Dear Friends of Kingston Inner Harbour,
First – Hot off the Editing Table: A series of great videos created by Dave McCallum filmed in 2020 in conjunction with our community canoe build. In due course, we hope to have them all posted on the Friends of Kingston Inner Harbour webpage. Here is what exists to date. Others will follow.
The Pedestal (9 min) – https://youtu.be/P13UC-Qvi5g – a wonderful short film of the dismantling of the Sir John A. Statue beginning with a very short powerful lecture by Murray Sinclair. Dave says this is still a work in progress but I love it as it is
The Canoe (9 min) – https://youtu.be/RXkPKcInmk4 – The story of two men, Chuck Commanda and Dugald Carmichael – one indigenous one non-indigenous – whose lives have each been transformed by the birch bark canoe. The wisdom they have separately discovered through the birch canoe may help open your eyes to a world of transcendent beauty.
James Raffan discussion (47 min) – https://studio.youtube.com/video/SMqM2b4pttM/edit James Raffan is a filmmaker, teacher, former Director of the Canadian Canoe Museum and the author of 11 books, including “Fire in the Bones”, the biography of Bill Mason, who created the iconic film “Paddle to the Sea”. James Raffan is considered one of the top 100 explorers living in the world today. The canoe has been his life as an explorer.
David More discussion (68 min) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7c_GtM5mko&pp=2AbRDw%3D%3D This is an unedited interview between Mary Farrar and David More in which David speaks at length on his research and thoughts on Truth and Reconciliation. David More, PhD., is a local Canadian maritime hIstorian with an abiding interest in Indigenous issues. He has written several books and also works as a lecturer on tour boats in Kingston.
Dave McCallum says the focus is a bit soft for the first 17 minutes as it is pre-editing so far but it is definitely worth the time!
THIS IS MY FINAL NEWSLETTER.
It really has been fun and I thank you all for being so supportive over the last dozen years. Thanks so much Vicki Schmolka, Annette Burfoot, Mary Louise Adams, and Martine Bresson for becoming the new board!
Starting in January I will post the odd newsletter on the webpage – along with bringing the webpage up to date. Do consider checking in now and again at www.friendsofinnerharbour.com and clicking on the About tab where all newsletters are stored.
This month I am highlighting Ford’s destructive initiative to take over Conservation Authorities – in favour of developers. Do consider writing even a couple of sentences to people who might make a difference Details below.
And do come on the Dec 13 hike if you are free!
Ford’s Problematic Amalgamation of Conservation Authorities
Received from 350, Councillor Stephen, Bob MacInnes and Jerri Jerreat
“We are being threatened with losing our conservation authorities inside monster ones controlled by a group in Toronto. Our Cataraqui Region CA will get lost inside the proposed one for Eastern Ontario, from Belleville to Quebec and up to Ottawa, combining about 8 CAs and vast territory with very different terrain, watersheds, needs and issues.
Since over 90% of the funding for these CAs comes from all our municipalities, and less than 6% from the province, they should leave our CAs to continue their excellent work, monitoring our drinking water and flood situations. Our CA Boards are made up of elected Council members from all the surrounding municipalities, and they work together very well.”
Editor’s Note: Do contact your local councillors to request a motion to oppose this. I attended a meeting with the Canadian Environmental Law Association where they stated that the wording is vague and will allow developers to take over land that is currently owned by local Land Conservancies. This is really serious.
Show Little Cat Some Love
Received from Jude Larkin of 350Kingston Dec 2, 2025
Join us for a hike on the trails!
Open to all who love our Conservation Authorities
Saturday, Dec 13, 1 pm.
Meet at the Outdoor Centre.
Carpool and Bring your Friends.
Special Badges for Children,
Cookies for all!
