Last week, we looked at some of Kingston’s favourite past businesses. Now we want to take a look at what Kingston needs in the future.

Some of our ideas are for things we’ve had in the past like a cat cafe (Southpaw Cat Cafe closed last year), an outdoor amusement park (Kingston Family Fun World tried to pick up where Lake Ontario Park had left off, but none of those rides are currently in use in the city), or a rec centre (Studio 801/Celebrity Sports World). It’s also been years since there was a dedicated gay/LGBTQ+ bar, a karaoke bar, or a horse race track. Did they go out of business because of lack of demand? Or did the owners retire and no one was able to fill the gap?

We’ve also thought about things you often see in other cities, like a zoo or butterfly conservatory.

Maybe our highly scientific poll will prove to investors and entrepreneurs that Kingston could handle a distillery or indoor paintball.

Again, we’ll avoid specific chains and franchises (sorry, IKEA) and try to stick to more general ideas. As before, our poll is not meant to be exhaustive, so please add your thoughts in the comments!

Also, and this is important: We’re not asking about political issues like affordable housing, more accessible spaces, or more jobs. We’re looking for your ideas on what businesses could come to town.

Side note: Kingstonist took a poll several years on what chain to bring to town. Can Kingstonist take credit for H&Ms arrival? https://www.kingstonist.com/news/business-opening-soon/

What type of business does Kingston need? Aquarium

Arcade (unlicensed)

Butterfly conservatory

Cat / pet cafe

Distillery

Gluten-free restaurant / cafe

Gay / LGBTQ+ bar

Hammock district

Horse race track

Indoor beach volleyball court

Indoor driving range

Indoor go-kart track

Indoor paintball

Indoor skate park

Karaoke bar

Outdoor amusement park

Outdoor water park

Rec centre

A second strip club

Shopping centre in the east end

Ski hill

Velodrome

Zoo View Results

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