Dear Friends of Kingston Inner Harbour,
SO MUCH TO CARE ABOUT IN OUR WONDERFUL CITY!
See visual at end of update. Is this really what we want in our historic downtown?
1) Beautiful Belle Island Video
2) Bailey Broom Update
3) Homestead Downtown Development Hearings begin Feb 4, 11 am, Council Chambers, City Hall
4) Second Residential Units Survey deadline Feb 4
5) Tree Policies for Kingston, Feb 9 and Feb 19
6) Use your Brain to Change your Footprint – Kingston’s Climate Change Priorities Event, Feb 9
7) Engage for Change, Indigenous Outreach, Feb 10, 1-3 pm
8) Third Crossing Meetings, Feb 11 & 12
9) Council’s Strategic Priorities: Open House Feb 19 + Online Survey – deadline Feb 25.
10) Kingston Budget Video – odd
11) Community Wellbeing
12) Dufferin Lane/ Rideaucrest space including better access to park
13) Rideau Canal Update from Parks Canada
14) Turtle Update Meeting, Feb 25, 7 pm
15) Tips for Anglers interested in Inner Harbour Ice Fishing
1) Beautiful Belle Island video
I have posted this before but it is just so stunning it is truly worth watching again.
Uplifting on a cold winter day!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
2) Bailey Broom Update
RAW design is in the process of working out repurposing plans with the City’s Planning Department.
Kingston’s Heritage Committee approved the demolition of the Rideau St. wing because of structural instability. The Cataraqui St. facade is being saved. The building has now been stabilized awaiting further work. I believe the following is up-to-date information
“An Official Plan & Zoning By-law Amendment application has been submitted by RAW Factory Inc. to facilitate the redevelopment of the site known municipally as 305-323 Rideau Street. The applicant is proposing to adaptively reuse the former Bailey Broom Factory structure to accommodate a mix of commercial uses and develop nine (9) residential townhouse units on the vacant parcel. The Official Plan Amendment seeks to re-designate the southern portion of the site to a ‘Main Street Commercial’ designation to permit the proposed commercial uses. The proposed Zoning By-law Amendment application seeks to rezone the southern portion of the site to a site specific ‘C4’ zone and rezone the northern portion of the site to a site-specific Multiple Family Dwelling ‘B1’ zone.
Applicant: Jon Jeronimus
Planning File No.:D35-008-2017
Application Status: In Technical Review”
Link to Smith Report
file:///C:/Users/Mary/
Link to Global News Feature
https://globalnews.ca/news/
3) Homestead Downtown Development Hearings begin Feb 4, 11 am, Council Chambers, City Hall
The public is invited to attend these hearings. Here is an informative letter to the editor submitted by Shirley Bailey, President, Frontenac Heritage Foundation, submitted January 22, 2019.
“Did you know that had Homestead Holdings Ltd. submitted for a development application that conformed with the eight-storey limit on two sites downtown, the units could already be in place with more people living there?
Instead, the three-plus years after Homestead’s submission, debate continues, and a hearing will be held on the proposal. For ten days beginning on February 4, 2019 at 11 am, people can attend a hearing in Kingston’s Council Chambers to hear arguments about high-rise towers in our historic core, and the impact of those towers on the appeal of our downtown to tourists and residents alike.
Prior to the hearing, I’d like to dispel some inaccurate information that has been circulating about the Homestead towers proposed for the North Block
Many people are under the mistaken impression that these towers are approved. They are not.
Here’s the background:
The original application for two 21-storey towers was submitted in late 2015, with Block 3 backing on the Good Life Centre and the LCBO, and with Block 5 backing on the S&R building. Both buildings would front on different sides of Queen Street, and each building would sit on a large base or podium, which would fill most of the site.
At the legally required public meeting in Feb, 2016, many people turned out with most objecting to the proposal. More than a year later, in May 2017, the developer submitted a revised application for the 17-19 storey towers. This application would require a change to Kingston’s Official Plan ( a document created with a lot of public input that sets out how the city will be developed) and zoning by-law.
The Planning Act allows municipalities 180 days to make a decision on an official plan amendment. At that mark in June 2017, Homestead Holdings appealed both the proposed Official Plan Amendment and the Zoning Bylaw Amendment. This appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board (now called the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal or LPAT) was submitted in June 2017. A second public meeting was held where people were invited to make comments on what community benefits should be negotiated.
Staff continued to negotiate with the developer and – following a private council session to discuss the matter – brought forward an information report in November 2017 recommending a 17-qne q 19 storey tower. Around the same time, the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) held its first pre-hearing conference where those interested in the matter stated whether they would be a “party” (a person or organization that submits a statement, witnesses and participates fully) to the hearing represented by legal counsel, or speak as a “participant” (a person or organization who submits a statement to the hearing, but may not wish to participate throughout).
