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December 2016 Newsletter

Dear Friends of Kingston Inner Harbour,
 
THANKS SO VERY MUCH EVERYONE WHO CAME TO THE NORTH KING’S TOWN MEETING AND TOOK TIME TO WRITE COMMENTS AND LETTERS!!!  SO MUCH APPRECIATED.

Now it’s party time! 
You are cordially invited to our Nov 24 party! See below.
 
1) Important Reminder: Coalition Meeting, Nov 23
2) Important Reminder: FKIH AGM + PARTY, Nov 24!
3) “Kingston Neighbourhoods” – exciting new community group stressing importance of neighbourhoods
4) Active Transportation Survey
5) Kingston Mills Repair Update
 
1) COALITION OF KINGSTON COMMUNITIES OPEN INVITATION:
When: Wed. Nov 23, 6 pm
Where: Confederation Place Hotel, 6 pm
What:  Sharing mutual concerns re how our tax dollars are being spent and due process: Airport? KEDCO? Third Crossing? Development?  Neighbourhood viability? Conflict of Interest? Openness and Transparency?  FYI:  Here is their media release:

“THE FIGHT FOR OPEN GOVERNMENT – ONE YEAR ON 
Last November, 20 community groups established the Coalition of Kingston Communities to improve processes of civic engagement and City accountability 

  • We provided meaningful critiques of City planning 
  • We urged a necessary Council integrity investigation 
  • We called the City to account on projects contrary to established policies 
  • We provided systematic scrutiny of proposed changes to the Official Plan 
  • We spoke up for the Heritage Kingston committee 

BUT THE PROBLEMS AT CITY HALL CONTINUE…

  • Projects proceeding without proper process. 
  • Public input AFTER decisions. 
  • KEDCO’s accountability unresolved. 
  • Heritage committee sidelined. 
  • OMB appeals. 
  • Council integrity questioned. 
  • Public relations, NOT public engagement. 

WE NEED YOU!  Let’s find solutions together! ALL WELCOME!
 
2) FKIH AGM + PARTY!!!
When: Thurs, Nov 24, 7 pm
Where: Frontenac Village Party Room, 1 Place d’Armes (Go as far north as possible on King, past the KROCK Centre to a cul-de-sac entry to the parking garage. 
Directions will be posted there.
What: Very short AGM including FUN IDEAS FOR CELEBRATING CANADA’S 150TH BIRTHDAY and the OPENING OF K&P TRAIL + TURTLES
followed by informal social get-together

All welcome!  Refreshments OF ALL SORTS!  
Contributions welcome but not essential.

 
3) ” KINGSTON NEIGHBOURHOODS” TOWN HALL MEETING
FYI: Yet another community group springing up in outrage at the city’s flagrant disregard for the Official Plan and by-laws when facing new development proposals
When: Tues, Nov 29
Where: Winston Churchill P. S.  6 pm
What:  “The importance of neighbourhoods in city planning” 
City by-laws vs developers:” 

Who? Town Hall Meeting with Councillor Peter Stroud.
All welcome.

Contact: Meredith McDonnell – mere@mmtoronto.com>
Members would also appreciate you signing their petition:
https://www.change.org/p/ kingston-city-staff-and- kingston-city-hall-change-the- by-laws-in-kingston-to- preserve-family-neighbourhoods
 
4) ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION SURVEY
Survey at <http://www.CityofKingston.ca/WalkRoll> to help shape Walk ‘n’ Roll Kingston – the City’s active transportation master plan.
“Walking or rolling to your destination is a great way to stay healthy, save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” says Deanna Green, manager, traffic division. The City’s target is 20 per cent of all trips made using some form of active transportation (wheelchairs included!). The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete and asks questions about:
–      Active transportation networks
–      On and off-road infrastructure for human-powered travellers
–      Connections to Kingston Transit and parking facilities
–      End-of-trip facilities
–      Work and school programs and promotions to encourage active transportation as a great choice for commuters

5) KINGSTON MILLS REPAIR UPDATE
In September 2016, work began on the Kingston Mills Swing and Fixed Bridge project, with the demolition of the old fixed bridge and preparations for its replacement. The demolition is now complete and concrete footings, abutments and aprons, which all form the base for the fixed bridge, have been built. Contractors are currently forming the concrete wing walls and will install support beams this week. 
Work on the swing bridge is now underway as well. The demolition has begun and repairs are expected to begin in the upcoming weeks. The project remains on schedule to be completed by mid-May 2017. 
Parks Canada would like to thank the community for their cooperation and understanding as they complete this important infrastructure work. These historic investments will mitigate health and safety risks, halt the loss of nationally significant built heritage and stimulate the economy in communities across the country. 
More info?www.pc.gc.ca/rcInfrastructure  or e-mail RideauCanal.info@pc.gc.ca and include “Kingston Mills” in the subject heading
 
Happy December!
Mary Farrar,
President,
Friends of Kingston Inner Harbour
www.friendsofinnerharbour.com