Dear Friends of Kingston Inner Harbour,
First of all Thanks Hilbert. Love this beautiful picture because it expresses just how we feel protecting ourselves from the cold.
One in three households in Kingston suffer from food insecurity!
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/kingston-ontario-declares-food-insecurity-emergency-1.7436000 Donate!
LOCAL NEWS, ISSUES, AND EVENTS
1. $70m Project Update: Shoreline Consultants’ Meeting + Questions Submitted re Forever Chemicals.
2 .Concerns about Proposed Soccer Stadium at Memorial Centre
3. Climate Change Considerations in the North King’s Town Plan
4. Prioritizing Positive Communication:
Why the City is Turning Off Replies on X
5. No Clearcuts Kingston Update
6. Heritage Hour Speaker Recruitment
7. Purdy’s Mill Park
8. HONK App Expands for Local On-street Parking
9. Invitation IMBOLC 2025, Sat Feb 1, 5 pm, McB Park, Sing + Ice Candles
10. Spirit of Winter: Opening Ceremony, Feb 1, 2025
11. Seven Key Takeaways from 2025 City of Kingston Budget Talks
12. Changes to 911 System
13. City Flats Development at Woolen Mill Now Asking for 75 Units Instead of 50 and only 23 m from shoreline rather than the standard 30. Committee of Adjustment Meeting TONIGHT, City Hall @5:30
FROM FARTHER AFIELD
14. Doornekamp Business Faces Charges of Illegally Excavating and Selling Limestone
15. Joyceville Institution Dairy Farm Gets ‘blue ribbon” from Guest Inspector, MP Gerretsen
OF GENERAL INTEREST AND FOR FUN
16. Archaeology for the Woman’s Soul
17. David Frum on Trump’s “Predatory” Foreign Policy – on Amanpour and Company
18. Growing Sprouts, Microgreens, Ginger etc.: Countertop Gardening for everyone
19. Canada’s Water Governance and Management Systems Threaten the Country’s Water Supply.
20. Draining the well: Lack of Federal Authority on Water
21. Cost to Clean up Toxic PFAs Pollution Could Top L1.6tn in UK and Europe
22. Three Most Important Things I Would Teach about Sex Before I Die
23. Thinking Week-long Summer Camps for Kids? or this year’s Fringe?
24. Valentine Crafts for Kids
25. Biodiversity Loss due to Global Food Production
LOCAL NEWS, ISSUES AND EVENTS
1.$70m Project Update: Shoreline Meeting with Consultants + Questions Submitted re Forever Chemicals.
Report on the Jan 23, 2025 Meeting with Consultants re Inner Harbour Shores
Golder (now wsp) presented their proposed Inner Harbour shoreline concept at a stakeholders’ meeting on January 23, 2025. It includes offshore shoals 1m high, 2 m wide (at crest), 20 m long with wooden logs incorporated, the basic structure being made of stones of 20 cms.
At a cursory glance the report seems promising as there is a definite shift towards more nature-based solutions. We are grateful for their suggestion of different types of plants for different levels of shoreline: Aquatic Zone Plantings, Riparian Zone Plantings, and Upland Zone Plantings.
However, we have a number of serious concerns about the proposed shoals:
“IT LOOKS LIKE A SOLUTION LOOKING FOR A PROBLEM.” in the wise words of Dr. JeffreyGiacomin, Canada Research Chair of Physics of Fluids,
And further, “THIS SOLUTION” IS NOT WITHOUT ITS OWN PROBLEMS.”As the shoals are to be installed very close to the shoreline, they wouldinhibit water flow thereby creating stagnant mosquito infested ponds.
When asked about this, the consultants said there would be no change in the water. Why should be believe the consultants – over Canada’s expert?
I am sadly reminded of our initial contact with these consultants who actually said to us ‘Don’t worry your furry little heads.” Such jaw-dropping patriarchal comments would never pass muster in the public sector.
In a 2021 report these consultants do attempt to provide a rationale, but it is totally unconvincing.
A modeling analysis of winds and waves is provided which states that waves in several Inner Harbour locations, such as off the shore of Doug Fluhrer Park, could reach up to a half metre in height. The report then states clearly that “ Modest dimensions of the harbout limit the strength of wave action in the Inner Harbour”, and “The model did not include attenuation effect of submerged aquatic vegetation….as such actual wave heights and bottom velocities are likely to be smaller than predicted by the model.”