Early in 2018, planning expert, Brent Toderian, was invited by the City to a town hall meeting where he talked about development, and how, based on his experience in Vancouver, skinny towers were acceptable. It appears that staff continued to negotiate with the developer to modify the proposal. The public was not made aware of this.
In August, 2018 during the lame-duck period (when councils are not supposed to make binding decisions) leading up to the municipal election, Council voted 9-4 in favour of the development proposal and chose not to report out information on the vote.
This vote took place just weeks before the LPAT decision was released, turning down the Capitol tower proposal. Council voted before knowing LPAT’s decision on the Capitol tower project.
A settlement was signed between city officials and the developer on September 4, 2018. This included a small space on the ground floor for a municipal art gallery as a community benefit in exchange for ten years’ worth of rent on the space. Staff did no further public consultation on the proposal. Meanwhile, other parties including the Frontenac Heritage Foundation, Building Kingston’s Future and the Liquor Control Board of Ontario maintained their opposition to the proposal. A number of participants have signed up to make presentations as well.
More information on the appeal process can be found on the LPAT website:
http:// elto.gov.on.ca/tribunal/lpat/
I encourage people to attend to show support for development that is in keeping with our wonderful historic centre.
S. Bailey, President,
Frontenac Heritage Foundation”
4) Second Residential Units Survey, Deadline Feb 4
What: The City of Kingston is seeking online input on a number of changes to the proposed Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendments that would allow second residential units – separate apartments in or detached from the principal home – to be created city-wide.
“These changes are, ultimately, about creating more affordable housing in an appropriate way. Second residential units, such as basement apartments or in-law suites, are a great way to create affordable housing. They give homeowners who create them an income to help with their mortgages and also increase the rental supply in the market,” says Andrea Furniss, senior planner.
Where/When:
Those interested in creating second residential units, or in how they are incorporated into neighbourhoods, can weigh in on the proposed amendments at GetInvolved.CityofKingston.ca until Monday, Feb. 4.
Authorizing secondary residential units across Kingston will require amending the Official Plan and all five of the principle zoning bylaws that regulate building in Kingston along with bylaws 3077 and 8402. See the proposed bylaw changes now at: www.CityofKingston.ca/
5) Tree Policies for Kingston
What: The Kingston Frontenac Public Library Live monthly speakers’ series. Greg Newman and arborists from the City of Kingston will talk about Kingston’s Forest Management Plan, Community Orchard and Edible Forest Policy, the revised Tree Bylaw and the Memorial Tree Program.
When/Where: Sat, Feb 9, Calvin Park branch and Tues, Feb 19, 7 pm, Isabel Turner Branch.
FREE BUT REGISTRATION REQUIRED
To register visit events.kfpl.ca or contact Anne Hall – ahall@kfpl.ca
6) Use your Brain to Change your Footprint – Kingston’s Climate Change Priorities Event, Feb 9
What: Event focusing on Kingston Climate Change priorities.
https://www.facebook.com/Use-
When: Sat, Feb 9, 9:30 am – 5 pm
Where: Ongwanada Resource Centre, 191 Portsmouth Ave, Kingston
FREE EVENT BUT REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Registration:
https://www.evensi.ca/brain-
Contact: Julia Miller – julia.miller@queensu.ca
7) Engage for Change, Indigenous Outreach, Feb 10, 1-3 pm
Facilitated Engagement
In order to identify actionable next steps between the Municipality and the Indigenous Community, a third-party facilitation team, First Peoples Group, has been contracted to guide a series of community conversations. The facilitation will focus on the need to create an Indigenous community council/committee to work with the City of Kingston on shared initiatives as well as to establish a plan to develop a community gathering space.
What: Engage for Change Phase II Community Launch
When: February 10, 1-3 pm
Where: Rideau Heights Community Centre and Library, 85 MacCauley St., Kingston
Spring 2019 – Facilitated community meeting, details TBD
Summer 2019 – Facilitated community meeting, details TBD
Fall 2019 – Facilitated community meeting, details TBD
Pointing the Way
Kingston’s Engage for Change project is rooted in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and guided by recommendations contained in the Truth and Reconciliation Findings and 94 Calls to Action.
https://www.cityofkingston.ca/
More info? Jennifer Campbell, Manager, Cultural Heritage, City of Kingston
8) Third Crossing Meetings, Feb 11 & 12
What: Early work and site preparation activity continues into 2019 in advance of the start of construction anticipated this summer. Leading up to construction more visible activity will be happening on the west and east shores. All work is conducted in accordance with City regulations and the regulatory requirements as part of the Parks Canada Detailed Impact Analysis (DIA). More info about the community meetings.
