June Newsletter 2025

Dear Friends of Kingston Inner Harbour,
First Thanks so much Ken Fisher for the Inner Harbour pic. 
A sign that turtle hatchlings are tasty bites right now!

LOCAL NEWS, ISSUES AND EVENTS
1. LaSalle  Causeway Bridge Lift Schedule for 2025 Finalized – Sundays!
2. Skeleton Park Arts Festival
3. Friends of Butternut Creek Update
4. Switch Event re Carbon Capture and Storage Program, June 6, 8 am
5. Second Annual Inclusive Fun Fair returns to Shannon Park on June 7
6.‘Use it or Lose it’: Kingston to Set New Construction Timeline for Housing Developers
7. City Launches Committees and Working Groups Review to Strengthen Public Engagement
8. Rodden Park Edible Food Forest & Little Forest Initiative
9. City of Kingston’s Heritage Management Plan Survey
10. Kingston Celebrates Recreation and Parks Month
11. Kingston Peace Council Movie Night
12. Cycle Kingston Cycle Week June 1 – June 6
13. No Clearcuts Kingston Update
14. National Indigenous Peoples’ Day Kingston, June 21
15. List of many June Events courtesy Councillor Chaves. Thanks so much!
16. Summer Registration for Swimming Lessons and Certifications now open
17. Municipal Fee Assistance Program
18. Give Away Day June 15^th
19. City Launches Playground Accessibility Public Engagement
20. Cart-based Waste Collection Begins Rolling into Kingston Downtown

FROM FARTHER AFIELD
 21. How Canada is Advancing Autonomous Ships and Smart Ocean Technology
22. Critical Labour and Skills Shortage in Canada’s Marine Transportation Sector: Study
23. water Levels in Great Lakes Staying Steady
24. Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador Move to Unlock Economic Potential of Offshore Wind.

 FOR FUN AND GENERAL INTEREST
25.Wild Ideas: Workshop on Summer Ideas for Fun with Kids

LOCAL NEWS, ISSUES, AND EVENTS
1. LaSalle  Causeway Bridge Lift Schedule for 2025 Finalized – Sundays!
Received from visitkingston.ca, June 2, 2025

Transport Canada has approved the following schedule for lifts of the temporary LaSalle Causeway bridge for the 2025 navigation season.   The bridge will be lifted most Sundays from June 8 to November 16 as well as on Tuesday, July 1 and Tuesday, October 14. On these dates, road closure will begin at 6 am. Marine navigation will run from 9 am to 7 pm.  Road closure will end at 10 pm.   This is the complete list of approved 2025 dates for bridge lifts:June 8, 15, 22, 29July 1, 6, 13, 20, 27August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31September 7, 21October 5, 14, 19November 2, 16  Additional bridge lifts are allowed for emergency purposes without Transport Canada approval. The bridge will also be kept in place on scheduled lift days if wind speeds at the bridge location exceed 28 km/hour. Should a full-day closure be required due to wind speeds, when safe to proceed, the bridge must be lifted the next day with the same hours as previously scheduled. If the bridge is not removed on scheduled days, the public must be informed immediately by broadcast on VHF 16 and by notifying the Canadian Coast Guard. The Canadian Coast Guard will also be notified of all bridge openings in order to notify marine operators. At the eastern causeway entrance, Transport Canada has ordered the installation and maintenance of a real-time draft clearance monitoring system notifying vessels of available clearance during all periods of open water. Readings will be available on site and online. Warning signs will be posted on either side of the bridge, stating “WARNING: LIFT BRIDGE OUT OF ORDER.” Yellow cautionary buoys will be placed around the barge to mark the mooring lines, when it is in place adjacent to the modular bridge.   Public Services and Procurement Canada must send the 2026 proposed schedule to Transport Canada by October 31, 2025. Tourism Kingston will circulate the approved 2026 schedule from Transport Canada as soon as it is confirmed. Transport Canada amended the 2025 schedule, notably moving the scheduled bridge lifts from Saturdays to Sundays, thanks to public feedback on the impact to commuter travel, tourism, and local business.