Nonetheless, at the Jan 23 meeting the consultants stated unequivocally that offshore shoals would be good to prevent erosion caused by high waves. ?????
According to Prof Emeritus of Environmental Science, Dr. Peter Hodson:
NO ADEQUATE RATIONALE IS PROVIDED FOR WHY OFFSHORE SHOALS ARE A GOOD IDEA.“There is no examination of the pros and cons of shoals. The need for offshore wave breaks is not well established, and the experience and negative aspects of wave breaks installed elsewhere are not discussed In the presentation.
These might include:
– a restricted water flow along the shoreline with increased rate of sedimentation, and the unsightly accumulation of organic debris (weeds, dead fish), zones of low oxygen concentration, higher temperatures, and an overall lower volume of the aquatic ecosystem.
Landfill of open water seems to be a knee-jerk response to any problem of shoreline improvement and the result is that Kingston’s Inner and Outer Harbours are much restricted in volume and habitats compared to historic pre-development days.”
He adds, “Management actions must provide long-term protection of vegetation and species that use the shoreline (e.g. turtles coming ashore to reproduce)”. The shoals, created from large rocks and logs could well cause turtles to get stuck between them.
“It is counter-intuitive to solve water and habitat quality issues of the Harbour by filling it in!”
Another worrying concern is the fence included in the project that would prevent wildlife from accessing the shore.
Finally, we remain concerned about why the consultants seem to bound and determined to go ahead with this project that includes very invasive dredging and capping that will be potentially harmful for the environment for reasons we have expressed at length in previous newsletters.
To go back to their original report, there was serious misuse of the Canada-Ontario Decision-Making framework. When the data on benthic creatures was clearly inconsistent (thriving in some hotspots, not in others) the flow chart recommended stopping the project.
The consultants decided to proceed anyway. ?????
Further Unanswered Questions re the Dredging of Forever Chemicals in the Inner Harbour Submitted to the Consultants
The overview of the findings about contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) indicates a situation that seems at odds with prevailing concerns about CECs. These concerns are derived from numerous reports in the media about science-based research and monitoring in Canada and globally that shows detectable concentrations of persistent chlorinated, fluorinated and brominated compounds in marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems and their associated biota. To understand the measurements on inputs to KIH that you will be reporting, we would appreciate answers to some specific questions:
- What specific CECs were analyzed, other than PFAS?
- What was the analytical detection limit for each CEC in water, particulates, and bottom sediments?
- For bottom sediments, how thick was the sediment layer sampled and included in each analysis?
- Were water samples filtered prior to analyses, and if so, what was the filter size and was the filtered particulate matter analyzed and reported?
- What quality control measures were included in the analyses (blanks, standards, spikes and spike recoveries, positive control samples from areas known to be contaminated)?
- What was the total number of analyses undertaken and reported for each sample type?
- What is the ‘applicable guideline’ for water and sediments for each CEC, and are these Provincial, Federal or IJC guidelines?
- While the surface waters of KIH were sampled in the open water season (spring, summer, fall), were storm sewer outflows sampled at the same time and over the same range of dates?
- Did sampling occur during spring melt and during rainstorm events when suspended solids from storm sewers were clearly evident?
- Were samples taken during the discharge of untreated sewage during by-pass events at the KIH sewage pumping station?
- Given that the living components of aquatic ecosystems (benthos, fish, aquatic birds, aquatic mammals, etc) are those that we wish to protect from chemical contamination, have any of these components from the KIH been analyzed, and are there any plans for sampling and analyses in 2025?
