Dear Friends of Kingston Inner Harbour
Still struggling with the cast on my broken wrist. Aargh!
Hoping to be back to normal by end Feb.
A few glasses from our “Drink Beer Save Turtles” Fund Raiser are still available for $10 each. Great for all beer lovers!
1) Pitching at Awesome Kingston!, Thurs, Jan 16
2) Construction in DF Park potentially compromises turtles
3) Ontario Seniors’ Dental Care Program Sign-Up Session, Jan 20
4) Record Water Levels and Outflow at Cornwall
5) Froid’Art once again
6) Online Snow Plow Tracker
7) City Begins Next Phase of Ash Tree Removals
8) Forests Ontario’s 50 Million Tree Program – You might qualify!
9) City’s Density by Design Workshops
10) 2020 Climate Change Symposium
11) Seasonal Utility Safety Tips
12) Builders and Renovators: Learn How to Use DASH
1) Pitching at Awesome Kingston!, Jan 16
What:We are doing a 90 second pitch to try and secure funds for Ontario Recreational Canoeing Certified students to take visitors out for short paddles in authentic birch bark canoes in Kingston’s Inner Harbour from Sat, June 13- Wed, June 17,2020.
How awesome is that? We will be pitted against three other worthy causes. Wish us well! If you would like to join us to cheer us on that would be great! Promises to be a fun evening!
Where: Wonderland Escape Room, 500 Gardiner’s Road
When: Doors open at 6:30 pm for 7 pm start
NOTE: As you know, we are organizing an Algonquin birch bark canoe build in the Inner Harbour for the last two seeks of April in partnership with Chuck Commanda, Algonquin Traditional Knowledge Keeper. Indigenous students from the Limestone Board’s River Program and from RMC will be participating as well as inmates from Joyceville Minimum and the Henry Trail Halfway House. All are welcome to come and watch – and possibly participate! There will be an official launch and blessing of the boat on Sat, June 13. Educational programming is being organized for the Saturday and Sunday. We would also like to hire students to take visitors out in birch bark canoes from Sat June 13 til Wed, June 17.
2) Construction in DF Park potentially compromises turtles
Received from M. Sc. student, Lesley Rudy, Jan 9.
“As you may have noticed, activity and environmental clean-up has started on the 9 North Street/ Imperial Oil Building adjacent to Doug Fluhrer Park. In this process several nest boxes were removed and gravel placed on top of the nests, without notification. It turns out that this portion of what was though to be park is actually the property of Doornekamp Construction, the owners and builders at 9 North. Doornekamp and the City were informed of the problem this activity causes for the turtles and the study being done on them. With help from the City, the company has agreed to remove the gravel and protect the area to allow the hatchlings to emerge in the spring and hopefully allow for some reclamation of equipment and data for the study. We are relieved that all parties were able to work towards a solution and we are optomistic that we will be able to work together going forward on other protection measures for turtles during construction. We thank everyone who came together to make this possible.”
3) Ontario Seniors’ Dental Care Program Sign-Up Session, Jan 20
Received from MPP Ian Arthur’s office, Jan 9.
“MPP Ian Arthur’s Community office will be hosting another Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program Sign-up Session on January 20, 2020, from 11am to 3pm. The dental programs is available those who meet the following criteria:
- 65 years or older
- Net Income up to $19,000 for a single person
- Net Income up to $34,400 for a couple
- Have no access to other source of dental benefits such as private insurance or other government program
Please be sure to bring your Social Insurance Number, any ID you have.
The Community office is located in at the corner of Princess and Bagot
street, at 303 Bagot Street, Unit 2 in the LaSalle Mews. Please note
that the accessible door is located on Princess Street just south of
Bagot Street.
If anyone cannot make the January session, we will be holding a further
help session, at the Seniors Centre, at 56 Francis Street, February 27,
2020, from 10am – 12 noon.”
4) Record Water Levels and Outflow at Cornwall
Received from the Chamber of Marine Commerce,Jan 9.
IJC sustains record high outflows, Brockville
Recorder and Times (Brockville, Ontario), January 8, 2020. The
International Joint Commission (IJC) is draining the river faster than
it ever has before, but it warns even that won’t have a significant
impact on high water levels in some parts of the system. Outflows have
been above 10,000 m3/s since New Year’s Eve, the final day of the
commercial navigation season, and continue to exceed regular outflow
rates for this time of year. The IJC has, on several occasions in the
last week, exceeded the limit of 10,400 m3/s prescribed under Plan 2014,
and even reached as high as 10,700 m3/s on January 2. As of January 7,
when the most recent adjustment was made, the outflow sits at a rate of
10,600 m3/s. The agency is describing this level of sustained outflow
as “unprecedented” and says the impacts of the move are being felt
across the water system. The ability to drain the water so
expeditiously was facilitated by a combination of factors: The closure
of the seaway to commercial traffic at the end of the year, and the mild
temperatures throughout the Lake Ontario basin in the last few weeks.