LOCAL ISSUES, NEWS, AND EVENTS
1. City of Kingston Launches Public Survey for Feedback on Council Rules
2. Kingston Transit Holiday Service Schedule
3. The Laundry Project’ Wins Awesome Kingston November Microgrant
4. Vigil to Mark National Day of Action on Violence Against Women to be held at KFPL
5. City of Kingston Celebrates Local Art Community with 2025 Mayor’s Arts Awards
6. 2025 Tree of Hope Campaign Aims to Support Kingston Area Children, Youth, and Families
7. Federal Housing Minister Applauds Kingston Company’s “Breakthrough Technology” to Address Housing
8. Weather-based Winter Parking Restrictions Go Into Effect on Dec. 1
9. Bicycle Registry # End Bike Theft in Kingston: Register Your Bike Online
10. Police Warn Public About Individuals Posing as Gas Company Representatives
11. Free Workshops to Help Diverse Candidates Prepare for 2026 Municipal Elections
12. The Lives of Lake Ontario: An Environmental History
13. Pub Caroling at the Something in the Water Pub on Princess St.
14 “Youth Imagine the Future Festival”
FROM FARTHER AFIELD
15. Major Conservation Milestone as NCC secures almost 350 hectares in Ontario’s Frontenac Arch
16. New Colour-coded Weather Information
17. Rideaucrest Award
FOR DECEMBER FUN
Tons of stuff happening as always….
LOCAL ISSUES, NEWS, AND EVENTS
1. City of Kingston Launches Public Survey for Feedback on Council Roles
Received from the City of Kingston, Dec 1, 2025
Stepping into public office means balancing community expectations, complex decisions and the day-to-day demands of governance. For municipal mayors and council members, these responsibilities have evolved over time, and so has the conversation about how to support them.
Each year since 2008 the City has reviewed Council remuneration (the amount Council members are paid). This year a working group is taking a fresh look at how elected officials are resourced, examining workload, administrator support and whether roles should remain part-time or shift to full-time.
Applying an Indigenization, inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (iIDEA) lens, the review aims to remove barriers for equity-deserving groups and ensure public office is accessible to all within the current provincial regulations for municipal elections.
Your input through a short survey on Get Involved Kingston will help guide recommendations for the next term of Council (2026 – 2030). The survey is open until Monday, Jan 12, 2026…
Alongside the survey, working group members are connecting with Council members and support staff to understand real-world challenges and analyzing data from comparator municipalities. This evidence-based approach ensures recommendations reflect both community input and best practices. After public engagement, the working group will fiinalize its recommendations and present them to Coundil by the end of Q1 2026.
Email GetInvolved@CityofKingston.ca or call 613-546-0000 for an alternate format.
2. Kingston Transit Holiday Service Schedule
Received from the City of Kingston Dec 1, 2025
Kingston Transit is operating on a modified schedule from Dec. 22 to Jan. 4, with reduced service and closed customer service office on certain holidays, and offers free fares and late-night service on Route N1 on Dec. 31.
Note
- Note the customer service office closures and no service days during December and January 1st.
- Check out the Transit App for both Android and iPhone users.
- Ride Route N1 on Kingston Transit free all day.
- Plan your route considering the Kingston Transit holiday service schedule at https://www.kingstontransit.ca
3. ‘The Laundry Project’ Wins Awesome Kingston November Microgrant
Received from the Kingstonist Nov 25, 2025 – Jessica Foley
“Last week, Awesome Kington awarded its $1000 microgrant to The Laundry Project which will support underhoused individuals, offering access to barrier-free laundry facilities.
More info? https://www.kingstonist.com/awesome-profile/the-laundry-project-wins-awesome-kingston-november-2025-microgrant/
4. Vigil to Mark National Day of Action on Violence Against Women to be held at KFPL
Received from the Kingstonist Nov 25, 2025 – Jessica Foley
Every year on December 6, Canada marks National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, to honour the 14 women murdered at Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal on December 6, 1989 – targeted solely because of their gender. Held at the downtown library, doors will open at 3;30 with the vigil beginning at 4 pm.
The vigil will include singing by the Caledonias of Queen’s University, Indigenous drumming and teachings. It will also include a rose ceremony, an indoor candelight vigil and a short reception.
More info? https://www.kingstonist.com/news/vigil-to-mark-national-day-of-remembrance-and-action-on-violence-against-women-to-be-held-at-kfpl/
5. City of Kingston Celebrates Local Art Community with 2025 Mayor’s Arts Awards Received from the Kingstonist, Nov 25, 2025 – Jessica Foley
Creator Award: Aaron Forsyth – street artist known as EronOne – a driving force behind Kingston’s Street Arts
Creator Award: Camille Spencer – Dancer, choreographery, Community Builder, founding member aand Coo-Director of the Ground Up Dance Festival
Arts Champion Award: Le Centre Culturel Frontenac – Dedicated to promoting Francophone arts and culture through theatre, music, dance, and more.