2. Concerns about Proposed Soccer Stadium at Memorial Centre.
Received from the City of Kingston, Jan 17, 2025
| Community Input requested on potential soccer stadium at Memorial Centre The City was approached by Victory Grounds Venture (VGV) with interest in establishing a multi-sports stadium at the Kingston Memorial Centre. The stadium would support bringing a Canadian Premiere League (CPL) soccer team and two semi-professional (League1) soccer teams to Kingston. The stadium would be a modular construction that is domed in the winter and would not only be used by these professional and semi-professional soccer teams but would also be available year-round for community user groups and sports organizations. On January 14, 2025, Council directed staff to move forward on exploring the feasibility of VGV’s stadium proposal. https://getinvolved.cityofkingston.ca/multi-sport-stadium?utm_source=ehq_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ehq-Get-Involved-Kingston-MultiSport-Stadium-Asset-Management-Plan-and-Climate-Adaptation-Plan&utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=ehqWhy are we doing this work? On January 14, 2025, Council directed staff to move forward on exploring the feasibility of VGV’s stadium proposal. This process will include an assessment of project feasibility and associated due diligence as well as consultation and discussion with community user groups, nearest neighbours and the broader community. Engagement will see feedback on the project as a whole as well as on specific impacts to the site and to the groups that use it. Staff are required to report back to Council at the March 18, 2025 City Council meeting on the outcome of these consultations, the feasibility of the proposal, and with proposed terms for a lease agreement should the project be deemed viable. If Council provides direction to move forward with the lease at the March 18, 2025 meeting, VGV would then need to move the project through both site plan and building approvals which would involve the submission and review of specific technical studies including, but not limited to, traffic/parking studies, noise studies, light studies, etc. What needs to be considered to ensure the project is viable? Many things that are currently happening or are planned to happen at the site can continue alongside of the proposed stadium project. These include:The site will continue to include space for the year-round Farmers’ MarketThere would continue to be sufficient space on the property to implement a future redevelopment that could include two ice pads and community space including an indoor Farmers’ Market as per previous high-level visioning for the site. Culligan Water Park(External link) would continue to be enclosed to function as a year-round aquatic facilityThere would be no impact on the park, play structure or splash pad areas at the front of the property There would be no impact on the Memorial WallThere are areas of the site that would be impacted by the stadium. As part of the feasibility assessment, due diligence, and community and user group consultations Council has asked us to look into a number of things. These include:To explore how any removal of the barns could be undertaken as part of the phased development of the stadium and site, and to ensure that there would be options at the site to support the operations of organizations currently making use of the barnsTo work with the Memorial Centre Farmers Market(External link) specifically to ensure that their year round operations are a able to continue at the siteTo work with the Agricultural Society to identify impacts and coordinate on alternate options/opportunities for the fall fair(External link) operations To assess impacts to the dog park and consult on how the park could be relocated within the field at the back of the propertyTo asses impacts and consult on the loss of some sport field uses and on impacts to the circular track at the back of the property To conduct a viability assessment of the stadium proposal at this site and of Victory Ground VenturesMore City Info: https://getinvolved.cityofkingston.ca/multi-sport-stadium?utm_source=ehq_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ehq-Get-Involved-Kingston-MultiSport-Stadium-Asset-Management-Plan-and-Climate-Adaptation-Plan&utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=ehq Editor’s Notes: This does seem a bit odd considering that Victory Grounds Venture does not even have a functioning website as yet. Further, at Council serious concerns were raised including: a) The local Agricultural Association stating they had agreements with the Provincial and Federal governments to ensure usage of the Memorial Centre for a yearly Fall Fair. Negotiations would be time consuming and if the project were to go ahead, an alternative site for the Fall Fair would have to be provided. b) In Edmonton, with a larger population than Kingston, their attempt collapsed c) The proponents are stating they are expecting participants to come from Belleville, Brockville, and even Toronto.;Parking for these people is essential. As there is insufficient parking at the Memorial Centre, Park & Ride options would have to be created. Why not just choose a better location that already has parking? Other sites exist. In fact a couple of sites are already planning expansion of soccer facilities,, one in the west end and one in the east end. Other arguments have been put forward. There is currently a petition against this location that has already garnered close to 6000 signatures. More Info: Annette Burfoot, Williamsville Community Association – burfoota@gmail.com, and https://www.change.org/p/halt-proposal-for-private-soccer-stadium-at-the-memorial-centre?recruiter=35421805&recruited_by_id=84a193d0-1c55-0130-1bb7-3c764e044e9e&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=petition_dashboard_share_modal&utm_medium=facebook |
3. Climate Change Considerations in the North King’s Town Secondary Plan
Received from Sukriti Agarwal, City of Kingston, in response to request from Vicki Schmolka
“The North King’s Town project aims to address climate change in several ways, for example:
- Identifying opportunities for a significant amount of infill, intensification and redevelopment within the existing urban area of the City. This approach reduces pressure on natural heritage systems, conserves resources, contributes to more efficient infrastructure and service delivery, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by reducing distances residents would need to travel to access places of employment, commerce and recreation.
