Kingston: A Modern Historic City on the Shore of Lake Ontario
Kingston Ontario is a fascinating blend of old and new. Traditionalists can marvel at the old limestone buildings of Queen’s University while those who embrace the modern world can enjoy the vibrant life on Princess Street. Those who want to get in touch with nature can spend their time any of the many city parks, while others looking for fun and culture can take in a music concert or a live theatre show.
Kingston is a prominent city in Southern Ontario which is located near the point where the Saint Lawrence River begins flowing out of Lake Ontario. It has a population of about 123,000 people in the city proper and 159,000 including the surrounding area. The last census recorded around 43,000 families living in Kingston, meaning that the average family has 3.5 members.
Kingston has often been cited for its high quality of life. It has been described as an ideal city to live in for young professionals and currently ranks as #4 in a study which ranks large Canadian cities with a population exceeding 100,000 according to the requirements and preferences of professionals between the ages of 20 and 40. The main qualities which appeal to younger populations include a high earning potential, a relatively low cost of living, the vitality of the region (referring to the quality of water and air as well as the presence of green spaces) and the variety of after hour activities.
During the Montreal Olympics in 1976, Kinston hosted the sailing events, and the marinas near Kingston continue to be a popular starting point for sailing trips through the beautiful Thousand Islands.
The biggest employers in the city include government organizations such as the Kingston Canadian Forces Base, the Correctional Service of Canada and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and public companies such as Invista Canada, StarTek, Hotel Dieu Hospital and Bell Canada.
Kingston houses three major learning institutions in Queens University, the Royal Military College and St Lawrence College. The large student body brings excitement and energy to the community during the school year from September to May. Summers bring tourists to see Fort Henry and the Thousand Islands.
From a religious perspective, Kingston is very diverse with active communities from all of the major world religions.
With its diverse population, universities and colleges, active social life and natural setting, Kingston has much to offer anyone who is thinking of living and working in Ontario.