Stop blaming Plan 2014, the data doesn’t support your position, Standard
Freeholder (Cornwall, Ontario), January 7, 2020. Pity the
International Joint Commission and the International Lake Ontario – St.
Lawrence River Board. Neither has been able to find any relief this
year as the Lake Ontario watershed faced another year of record-high
inflows. Communities and politicians on both sides of border, those
privileged enough to own waterfront properties, along with some
municipalities bordering Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, have
spent too much time in the past months calling for the heads of those
who lead the IJC and river board. They’ve also complained, far too
much, about Plan 2014 – all because in the short time since the IJC
finally adopted a new and scientifically more rigorous plan to manage
water levels, there have been two years of record-high water
inflows. What’s lacking is any real acknowledgement of what the ICJ and
river board have done in their attempts to mitigate the impact of what
Mother Nature is throwing at us. Instead, they get blamed.
5) Froid’Art Once Again
We are so proud that Martello Alley itself came out of our original
“ON THE WALL” street art festival when, as a result, David Dossett decided to open his gallery!
” Froid’Art 2020
In case you haven’t heard of Downtown Kingston’s public art display
that is so Canadian it may get you to miss (dare we say) a hockey game
for an evening; then please, let us tell you what all the fuss is about!
It’s been five years since Kingston artist David Dossett got tired of
gloomy, long, bland winters. While Kingston is a truly beautiful city,
the fact is that it is made of limestone. Not the brightest colour of
rock, but hey, our founders had to work with what they had. In winter
this grey can be, well, kind of depressing.
The answer was ART! To an artist, the answer is always art regardless of
the question. So David created Froid’Art. 2-dimensional art, frozen
into 300 pound blocks of crystal clear ice. WOW!
No one had ever done anything like this before, but that is David’s
style. If you’re unconvinced, go to his art gallery-Martello Alley in
downtown Kingston. You’ll understand.
For five years local artists have been creating images on Plexiglass.
These are then frozen into giant “ice cubes” and are placed around
downtown Kingston in partnership with local businesses and residents who
act as sponsors. For extra zing, or the evening walkers among us, the
installations are equipped with lighting. The glow of the art at night
is magical and really something to be seen.
It is the partnerships formed over the past five years by both business
and many media outlets that have kept Froid’Art a “go to” event in
Eastern Ontario. On behalf of David Dossett, the local artists who have
contributed and Martello Alley, thank you for your continued support.
Last winter we feared that it would be our last. Sponsorship and
installation issues were a losing snowball fight. With a few tweaks to
funding timelines and such, we can proudly say “We’re Back” and we can’t
wait for you to see what we have in ice for 2020.
A wonderful, artful twist of fate has seen a second Froid’Art exhibit in
Lacombe, Alberta. We are so proud to have inspired another community to
embrace our Canadian winter through art.
Think cold thoughts; its crazy, we know but the art lasts until the ice melts.
video https://fbwat.ch/1MOJKlKpqHAZLYU9 We
have a Facebook page @froid’art for you to peruse. If you could give us
a shout out we would be so appreciative. We start on January 17th and
run until the ice melts.”
6) Online Snow Plow Tracker
received from the city, Jan 13, 2020
“City launches online snowplow tracker as part of Smart City pilot
You can now track the progress of some of the City’s snowplows at CityofKingston.ca/Snow.
The Snowplow Tracker – an online map showing a select number of plows
clearing main arterial roads – is part of a larger nine-month Smart City
pilot the City has developed in partnership with Bell.
‘The Smart City pilot is all about leveraging technology to improve
residents’ quality of life. This pilot will give residents the
opportunity to see our snow clearing efforts in a new and exciting way,’
says Mayor Bryan Paterson.
During this pilot phase, the Snowplow Tracker map will feature some
plows on main roads such as Princess Street, Division Street and
Gardiners Road. Different colours on the map indicate when a road was
last plowed. When a plow is in motion clearing main roads, it will send
frequent data that will be displayed on the map. Plows clearing
residential areas are not shown on the pilot Snowplow Tracker map, but
remain actively working during winter weather events.
‘Services like the Snowplow Tracker map delivered over Bell’s Smart City
Platform illustrate how Internet of Things technology can improve City
services for residents,’ says Gary Semplonius, Bell Senior Vice
President. ‘We look forward to future opportunities with Kingston to
implement a broad range of solutions that leverage Bell’s advanced fibre
and wireless networks to enhance City operations.’
The Smart City pilot, which runs until Sept. 2020, will introduce smart
technologies across the City. The City of Kingston entered into a
partnership with Bell for the Smart City pilot in February 2018.”