- Creating a new Mixed Use designation and enabling mixed use development within all identified intensification areas, which can promote active transportation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by locating residential uses in close proximity to supporting commercial uses.
- Establishing densities to facilitate mid- and high-rise development, which contributes to a more efficient use of land and resources.
- Promoting active transportation and transit use by locating intensification areas along (or within walking distance to express transit routes and reducing minimum parking requirements for residential developments (while preserving a maximum parking requirement within zoning), which all serve to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Encouraging developments to plant “little forests” within their planting plans, where a variety of trees and shrubs are planted in higher densities to mimic natural conditions and contribute to greater biodiversity, which can assist in mitigating urban heat island effects by increasing tree canopy, habitat loss and promote infiltration.
- Encouraging development applications to include fruit trees, nut trees and other edible plantings within their planting plans to promote food security and local food options, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with food transportation, while also serving to establish tree canopy within the urban area.
- Establishing minimum landscaped open space requirements for the intensification sites.
The North King’s Town Servicing Report includes a detailed chapter on stormwater management, with innovative approaches and targets. Staff will be utilizing the NKT Servicing Report to identify study requirements for future development applications on the proposed intensification sites. Parkland dedication requirements for future development will be as per the Planning Act and the City’s Parkland Conveyance By-Law.
Thanks,
Sukriti Agarwal,
Senior Planner, City of Kingston
4. Prioritizing Positive Communication: Why the City is Turning Off Replies on X
Received from the City of Kingston, Jan 24, 2025
With more than 150,000 followers across our social media platforms, the City of Kingston uses X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube to share information, updates and stories about projects and initiatives happening in the municipality. Social media has been a key part of connecting with the community since our first tweets and Facebook posts more than a decade ago.
However, the social media landscape is changing quickly and dramatically, and we recognize we also need to adjust to social media user behaviors and policy changes taking place at each of the platforms we have a presence on. Specifically, recent changes at X (formerly Twitter) have restricted access to social media analytics that help us make decisions about communications campaigns, increased the number of spam accounts following and messaging the City, increased the volume of inflammatory comments from users on the platform, and decreased the effectiveness of X as a way for us to share information and engage with the community.
Beginning Feb. 1, 2025, we will remove replies and direct messaging on our X @CityofKingston and @KingstonTransit accounts. We know that thousands of people in Kingston continue to rely on X to stay updated, and we will continue to use X to share information. The City hasn’t used X as a paid advertising platform since 2022, and this paid advertising approach will not change.
Reaching out to us to share an idea or feedback on municipal services or projects is always welcome on other social media channels, as well as on Get Involved Kingston, our public engagement platform.Our Customer Experience team, either online, in person or by phone, is also available to answer questions about services or to connect you with staff who can help resolve a customer service concern. Please remember when you’re reaching out to us on these other channels that we are also people who work, live and play in Kingston. We approach all interactions with respect and professionalism and ask that community members do the same.
Thank you for helping us ensure an inclusive and respectful environment for everyone.
5. No Clearcuts Update
Received from noclearcutskingston@subsdtack.com
1) More Little Forests? – Some positive news for the new North King’s Town Secondary Plan (NKT SP) comes from the latest release from city planners. They are encouraging the planting of these ‘Miyawaki’ forests in future developments in the area. These are dense plantings of native plants (trees, shrubs, grasses and flowers) that grow rapidly to become stable plant communities.
We see this as a response to the significant input from Kingstonians over the six years since the NKT SP has been under development. We hope that the plan will also include encourging developers to provide space for community gardens. These will encourage residents to grow food and mitigate the food insecurity emergency recently declared by Council, in addition to reducing the heat-zone effect of buildings.