When/Where: Community meetings dates and times:
West side: February 11: Kingston Community Health Centre, Homestead Room, 263 Weller Ave, presentation from city staff at 5:45p.m. followed by an informal Q&A until 7:00p.m.
East side: February 12: LaSalle Secondary School, Cafeteria 101, 773 Highway #15, presentation from city staff at 5:45p.m. followed by an informal Q&A until 7:00 p.m.
January update from the City
“In August, Kiewit, Hatch and SYSTRA, were awarded the contract to build and finalize the detailed design. Over the past four months the Project Team, including the city, has been working hard to ensure the best possible bridge will be built. The City is a leader with this project as the Third Crossing is the first bridge in Canada to use an Integrated Project Delivery model. This model has many benefits the project team is already experiencing such as full collaboration on design and construction.
Keeping the project on time and on budget is a primary goal of the city. In collaboration with the contractor and designer some design changes have been made to ensure the bridge will be built within the budget of $180 million and be substantially completed by the end of 2022. The project team will bring all of the design changes to the public once a final design has been achieved, which is anticipated to happen in the next few months. Residents will have an opportunity to review and ask questions to the project team through near neighbour and open house meetings when the team is engaging the public on the environmental requirements for Parks Canada.
This rendering represents a draft concept still being refined. More images will be available once the final design has been complete.
For updates on the project join the city’s newsletter at thirdcrossing.
To get in touch with the project team, send us an email at thirdcrosing@
Learn more about plans for the Third Crossing and proposed ideas
Watch a new video detailing proposed ideas and plans for the Third Crossing.
Early work activity has started for the Third Crossing in Kingston. Join host JC Kenny as she speaks with project director, Mark Van Buren, out on a barge on the Cataraqui River.
More information: https://thirdcrossing.
9) Council’s Strategic Priorities: Open House Feb 19 + Online Survey – deadline Feb 25.
Do think about what you would like to see the city prioritize – Homelessness? Affordable Housing? Second Residential Units? K&P Trail Overpass? Waterfront Pathway? Results should be interesting.
What: Special Council Open House.
Where: Memorial Hall, City Hall, 216 Ontario St..
When: Tuesday, Feb 19, 6 pm,
NOTE: ALSO VISIT ONLINE SURVEY
What: City of Kingston asks residents to offer open comment on the City’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (a SWOT analysis), and on Council priorities for the 2019-2022 term,
Where: https://getinvolved.
When: Deadline Monday, Feb 25, 2019 at 4 pm.
NOTE: You can also e-mail StrategicPriorities@
10) Kingston Budget Video – odd
This six-minute video offers a look at funding and the City.
fyi: Council has just finished their budget deliberations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
In my personal opinion this video is actually quite odd.
No cyclists or pedestrians anywhere to be seen – despite the important inclusion of active transportation in the Transportation Master Plan. Also no proposed high rises are included.
What looks like the proposed Third Crossing doesn’t tie in appropriately with current Transportation plans. Good that the city is getting more proactive with its communications but this is truly strange. Have a look.
11) Community Wellbeing
Local stakeholders unveil a new tool to measure community well-being!
from KINGSTON, ONT./Feb. 1, 2019
How do you measure a City’s well-being? At its Jan. 22 meeting, council received a set of community indicators, developed by local stakeholders, aimed at doing exactly that.
These indicators are intended to measure community’s well-being in five categories: community context, prosperous city, healthy and green, safe and vibrant communities, and vulnerable populations.
“These indicators provide a snapshot of our community at a moment in time,” says Kristin Mullin, the executive director of Sustainable Kingston, one of the groups forming the steering committee, which led the development of the indicator list.
Joining Sustainable Kingston on the committee are Kingston Police, City of Kingston, Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority, Public Health, Kingston Economic Development Corporation, Kingston Community Health Centres, Community Foundation, United Way and Tourism Kingston.
The indicators were selected by identifying local priorities, reviewing what other cities were measuring, and then consulting with the public.
Each of the five areas contains data that fit criteria set by the committee. The data had to be readily available and reliable, relevant to the public, measureable over a long period of time, objective and policy neutral, and allow for comparisons to other communities.
Mullin, and other community stakeholders who championed the development of these indicators, are hopeful they will bring people together to talk about what is important to them in their community.
“We want to raise awareness of the strength and challenges in communities, identify key issues, spark new initiatives and guide politicians and decision-makers in allocating resources,” says Mullin.
Mayor Bryan Paterson applauds the development of the community indicators.