6. 2025 Tree of Hope Campaign Aims to Support Kingston Asrea Children, Youth, and Families
Received from the Kingstonist, Nov 25, – Jessica Foley
Donations provide clients with a wide variety of needed support – from groceries, winter clothing, and holiday gifts for transportation and emergency housing, as well as longer-term assistance such as tutoring and extracurricular activity costs for children and youth.
To Donate visit helptreeofhope.ca.
More info? https://www.kingstonist.com/news/2025-tree-of-hope-campaign-aims-to-support-kingston-area-children-youth-and-families/
7. Federal Housing Minister Applauds Kingston Company’s “Breakthrough technology” to Address Housing
Received from the Kingstonist, Nov 29, 2025 – Bill Hutchins
Lodestar Structures Inc, a spin-off of Anchor Concrete on the Sydenham, and the builders of the new St. Vincent de Paul building on Bagot St. Is being recognized for outstanding pre-cast modular buildings. The buildings have cement floors, walls and roofs and can be installed at rapid speed.
More info? Https://www.kingstonist.com/news/federal-housing-minister-applauds-Kingston-companys-breakthrough-technology-to-address-housing/
8. Weather-based Winter Parking Restrictions Go Into Effect on Dec. 1
Received from the City of Kingston, Nov 27, 2025
Starting Dec 1:
– During December and March, overnight on-street parking will be banned only if the weather and conditions require it
– During January and February, overnight on-street parking is not permitted no matter the weather conditions.
When a ban is in place, parking on City streets is prohibited from 1 am to 7 am. On the streets surrounding Kingston General Hospital, the ban runs from 12 am to 7 am. Vehicles left on the street during bans are subject to ticketing and towing…
Bans will be announced in the afternoon before the night when they are to take effect through news releases, the City’s winter parking webpage, and on social media.
To learn more about parking restrictions, how they work, and to stay informed visit: https://www.cityofkingston.ca/roads-parking-and-transportation/parking/winter-parking/
9. Bicycle Registry # End Bike Theft in Kingston: Register Your Bike Online
Received from Kingston Police
Every year, hundreds of bicycles are reported stolen within Kingston, while countless others go missing but are never reported. If your bicycle has been lost or stolen, you can report it online at https://www.kingstonpolica.ca/reporting-and-services/online-police-reportOn average, Kingston Police recovers nearly 250 bikes a year, but unfortunately very few bicycles have been registered, making it challenging to determine who they belong to so that they can be returned.
Kingston Police has partnered with the City of Kingston and Cycle Kingston to provide a bicycle registration service through 529 Garage. Registration helps Kingston Police identify stolen bikes that are recovered so that they can be returned to their owners. Bikes bearing the 529 Shield also warn thieves that it is registered, acting as an additional deterrent to theft.
Download the app: https://www.kingstonpolice.ca/media/aoqbvimi/529
Registering is quick and easy – just download the 529 Garage app from your smartphone or tablet, or head to the 529 Garage website. at https://project529.com/garage/organizations/kingstonpolliceservice-sotk0li6/landing
Enter the important information about your bike, including serial number, brand, and colour. Add photos of your bike too – the more information you provide the easier your bike will be to identify.
If your bike goes missing, it’s easy to report it as stolen or missing using 529 Garage app or website. 529 Garage will send out an alert to the community so that others can keep an eye out and notify you if your bike is found.
Once you’ve marked a bike as missing or stolen, 529 Garage will direct you to Kingston Police’s online reporting site. Filing a police report is a requirement to legally claim your bike back if it is recovered by any Police department in Canada. There is no cost to report your bike as stolen to Kingston Police.
Bike Theft Prevention
Follow these tips to minimize the risk of your bike being stolen.
1. Register your bike with 529 Garage
2. Invest in a high security bike lock
3. Store your bicycle inside whenever possible
4. Lock the frame and wheel to a secure bike rack
5. Lock your bike in visible, well-lit, high-traffic locations
6. Don’t forget your accessories!
7. Tips for Safe Bike Buying and Selling
For Added Protection: Shield Your Bike
In addition to registering, you can add an optional 529 shield to your bike. This provides a visual theft deterrent by letting any would-be thieved know that the bike is registered.