Nevertheless, planting Little Forests where trees have already been removed by developers does not address the climate crisis now. These forests will take at least 20 years to begin absorbing significant amounts of CO2 that the mature forests do. Mature forests must be protected from those that wish to remove them!
2) More Trees Lost! – The Planning Committee started the year by voting, unanimously, in favour of the latest Homestead project. 675 mature trees at 999 Purdy’s Mill will be removed.
3) More Trees Threatened – As we have written before, Council voted to approve the expansion of our urban boundary! We tried to oppose it, but the Mayor and every Councillor but Lisa Osanic voted for it. These large areas to the east and west of urban Kingston (outlined in red) consist of forest, wetlands and creeks, in addition to productive farmland. Kingston’s tree canopy (dark green) is sparse within the boundary and depends on maintaining the trees and green space within the proposed expansion areas.
What does this expansion mean? We are finding out already. Here is part of a letter we received from someone who is being affected on the city’s east side near the Hartnett and Butternut Creeks watershed: “The land that is proposed to be absorbed into the urban boundary expansion is prime farmland. I can’t understand why greenbelt is being considered to be developed. This is nothing short of sprawl. I am also involved in Agroforestry and the necessity in sustaining forest perimeters to enhance crops and native grasses which sustain pollinators …”
We at No Clearcuts will be following this reckless development proposal which threatens trees and a wetland. It is astonishing that Caraco and Taggart, well established developers, were able to purchase the properties involved on Highway 15 without the public knowing about it. We have not seen any for sale sign
Editor’s Note: No Clearcuts is really worth subscribing to.
Contact Kathleen O’Hara – kathleenohara@yahoo.com
6. Heritage Hour Speaker Recruitment
Received from the City of Kingston, Jan 13, 2025
We are looking for knowledgeable speakers with unique insights into Kingston’s many histories, cultures and traditions. Help deepen the community’s understanding of the city’s diverse heritage by applying to be a speaker at a future event. Selected speakers will have one hour to present to an engaged audience on topics that highlight Kingston’s physical and living heritage.
Share your knowledge of local history at Heritage Hour
“We’re excited to expand Heritage Hour speaking opportunities through an open application to include even more community voices,” says Melanie Banks, Manager, Heritage Programming. The previous speakers have showcased many facets of Kingston’s history, and we look forward to creating space for more stories to be shared.”
Selected speakers will have one hour to present to an engaged audience on topics that highlight Kingston’s physical and living heritage. Speakers are invited to share information in a variety of formats including lectures, workshops and interactive presentations.
Since 2023, Heritage Hour has featured speakers from across the community to speak about Kingston’s diverse heritage resources. A playlist of previous Heritage Hour events can be found on the City’s YouTube Channel –
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvKq-pF2xvq-D5oaZ66pNIgysnAFrAakU
https://getinvolved.cityofkingston.ca/heritage-hour-speaker-recruitment
7. Purdy’s Mill Park
Received from the City of Kingston ,Jan 17, 2025
Purdy’s Mill Park is a new park project being developed in the Purdy’s Mill subdivision, north of the Via Rail station off of John Counter Blvd.
Join us for a public meeting on Feb. 5, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Gibson Hall Christ Church Cataraqui, 990 Sydenham Road to find out more about the planned park and any ask questions you might have.
More info: https://getinvolved.cityofkingston.ca/purdysmill?utm_source=ehq_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ehq-Get-Involved-Kingston-Development-Charges-Frontenac-Street-Parkette-and–Heritage-Hour-Speaker&utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=ehq
8. HONK App Expands for Local On-street Parking
Received from the City of Kingston Jan 14, 2025
HONK expands to City of Kingston on-street locations for convenient, cashless parking payment
The City of Kingston has expanded HONK to on-street parking locations, making it easier for drivers to pay for parking through a safe, secure and user-friendly system.
This convenient service, previously available at select municipal parking lots and accessible on-street parking spaces, offers drivers flexibility in how they pay. They can use the mobile app or scan a QR code posted on-site for a quick and contactless experience.
Scanning the QR code loads a guest checkout page directly on the driver’s phone, allowing payment without downloading the app or registering an account—an ideal solution for visitors to the city or infrequent on-street parkers.