2. Skeleton Park Arts Fest, June 20-22
On Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/skeletonparkartsfestival
Come celebrate the summer solstice with us at the 20th annual Skeleton Park Arts Festival! 

This year’s performers include Polaris Prize Winner Cadence Weapon, Almond Milk, Mimi O’Bonsawin, Zoon, Tiny Horse, Moskitto Bar, Splash N’ Boots, Cantabile Youth Choir, Oakridge Ave, Trash Panda Brass Band, to name a few.
The Skeleton Park Arts Festival runs June 20 – 22, 2025 in McBurney Park, just north of downtown Kingston. All SPAF programming is Free admission!
For more information, and a full program of events visit skeletonparkartsfest.ca

3. Friends of Butternut CreekUpdate
Received from friends.of.butternut.creek@gmail.com May 30
Dear Fellow Kingstonians
One of our favourite bird/nature watching spots, Butternut Creek is in danger!

A forested property which is currently outside the city envelope and zoned as sensitive and rural zoning is being considered to be amended, so that Greenwood Park LD #1 can build a residential subdivision on it.  Please see attached the Public Notice of a Complete Application of an Official Plan Amendment.

The treed 20.6 hectares property is located on 630 Gore Rd. See google maps picture attached and the Public Notice Of and Official Plan Amendment.
Butternut Creek crosses on the Northwest corner of this property and also runs along the property western limit. In addition, there is a watercourse that is tributary to Butternut Creek and bisects the property from East to West.

Including the property within the future urban boundary of Kingston to develop it may impact the quality of water of the creek, as well as may displace/endanger wildlife that inhabit it and its surrounding area. Clear cutting this property also goes against the climate emergency declared in 2019 by our City Council.

Please join our voices, forward this email to your friends and neighbours, and request the City to NOT amend the Official Plan as per City File No.: D09-003-2024. Also, if you wish to be notified of the decision of the City of Kingston on the proposed Official Plan Amendment make a written request to:
City of Kingston, Planning Services
216 Ontario Street, Kingston, ON K7L 2Z3 

Sincerely,
Friends of Butternut Creek

4. Switch Event re Carbon Capture and Storage Program, June 6, 2025 8 am
Received from Paul MacLatchy, Environment Director, City of Kingston, May 27

Just an FYI that switchontrio.ca is proud to be hosting a free learning session at 8am on June 6 that will feature X-Prize winners Canadian Wollastonite and UNDO Carbon’s highly successful carbon capture and storage program using locally sourced wollastonite mineral.

There is no cost and anyone can log on to this presentation.
Here’s the link: https://www.switchontario.ca/event-6197140

Please feel free to pass this opportunity along to others in your network of environmentally-minded people.

Thanks,
Paul MacLatchy
Environment Director
City of Kingston

5. Second Annual Inclusive Fun Fair Returns to Shannon Park on June 7
Received from the City of Kingston, May 23, 2025

The Inclusive Play Project, in proud partnership with the City of Kingston and the Rotary Clubs of Kingston, Kingston-Frontenac, Cataraqui and Napanee, is excited to announce the second annual Inclusive Fun Fair on Saturday, June 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Shannon Park.
This accessible, inclusive and family-friendly event promises a full day of celebration and connection, with something for everyone. Families can enjoy live music, a BBQ and an interactive KidsZone, visit more than 40 local agencies hosting games and activities, an artisan vendor market, a photobooth, and so much more — all in the spirit of community and inclusion.
Admission to the event is free, but donations will be graciously accepted with 100 per cent of all funds raised supporting the Inclusive Play Project and City of Kingston’s first inclusive and accessible playground in our community.
“This event is about creating a space where every child, family member, and community member feels welcome,” says Rachel Doornekamp from the Inclusive Play Project. “Thanks to our incredible partners and generous sponsors, we’re one step closer to building a playground where everyone belongs.”
Special thanks to our presenting sponsors, the Rotary Clubs of Kingston, Frontenac and Napanee, and to our supporting sponsors: Loblaws, Dows ClimateCare, Berg Access, Skycroft Campground, AllCare IT, Aarde Construction, Align Home Health Care and Templeman LLP. For more information, visit: www.inclusiveplayproject.com.
For media inquiries, contact Rachel Doornekamp at 613-331-6270 or inclusiveplayproject@gmail.com.