“As a City, these indicators provide us with an at-a-glance overview of our strengths, and the areas where we need to do better. Over time, the community indicators will help us consistently track our progress so we can move forward in meaningful ways and remain accountable to our residents,” says Paterson. The community indicators will be updated once a year, as new data becomes available.
To review Kingston’s Community Indicators, please visit the City’s Neighbourhoods & Communities page, which also contains links to community census profiles. View the Neighbourhoods & Communities page
12) Dufferin Lane/ Rideaucrest space to include better access to park
Vesla Olimer has been in touch with the city regarding this issue. Some cutting has taken place although the fence is still there. It is really a fairly large green space that ends up not being used. Vesla feels that the playground park size could almost be doubled. Sonya Bolton in Planning has suggested that waiting til spring for further work probably makes sense at this point. Stay tuned…..
13) Rideau Canal Update from Parks Canada
January 24, 2019 – The first phase of work on Kingston Mills Locks is well underway. As a three year project, work has been subdivided and phased over the non-navigation seasons. This initial phase, scheduled to complete in May 2019, is focused on repairs to Lock 46 and the basin walls.
Recently, the contractor completed installing the cofferdam – a temporary dam used to create a dry in-water work space. The area between the cofferdam and the stop logs has been dewatered and masonry repairs are underway within the lock. The contractor is repairing the concrete and stone in Lock 46 and will focus on Lock 47, 48, and 49 in the subsequent years.
This project will extend the life of these historic structures and improve their water management capabilities. Substantial project completion is expected in spring 2021.
About Kingston Mills
IIn 1784, to support new Loyalist settlers, the British Government built a saw mill and grist mill at what is now known as Kingston Mills. In 1824, plans for locks along the Cataraqui River were developed to accommodate navigation. As the project advanced, a new plan was adopted that would raise the arch dam, reducing the need for locks between Kingston Mills and Lower Brewers Mills. Historically, the dam provided a basin of water required to operate the grist mill located downstream. Presently, it supports a hydro generating facility.
Beyond its historical importance, Kingston Mills, one of 24 lockstations on the Rideau Canal, is a prime example of engineering mastery. The four limestone locks each have a lift of 3.6 metres and utilize manual methods of opening and closing the lock gates – with push bar, swing bar and endless chain mechanisms.
More Information?
For up-to-date news on infrastructure work along the Rideau Canal, please visit our website: www.parkscanada.gc.
14) Turtle Update Meeting, Feb 25, 7 pm
What: Turtle Meeting for those interested. Lesley Rudy will give a report on the work she has been doing with thermometers in nests. Mary will update ongoing work for the Freshwater Future Grant using radio-telemetry. Plans for the upcoming season will be discussed.
Where: Frontenac Village Common Room, 1 Place d’Armes, KIngston, ON, K7K6S6 To get there, go as far north as possible on King St. until you reach the cul-de-sac that is the entry to the parking garage. Signs will be there with directions to the common room. If you need wheelchair access contact Mary at inverarymary@yahoo.com
When: Mon, Feb 25, 2019, 7 pm
A couple of interesting links:
Think Turtle Conservation Initiative https://www.turtlestories.ca/
The Land Between Turtle Guardians Initiative
https://www.turtleguardians.
15) Tips for Anglers interested in Inner Harbour Ice Fishing
The following is from Ontario’s Invading Species Awareness Program
“Ice fishing season is here and many of us are preparing to venture out onto frozen lakes across the province to enjoy this quintessentially Canadian pastime. As we prepare our gear and head to the ice, it’s important to remember as anglers we must work together to ensure the lakes we love to fish are protected against invasive species. You can do your part by following these five tips:
1. Use local bait: Get your bait as close as possible to where you plan on fishing.
2. Don’t dump your bait: It’s illegal to release your bait or dump the contents of your bait bucket anywhere near the water. Freeze or salt unused bait for later use, or dump at least 30m away from the water.
3. Know your water body: It is prohibited to use bait in some sensitive rivers and lakes. Learn more about your fishing spot at www.ontario.ca/fishonline
4. Use the Baitfish Primer: Available for free on your smartphone, you can easily take the primer with you to identify your bait and find out what is legal to use. You can also order a paper copy of the primer for free at www.invadingspecies.com/
5. Report invaders: If you encounter an invasive species in your bait bucket or in the water, take a photo and report it by calling the Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711 or visiting www.EDDMapS.org/
So that’s a wrap for another month. Back again in March.
Wishing everyone a beautiful winter month ahead.
And last but not least, thanks so much to the Frontenac Heritage Foundation for their great visual of the proposed Homestead developments in our historic downtown.
Cheers,
Mary Farrar, President,
Friends of Kingston Inner Harbour