The HONK app allows drivers to store unlimited vehicles and payment methods, manage receipts, access parking history, and add more time using their phone or tablet.
On-street parking payment options include cash, debit, credit, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
“This expansion provides residents and visitors with more flexibility, improving the parking experience while offering a quick and secure way to manage their parking,” says Laird Leggo, Manager, Licensing, Parking Operations & Policy. “Whether users prefer the QR code for convenience or the app for more frequent use, both options support a connected and accessible community.”
“We’re thrilled to expand HONK’s presence in Kingston by bringing our contactless payment solutions to on-street parking,” says HONK CEO, Michael Back. “This partnership offers drivers a seamless and secure way to manage parking, whether through our mobile app or the convenience of a quick QR code scan. By providing flexible options that cater to all types of parkers, we’re making parking more accessible and stress-free for both residents and visitors.”
About HONK
Founded in 2013, HONK is North America’s leading provider of self-serve, unattended payments for parking and mobility. HONK provides a complete, turn-key parking management system that is trusted by millions of drivers and accepted at thousands of locations across the United States and Canada.
More info: https://www.cityofkingston.ca/roads-parking-and-transportation/parking/
9. Invitation – IMBOLC 2025, Sat, Feb 1@5 pm, McB Park Sing-along + Make Ice Candles
McBurney Park Neighbourhood | Facebook
More info: skeletonpark@gmail.com
10. Spirit of Winter: Opening Ceremony
Posted on Facebook, Jan 22, 2025
Join us for the unforgettable opening night of Spirit of Winter! The evening begins with traditional greetings and a smudging ceremony led by the Indigenous community, followed by inspiring remarks from Federal and Municipal leaders and heartfelt words from the artists of The Bear in Me.
Be among the first to experience Spirit of Winter and The Bear in Me story in English, French, Cree, and Ojibway. Savor complimentary Indigenous-inspired cuisine, enjoy rhythmic drumming and dancing then explore the grand opening of the Enchanted Forest.
Skate under the stars (weather permitting), warm up by cozy fire pits, and delight in free horse-drawn wagon rides for a magical winter evening to remember.
You can experience Spirit of Winter daily from Feb 1st to 17th, 6:00 pm to 10:00pm. Learn more at downtownkingston.ca/spiritofwinter
Spirit of Winter: Opening Ceremony | Facebook
11. Seven Key Takeaways from 2025 City of Kingston Budget Talks
Received from the Kingstonist,, Jan 24, 2025 – Bill Hutchins
Tax Hike, Cops and Dollars, Fire Services Expansion, Curbside Changes, Bag Tags, Library Calls, Debt Load
Editor’s Note: I was most surprised that we will no longer be recycling. That will be the duty of the producers according to new provincial legislation.
Full article: https://www.kingstonist.com/city-views/city-views-seven-key-takeaways-from-2025-city-of-kingston-budget-talks/
12. Changes to 911 System Aim to Provide “Right Care at the Right Time”
Received from the Kingstonist, Jan 25, 2025 – Jessica Foley
https://www.kingstonist.com/news/changes-to-local-911-system-aim-to-provide-right-care-at-the-right-time-across-southeastern-ontario/
13. City Flats Development at Woolen Mill Now Asking for 75 Units Instead of 50 and only 23 m from shoreline rather than the standard 30. Committee of Adjustment Meeting TONIGHT, City Hall @5:30
Received Jan 26, 2025
When it was at Planning Committee in 2001, “Numeric limits for grow floor area, and ground floor area for which relief is now being sought were used to ensure that the plans submitted would demonstrate that the proposed building would blend in with the Woolen Mill site. The residential unit limit of the amending by-law was implemented to ensure a density consistent with the Inner Harbour Study (1984)
Despite the significant time which has elapsed since the amending zoning by-law, the developers feel that deviation from the original building plans have been relatively minimal and reflect the evolution of the housing market as well as the broader residential intensification of this and other areas while the building continues to ensure compatibility with the abutting Woolen Mill site..
The developers have gone back to the Committee of Adjustment to increase the number of units and now they want to increase it again to 75 accompanied by a loss of the 30 metre setback from the water – to be changed to 23 metres.
