the Population, Housing and Employment Projections. 

Public Engagement

Throughout this process, opportunities to engage will be shared on this webpage.

Check out the Key Dates section for upcoming public engagement opportunities.

Past Public Engagement

  • Consumer commercial survey

    This survey closed March 15.


    In partnership with urbanMetrics, experts in the field of commercial land need studies, the City is asking community members to fill out a brief survey about their spending habits. The survey is open until March 15 and takes about 10-15 minutes to complete. Alternate survey options are available Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., during that time printed copies can be picked up at 1211 John Counter Blvd. or participants can take the survey over the phone by calling 613-546-000 ext. 3242. Participating in the survey allows you to enter a draw for a $50 gift card to any store in the Downtown Kingston Business Improvement Association.

    The survey is open until March 15 at 4 p.m.

    In December 2023, City Council endorsed the medium growth scenario of a population, employment and housing forecast study which estimates Kingston’s population will grow to nearly 220,000 people by 2051. This survey supports the commercial land review currently underway, which is founded on the population, employment and housing growth estimate. The commercial land review will provide a long-term assessment of the City’s commercial needs and structure and inform the City’s upcoming review of its Official Plan.


  • Medium growth forecast endorsed by Council

    During the Dec. 5, 2023 meeting of City Council, a motion was passed endorsing the medium growth scenario put forth in the report about the initial Population, Housing and Employment Growth Forecast Update to 2051.

    Using this scenario more detailed work will now begin on the Population, Housing and Employment Forecast, Employment Land Review, and Commercial Land Review as the project continues into 2024. Updates and public engagement opportunities will be shared on this page.

    For more info check out the Dec. 5 meeting minutes or read the staff report to Council.

  • Open House June 19, 2023

    On June 19, an open house was held to talk about Kingston’s population, housing and employment outlook. During the event the study team discussed how the city is projected to grow between now and 2051 and answered questions about the study process and methodology. The projections study is being prepared in conjunction with an employment land review and a commercial land review. The analysis, conclusions and recommendations resulting from these key background studies will form the basis for residential, industrial and commercial land use policies in the upcoming review of the City’s Official Plan.

    View the open house presentation and Q&A below:


Page last updated: 13 May 2024, 09:41 AM