The 529 Shield provides a visual theft deterrent by letting any would-be thieves know that the bike is registered with 529 Garage. These tamper-resistant stickers can be affixed to your bike frame and include a unique registration number that you can link to your bike’s registration, acting like a license plate for your bike. 529 shields can be picked up for free from Kingston Police headquarters at 705 Division St while supplies last. You can buy shields, quality bike locks, and get expert advice from local bike shops.
10. Police Warn Public About Individuals Posing as Gas Company Representatives
Received from Kingston Police, Dec 1, 2025
On November 20, 2025, the complainant completed a form, which appeared on their social media feed, to ‘decrease their energy bill’. The complainant then received a phone call and answered questions about the age of their home and various appliances within the home.
The complainant was advised this program is a ‘Federal initiative’ and scheduled an appointment for representatives to attend their residence the following day.
The complainant then attempted to find more information about the program and contacted their utilities provider who was unaware of any such program.
The following day an individual driving a silver 2025 Mercedes Benz sedan attended the complainant’s residence. The complainant refused the individual entry into their home at which point the individual left.
Police are reminding individuals not to provide personal information to any unverified or unknown individuals. This includes information provided via telephone, online or in person.
Police are urging individuals to be vigilant when online and when receiving phone calls from an unknown source and to report any suspicious incidents of this nature to police.
11. Free Workshops to Help Diverse Candidates Prepare for 2026 Municipal Elections Received from the City of Kingston Nov 25, 20256
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is offering a series of virtual workshops for individuals considering candidacy in the October 2026 municipal elections, focusing on diverse candidates. Running for Municipal Office – Everything You Need to Know as a Diverse Candidate is a 90-minute workshop providing useful insights and strategies to support potential candidates, including what to expect running as a diverse candidate, strategies for successfully campaigning, understanding what it takes to become a candidate, identifying target audiences, developing messaging and branding, community engagement practices and more.
The sessions are facilitated by former municipal Councillors Steve Anderson (County of Dufferin) and Jasvinder Sandhu (Town of Oakville).
Registration is free, with sessions running:
Dec. 3, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m,
Feb. 4, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to noon
April 8, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
12. The Lives of Lake Ontario: An Environmental History
Received from David McDonald Dec 1, 2025
What:: Drawing from his book “The Lives of Lake Ontario: An Environmental History, Daniel Macfarlane will explore the historical evolution of the reciprocal relationship between human societies and Lake Ontario. Covering the ways that human actions have left Lake Ontario the most degraded of the Great Lakes – from overfishing to pollution to climate change – this presentation will stress the lake’s remarkable resilience but also its vulnerability.
Who: Dr. Daniel Macfarlane is Professor in the School of Environment, Geography, and Sustainability at Western Michigan University. Born, raised, and educated in Canada, he received his PhD in History from the University of Ottawa. He is the author or co-editor of 6 books about the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence basin and/or transnational Canada-US environmental and energy relations.
When: Thursday, Dec 11, 2:30 pm
Where: Mitchell Hall, Room 351`, Queen’s University,
Editor’s Note: This talk will also be given at 7 pm at the Great Lakes Museum.
Cost $18.
13. Pub Carollng at the Something in the Water Pub on Princess St.
Sundays: December 7, 14 & 21 from 7-9.
Come and enjoy their fun tacos too!
Some old favourites and some fun ones from a pub in Sheffield, England.
Come and sing or just listen. All welcome.
14 “Youth Imagine the Future Festival”
Received from Jerri Jerreat, December 1, 2025
Come see Youth Art that envisions a Better Future at the Youth Imagine the Future Exhibition.
When: December 3-12
Mon – Thurs, 8 am – 7 pm, Fri, 8 am – 4:30 pm, Sunday 12:30 – 5.
Where: Education Library, Duncan McArthur Hall, Queens University, 511 Union St.
Local youth will show you how our future should, and could look, if we all work together.”
FROM FARTHER AFIELD
15. Major Conservation Milestone as NCC secures almost 350 hectares in Ontario’s Frontenac Arch
Received from the Nature Conservancy of Canada, Nov 14, 2025
Another 350 hectares of critical forests, wetlands and freshwater shoreline are being conserved just north of Kingston, Ontario. This achievement marks another major milestone by the Nature Conservancy of Canada in the Frontenac Arch, within one of the most importantforest corridors east of the Rocky Mountains.