The Committee of Adjustment meeting is today, Monday Jan 27, at 5:30 pm at City Hall. Do consider attending. City Flats is the 2nd item on the agenda. Understood that this is extremely short notice.
FROM FARTHER AFIELD
14. Doornekamp Business Faces Charges of Illegally Excavating and Selling Limestone
Received from the Toronto Star, Jan 22, 2025
The two companies that own Picton Terminals are facing one charge each of operating a quarry without a permit or licence from the province, after a justice of the peace on Friday found in favour of a rare legal challenge called a private prosecution, initiated by a group of Ontario residents. ABNA Investments and 1213427 Ontario have been summoned to appear in an Ontario court in Picton on March 7.
The maximum penalty for the charge is $1 million, plus additional penalties, including profits made during the illegal operation.
Full article:https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/an-ontario-business-faces-charges-of-illegally-excavating-and-selling-limestone-toronto-is-one-of/article_99ddb5e6-a75d-11ef-bef5-57b9da9388c1.html?source=newsletter&utm_content=a09&utm_source=ts_nl&utm_medium=email&utm_email=C2DC149D63666E2CCEC3DF1E9C241C82&utm_campaign=lng_8341
15. Joyceville Institution Dairy Farm Gets ‘Blue Ribbon’ from Guest Inspector, MP Gerretsen
Received from the Kingstonist, Jan 26, 2025 – Michelle Dorey-Forestell
Full articie?https://www.kingstonist.com/news/joyceville-institution-dairy-farm-gets-blue-ribbon-from-guest-inspectors-mp-gerretsen/
OF GENERAL INTEREST AND FOR FUN
16. Archaeology for the Woman’s Soul
Received from Corina Andronache (corina@languageyourmessage.com, Jan 13, 2025
In the heart of California, where the wild sequoias rise like ancient guardians, fire has long been a paradox—both destroyer and creator. Centuries ago, the indigenous peoples of this land knew that “fire is essential to life”. The flames that ravage also reveal. They clear away what no longer serves, they open the sequoia cones to release seeds, and they make space for the sun to penetrate and create new growth.
As we witness the fires in Los Angeles, it’s hard to hold onto this truth- fire is essential to life. The smoke obscures the sky as our sense of stability is shaken to the core. Loss, grief, and suffering are not abstractions; they are lived realities in such circumstances. Yet, as the story of the sequoias teaches us, even in the ashes, something sacred stirs.
Perhaps the fires that rage outside mirror the fires that burn within us. They strip away the superficial, revealing something deeper—a core essence that tells the story of who we are and how we walk the face of the earth.
As poets, as writers- we reflect. Everything becomes food for thought, deep excavation and creative expression. We bow down to words and the healing power of language. We craft metaphors and engage with our inner world with kindness and compassion. Writing is not always about looking for answers. It’s about learning to be with life. It’s about reflecting on who we are in the midst of whatever life brings to us. Writing is a way of allowing and trusting. It’s about creating a bridge between the inner and the outer world. It’s about healing the silence that dwells in out hearts.
Writing can be a way to touch the tender places left exposed by loss and grief and give them shape, meaning, and even purpose through turning them into art. When we write, we sift through the ashes and uncover seeds waiting to take root.
So, here is a writing prompt to lead you to your inner place of silence where you are your true self. You and yourself in a sacred space of being.
Writing Prompt:
Close your eyes and imagine yourself standing in a forest of sequoias, just after a fire has passed. The ground is blackened, but there’s a strange beauty in the way the light filters through the smoke. Somewhere, a single seed has landed in the ash, waiting to grow.
Below are three prompts that you can use as a guide to explore your own experience with the Metaphor of Fire.
In my life, the seed represents…
The fire cleared away…
In the midst of fire, I become…
Take your time. Let the words flow without judgment. Often, what we need to know is already waiting within us, asking only that we listen. Breathe deeply. Often, we hold our breath in times of pain and suffering.
In the days ahead, I hope you find moments of peace in spite of all that happens within and without. And when you’re ready, I’d love to hear the stories that emerge from your reflection. Would love to read your reflections.
…………………………………………………………………………..
I want to remind you that registration is open for “Ink & Essence: A Way to Write, a Way to Live: A Women’s Writing Atelier”
We begin on Saturday, February 15th @ 11 AM Central time. We will meet for 6 Saturdays in a row. The duration is 90 minutes on Zoom.