6. ‘Use it or Lose it’: Kingston to Set New Construction Timeline for Housing Developers
Received from the Kingstonist June 3  Bill Hutchins
https://www.kingstonist.com/news/use-it-or-lose-it-kingston-to-set-new-construction-timeline-for-housing-developers/
City officials say this new process will eliminate a number of existing problems that entailed expensive infrastructure upgrades or stopped other housing projects from going ahead because water-sewer capacity was set aside for someone else. This is on the Council agenda for June 3, 2025 starting at 7 pm.
More info? https://pub-cityofkingston.escribemeetings.com//Meeting.aspx?Id=047e12b7-506e-4e0a-92a4-d6d1a1b571cb&Agenda=Agenda&lang=English

7. City Launches Committees and Working Group Reviews to Strengthen Public Engagement
Received from the City of Kingston June 2

Following Council direction, the City of Kingston is launching a comprehensive review of its committees and working groups. This initiative will assess the mandates of all groups to ensure they are focused on meaningful, results-driven work that respects the time and contributions of participants. 
A key part of this review is hearing from Kingston residents. We want to know what you understand about these groups, what helps you get involved and how you prefer to share your perspective with the City. 
“We’re committed to making public engagement more accessible, inclusive and impactful,” says Derek Ochej, Deputy City Clerk. “Your feedback will help us design better ways for people to participate and be heard in shaping the future of Kingston.” 
The survey is available on Get Involved Kingston from June 2 to June 20. As a thank-you, participants may also enter into a draw to win one of two $50 gift cards to a local business of their choice. 
If you require an alternative format, please call 613-546-0000 or email ContactUs@CityofKingston.ca.

7. Aerosol Art 101: An Introduction to Spray Paint with EroneOne, June 27-29
Received from the Agnes Etherington Art Centre June 2
Those who live in Kingston know the work of EronOne: Daft Brewery’s interiors, rich with pop culture references, Pizza Monster’s vibrant public mural and Chartreuse Flowers’ floral mural which can be seen as one cruises along Division Street.
EronOne is also one of the graffiti artists behind Agnes’s monumental 2022 artwork Transformations, the beloved graffiti project which covered Agnes’s former facades.
In June, EronOne delivers another session of Aerosol Art 101: An Introduction to Spray Paint. Participants develop their sketchbook designs through safe and effective spray-painting methods to bring their vision to life. The workshop culminates in the creation of a collaborative public mural at Doug Fluhrer Park. No prior experience is necessary, and all supplies are included!
Aerosol Art 101 takes place at EronOne’s studio Wherehouse
Aerosol Art 101 is for teen participants. 
Register here: https://agnes.queensu.ca/participate/classes-workshops-camps/aerosol-art-101-intro-to-spray-paint-with-eron-one/
Bursary applications are available.
Dates and Times:
Friday 27 June 6–8 pm
Saturday 28 June, 1–3 pm
Sunday 29 June, 1–5 pm
Love music? Early registrants of Aerosol Art 101 will receive 2 tickets to one of the all-ages SPRING REVERB shows at the Broom Factory, sponsored by Kingston Punk Productions! To be eligible, participants must register for Aerosol Art 101 or apply for a bursary by 9 May 2025.
SPRING REVERB takes place from May 29 to June 1, 2025, throughout downtown Kingston. This annual festival showcases the city’s top emerging musicians alongside an exciting slate of special guest headliners from across Canada.
This program is developed in collaboration with Wherehouse and made possible with the support of the Davies Charitable Foundation, Kingston.
EronOne is an artist located in Kingston, Ontario. He has created several public art pieces within Kingston and the surrounding areas. Over the years, he has crafted a style and aesthetic that is unique to him, incorporating graphic and animated elements with a freestyle collage-like approach. EronOne is known for creating large-scale murals and custom artwork. He is also available for live-painting events and workshops on how to use spray-paint at any age. Get in touch with EronOne for commissions via direct message on his Instagram account @eronone or email him at eronone@hotmail.com.