7) City begins next phase of ash tree removals
Received Jan 14, 2020
“Contractors for the City begin removing marked ash trees today as part
of the multi-year ash tree removal and replacement plan. Over the next
several weeks, crews will remove marked ash trees on City property that
have the emerald ash borer (EAB) infestation.
‘This is part of our multi-year plan to remove City ash trees endangered
by the emerald ash borer. These trees will be replaced with different
species in the fall as we continue to work towards doubling our urban
tree canopy by 2025,’ says Troy Stubinski, Operations Manager, Public
Works. Some replacement trees will be planted in new locations to avoid
existing infrastructure, such as power lines, Stubinski adds.
Approximately 400 ash trees in good condition are being treated to
protect them from the emerald ash borer and will need to be retreated
every other year. To see where ash trees are being treated and removed,
visit CityofKingston.ca/EAB.
The EAB Impact Cost Mitigation Plan outlines the City’s plan to deal
with the 3,500 ash trees on City property. It is available for review
at CityofKingston.ca/EAB and includes details on how the City is adhering to the Migratory Bird Convention Act.
The presence of emerald ash borer was verified in Kingston in 2013. Homeowners can visit CityofKingston.ca/EAB to learn how to deal with ash trees on their property.”
8) Forests Ontario’s 50 Million Tree Program – You might qualify!
https://www.forestsontario.ca/planting/programs/50-million-tree-program/?mc_cid=2d1303b420&mc_eid=3a0239c78d
9) City’s Density By Design Workshops
Received from the city early Jan, 2020
“By popular demand we are extending our consultation on Density by
Design – Kingston’s Mid-Rise and Tall Buildings Policies project and
providing two additional workshops.
Please join us at one of the following events (click to register):
Wednesday January 15 from 2:30 – 4:30 pm, at the Kingston Frontenac Public Library, Central Branch, meeting room 1
Wednesday January 22 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm, at the INVISTA Centre, meeting room A/B
Spaces are limited. We hope to see you there!”
10) 2020 Climate Change Symposium
Received from the City January 7, 2020
“This year, resolve to take climate action! Zero Waste Countdown host
Laura Nash will emcee the afternoon Climate Change Symposium 2020 on
Jan. 16 at the Grand Theatre.
Her show about reducing waste and environmental impacts airs on 91X in the Bay of Quinte and on QCCR 99.3 in Nova Scotia.
‘Sustainable Kingston and the City, co-hosts of this event, were seeking
an emcee who could help inspire us to take more climate actions and
Laura certainly fits the bill! She’s interviewed experts in a variety of
fields and has an excellent overview of the challenges facing us as our
climate changes,’ says Julie Salter-Keane, Community Projects Manager.
The Symposium will also feature a keynote address by award-winning urban planner Jennifer Keesmaat.
Tickets for the third annual Kingston Climate Change Symposium can be
purchased at The Grand Theatre box office at 218 Princess St. or online ($20 for adults and $15 for students plus HST and handling).
The Symposium will offer three mini-sessions to allow participants to
develop climate actions they can take – separately and together – to
reduce Kingston’s community greenhouse gases by 15 per cent from 2018
levels by 2022, and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040.
See the afternoon’s agenda, below, for the full line-up of speakers and sessions:
12 p.m. Doors Open | Change for Climate Information Fair
12:30 p.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks
Land Acknowledgement Kathy Brant, Grandmother-in-Residence for Grand OnStage
Opening Remarks Mayor Paterson
Poet Laureate, Jason Heroux, Poem: House I Forgot About
MP Mark Gerretson and MPP Ian Arthur
12:45 p.m. Robert Keen, Forests Ontario
1:30 p.m. Inspiring Action Mini-session with Pamela Shea, St. Lawrence College and Paul MacLatchy, City of Kingston
1:45 p.m. Wellness Break
2 p.m. Mason Prout and Matt Brown, Patagonia
3 p.m. Inspiring Action Mini-session with Dan
MacKinnon, MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Co., Devon Hawkins, nufuuds, and
Russell Horne, City of Kingston
3:30 p.m. Coffee Break and Networking
4 p.m. Inspiring Action Mini-session with Aidan Tomkinson, KCVI
4:10 p.m. Sustainable Kingston
4:25 p.m. Paige Agnew, City of Kingston, Density by Design
4:40 p.m. Keynote Speaker – Jennifer Keesmaat
5:50 p.m. Closing Remarks
6 p.m. Networking | Change for Climate Information Fair
11) Seasonal Utility Safety Tips
Received from Utilities Kingston, Jan 6, 2020
“Utilities Kingston offers these safety tips to help protect your home, property and loved ones this season.
‘Knowing how to prevent a utility emergency will help keep your family
safe this winter,’ says Jim Keech, President and CEO of Utilities
Kingston. ‘Kingstonians concerned about the safety of a utility serviced
by Utilities Kingston can call our 24-hour line at 613-546-1181.’