Please click on the link above or the button below to read the details.
Note: I have also added a 1 hour BONUS writing 1:1 session with me personally. During this time together we can go deeper into any of your writing projects. I want with all my heart to know that you leave this writing immersion ready to take your writing to the next level.
https://archaeologyforthewomanssoul.com/inkandessence/
17. David Frum on Trump’s “Predatory” Foreign Policy on Amanpour and Company
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIeUigGZktk
18. Growing Sprouts, Microgreens, Ginger etc.: Countertop Gardening for everyone
Received from ashleyadaman@substack.com, Jan 15, 2025
Editor’s Note: A great source. Everything you need to know.
19. Canada’s Water Governance and Management Systems Threaten the Country’s Water Supply.
Received from The Conversation, Jan 15, 2025 – Tricia Stadnyk
20. Draining the well: Lack of Federal Authority on Water
Water in Canada is managed primarily at the provincial and territorial level. What this means is that the exploitation of water from rivers, lakes and groundwater reservoirs is largely a provincial and territorial responsibility. In some cases, this governance is subject to agreements with other provinces or other countries.
There is no federal authority over water decision-making in Canada. This lack of oversight complicates data collection, data access and overall water management — though the newly launched Canada Water Agency does aim to address some of these issues.
Full article: https://theconversation.com/canadas-water-governance-and-management-systems-threaten-the-countrys-water-supply-233608?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Latest%20from%20The%20Conversation%20for%20January%2016%202025&utm_content=Latest%20from%20The%20Conversation%20for%20January%2016%202025+CID_4b33a9b1129a07a4dd70c277f132e7ad&utm_source=campaign_monitor_ca&utm_term=Canadas%20water%20governance%20and%20management%20systems%20threaten%20the%20countrys%20water%20supply
20. Ontario Planning for a 21st Century Nuclear Megaproject
Received from Canada’s National Observer, Jan 16, 2025- Matteo Cimellaro&Abdul Matin Sarfraz
https://www.nationalobserver.com/2025/01/15/news/ontario-planning-21st-century-nuclear-megaproject?utm_source=National+Observer&utm_campaign=dd696c6d32-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_01_16_03_04&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_cacd0f141f-dd696
21. Cost to Clean up Toxic PFAs Pollution Could Top L1.6tn in UK and Europe
Received from the Guardian, Jan 14, 2025 – Leana Hosea and Rachel Salvidge
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/14/cost-clean-up-toxic-pfas-pollution-forever-chemicals
22. Three Most Important Things I Would Teach about Sex Before I Die
Received from Alexey Welsh, Jan 13, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36CpzELzu2U
And, 3 Reasons Why ENTRY Without Erection is BETTER for Women
Received Jan 27, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFwZ6-OWj7M
23. Thinking Week-long Summer Camps for Kids? Or This Year’s Fringe?
Received from rosemarydoyle@theatrekingston.com, Jan 14, 2025
Lots of wonderful stuff. Have a look.
24. Valentine Crafts for Kids
https://ca.pinterest.com/craftsonsea/valentines-day-crafts-for-kids/
25. Biodiversity Loss Due to Global Food Production
Received from the Conversation, Jan 22, 2025 –
https://theconversation.com/global-food-production-has-resulted-in-significant-biodiversity-loss-new-research-shows-243864?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Latest%20from%20The%20Conversation%20for%20January%2023%202025&utm_content=Latest%20from%20The%20Conversation%20for%20January%2023%202025+CID_efd75d45f832243ad9812c86fa4c8761&utm_source=campaign_monitor_ca&utm_term=Global%20food%20production%20has%20resulted%20in%20significant%20biodiversity%20loss%20new%20research%20shows
So that’s it for January, 2025.
I will be spending a week and a half in Progreso, Mexico in early February to celebrate the first 1000 days of my partnership with Ken Fisher. Our goal is 5000 days before we die lol – so my next news update will be mid February after we return.
Wishing you all a happy end Jan and early Feb.
Cheers,,
Mary Farrar, President, Friends of Kingston Inner Harbour
www.friendsofinnerharbour.com