The announcement marks over 20 years of NCC’s conservation achievements in the Arch. This includes three new projects near Christie Lake, Upper Awada Lake, and a trio of connected parcels in the Loughborough Wilderness area.
The Frontenac Arch connects Ontario’s Algonquin Highlands with the Adirondack Mountains in New York State, forming a vital corridor for hundreds of migratory and wide-ranging species through a network of connected conservation lands. Forests and wetlands conserved by NCC help strengthen the landscape’s resilience and the well-being of surrounding communities. These ecosystems act as powerful carbon sinks, filter water, store carbon and produce oxygen.
Working together
The twin crises of rapid biodiversity loss and climate change demand we do more to protect nature, faster. NCC is accelerating conservation at an unprecedented pace and scale and is pleased to announce that these projects were supported through collaboration with both federal and provincial governments, including funding from the Government of Canada’s Natural Heritage Conservation Program and the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund, as well as the Government of Ontario’s Greenlands Conservation Partnership Program.
In addition to partnering with governments, NCC gratefully acknowledges the support of businesses and foundations, such as Roots and Grapes for Humanity, along with many private donors whose contribution made these important conservation achievements possible….
Facts
- The Frontenac Arch is one of the most biologically diverse regions in Ontario: five forest regions converge here, creating habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species.
- NCC works with a range of partners in the Frontenac Arch, including Algonquin to Adirondacks Collaborative, Cataraqui Conservation, Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network, Ontario Parks, Parks Canada, Queen’s University and several local land trusts.
- Over 3,200 hectares have now been conserved by NCC and partners in this area.
- Forests conserved in the Frontenac Arch store carbon, regulate temperatures and support one of Canada’s richest forest-breeding bird communities, including species at risk, like wood thrush and golden-winged warbler.
- Forests help mitigate the impacts of climate change on communities by storing carbon and reducing flood risk through natural water filtration.
16. New Colour Coded Weather Information
Received from Environment Canada, Nov 28
New Colour Coded Weather InformationYellow Alerts are the most common – issued when hazardous weather may cause damage, disruption, or health impats.Orange Alerts are less common– issued when severe weather might cause damage, disruition or health impactsRed Alerts are rare – in very dangerous life-threatening circumstances.More info? https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/severeweather/weather-alerts/colour-coded-alerts.html
17. Rideaucrest Wins Award
Rideaucrest Home has achieved the designation of Accredited with Exemplary Standing — the highest level of achievement within Accreditation Canada’s evaluation framework. “Accreditation is a meaningful recognition of the dedication of each person working the Home and emphasizes continuous improvement through thoughtful planning, implementation and assessment of care standards,” says Casie Keyes, Administrator at Rideaucrest Home. “Rideaucrest has worked with Accreditation Canada for many years and maintained accreditation status through its evaluation process. We are thrilled to have achieved Exemplary Standing in this year’s evaluation.” Accreditation Canada’s process is voluntary and performed every four years to evaluate safety, healthcare services and working conditions against national and global standards under the Qmentum Long Term Care accreditation program. The program enables organizations to provide safe, reliable and high-quality care through evidence-informed standards, practices and resources needed to keep patients and team members safe. Keyes adds, “We are proud of our entire team for its ongoing commitment to providing the highest quality of care possible to the residents of Rideaucrest Home and their families.” Rideaucrest Home is the municipally owned and operated, non-profit long-term care facility under the City of Kingston. Located along the scenic banks of the Cataraqui River overlooking the Inner Harbour, Rideaucrest has proudly served the Kingston community for over 35 years. The Home provides 170 resident rooms for individuals requiring long-term healthcare services supported by a dedicated team of 250 employees who deliver comprehensive care across all aspects of health and well-being.
FOR DECEMBER FUN
Tons of stuff happening as always.
My easiest and best go to source is Visit Kingston | Fresh made daily
Also check out the Pump House Museum this December for a fun kids program.
So that’s it for December and for my bi-monthly newsletters from the Friends of Kingston Inner Harbour.
Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year!
Cheers,
Mary Farrar