Kingston Fire & Rescue supports Utilities Kingston in promoting these safety tips.
‘Please take the time to review and apply these important tips from
Utilities Kingston,’ says Chief Fire Prevention Officer, Ted Posadwoski.
‘Simple steps taken now can help ensure your safety, and the safety of
your loved ones,’ he adds.
Keep hydrants visible: Residents and snow removal
companies are reminded not to shovel or blow snow onto hydrants. We
thank citizens who take the time to clear snow and ice from fire
hydrants so they can be easily accessed by firefighters in case of
emergency.
Did you know that after a heavy snow fall, we inspect all 3,400 hydrants
in the municipal water distribution system and then make them
accessible for fire protection? Inspectors divide the area into 16
‘hydrant beats’ of approximately 200 hydrants each. They visually
inspect each hydrant, and clear them of snow and ice as needed.
Keep gas and electrical meters clear: Although your
outdoor gas meter is designed to withstand winter weather, heavy or
hard-packed snow and ice can be a safety hazard. Keep snow and ice from
building up on and covering both your gas and electric meters – and
avoid piling snow under the meters or electrical wires. Take care when
using a snow blower or plow near your meter and never kick or hit the
gas meter or its piping to break away built-up snow or ice.
Keep outside exhaust vents cleared: outdoor vents for
gas-fired appliances such as furnaces or waters heaters exhaust carbon
monoxide and need to be kept clear for safety.:
Prevent water from freezing around outside electrical lines
Never attempt to clear ice from around electrical lines yourself
(Utilities Kingston customers: call 613-546-1181 if you are concerned).
Keep your eaves troughs free of debris so water runs safely away before
it freezes. Ice can build up where overhead electrical service wires
attach to your home—a dangerous and costly situation. Consider that the
root of the problem may be poor attic insulation.
Protect water lines: Prolonged, extreme cold spells present a risk to water lines freezing. Take steps to prevent this – go to www.UtilitiesKingston.com/Water/FrozenServices to
see if your pipes are at risk and to learn preventative measures. This
webpage also explains the processes and responsibilities involved if
your water service does freeze.
Report gas smells or “hissing”: If you suspect a gas
leak and are inside, leave the premises immediately. Do not do anything
that could create a spark (i.e., don’t use cell phones, switches or
lighters). If you are outside, clear the area and do not use lighters or
start vehicles. Call 613-546-1181, ext. 2151 when you are safe.
Install and obey carbon monoxide (CO) alarms: CO is an
invisible, odourless gas that can kill you in high concentrations. If
your CO alarm goes off, immediately evacuate all occupants (pets, too!)
and call 911. Ontario Fire Code requires all homes (whether single
family, semi, or other) with fuel burning appliances (including
fireplaces) and/or attached garages, to be equipped with CO alarms.
These alarms should be located outside of all sleeping areas.
Know what to do in the event of a winter storm: Severe
weather can cause power outages and downed power lines, as well as put
your basement at risk of flooding. Visit the Utilities Kingston website
and learn how to be prepared. Residents are reminded:
Kingston is served by three power providers. Know who provides
your electricity in Kingston, so you can make the right call in case of a
power outage or electrical emergency.
Utilities Kingston’s electricity customers are in Central Kingston,
Barriefield and CFB Kingston, and can report issues to 613-546-1181, 24
hours per day.”
Outside of these areas, contact Hydro One at 1-888-664-9376. (A small
number of east-end residents are served by Eastern Ontario Power.)
For more information on keeping your home and family safe, visit www.UtilitiesKingston.com
12) Builders and Renovators: Learn How to Use DASH
Received from the city Jan 3, 2020
“The City is offering monthly training sessions to help builders and
renovators use DASH – the online Development and Services Hub – to apply
for building permits, sign-up for necessary inspections and obtain
other planning permissions online.
If you are planning any kind of building project – from a DIY bathroom
reno to a commercial building with multiple uses – you will want to sign
up for one of these free sessions set for 10 to 11:30 a.m. on the
second Wednesday or Friday of every month.
Use Eventbrite to sign up for a session on Jan. 8, Feb. 14, March 11 or April 8.
These sessions will introduce you to the online permit application process and associated features, including:
How to create your online DASH account;
How to get permits for everything from do-it-yourself projects at home to commercial buildings;
How to view status updates for your permit application and request inspections;
How to manage, store and upload your application files; and,
How to pay for your application online.
Visit www.CityofKingston.ca/BuildingPermits to learn more.
Strengthening economic development opportunities is one of the City’s strategic priorities.
Days are getting longer.
Hope is on the horizon.
Cheers,
Mary Farrar,
President,
Friends of Kingston Inner Harbour,