8. Rodden Park Edible Food Forest & Little Forest Initiative
Received from the Portsmouth District Community Association May 31
Ed’s Note: This is such a wonderful initiative.  Might be great to replicate in the downtown?
An initiative under the Kingston Community Gardens program brought 225 Kingston students and residents on April 25th to work on a major project at Rodden Park bounded by Norman Rogers Drive and Byron Crescent. The story of the day’s activities and future plans is given in the link: Rodden Park Edible Food Forest and Little Forest
This initiative in Portsmouth District follows on from the successful planting of a Little Forest behind the Senior’s Centre on Francis St.  Congratulations and many thanks to the organizers, volunteers and students who have made these projects happen.

9. City of Kingston’s Heritage Management Plan Survey
Received from the Portsmouth District Community Association, May 31

Heritage Management Plan survey
The City of Kingston is developing a new Heritage Management Plan, a guiding framework to celebrate, protect and share the diverse stories, spaces and cultures that shape our city. The Heritage Management Plan (the Plan) will strengthen Kingston’s powerful historical narrative by weaving together heritage planning, conservation, museums and programs into a comprehensive strategy for sharing the city’s stories—both within the community and with the world. This survey is part of a broader public engagement process designed to reflect the voices, values and visions of the Kingston community.
We want to hear from you!
Your input will help us understand what heritage means to Kingstonians today, whose stories need greater recognition, and how we can shape a more inclusive, equitable and forward-looking approach to heritage. Whether you’ve called Kingston home for decades or just arrived, your voice matters.
The survey is divided into four sections:

1. SECTION 1: Your Connection to Kingston – This section helps us understand your relationship to the city and what heritage means to you personally.
2. SECTION 2: Heritage is Space & Place – This section explores the physical spaces—buildings, landmarks and landscapes—that shape Kingston’s identity and legacy.
3. SECTION 3: Heritage is People & Culture – This section looks at the stories, traditions and cultural expressions that define Kingston’s past and present.
4. SECTION 4: Demographics – This section gathers optional information to ensure diverse voices are represented and help us understand who we’re hearing from.

This survey should take approximately 10–15 minutes to complete. For more information on the process, please visit the project page: www.getinvolved.cityofkingston.ca/heritage-management-plan
Let’s shape a heritage plan that reflects all of Kingston—past, present, and future.
Notice of Collection
All information received will be compiled and considered by staff for use under the purposes of this site. Information will be collected and used in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and other relevant privacy legislation. All comments made on this site are available to the public and may form part of public records.
The City will give written notice in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act to affected persons before granting a request for access to a record created through this survey if it includes personal information that the City has reason to believe might constitute an unjustified invasion of personal privacy.
Learn more about the City’s accountability and transparency responsibilities on our website: https://www.cityofkingston.ca/council-and-city-administration/accountability-and-transparency/

10. Kingston Celebrates Recreation and Parks MonthReceived from the City of Kingston May 30

June is Recreation and Parks Month, and the City of Kingston is joining municipalities across Ontario in encouraging residents to enjoy our parks and recreation services that foster personal health, strong communities, and social inclusion. 
“With summer right around the corner, we encourage residents to visit any of our spectacular parks and enjoy the warmer weather along with their families and friends,” said Tony Gargaro, manager of Recreation and Leisure Services, City of Kingston. “We’re proud to offer a number of ways to explore the great outdoors, try a new activity or connect with others in our community.” 
Check out these events and programs happening in Kingston this June: 

• June 7: Culligan Water Park opens for the 2025 season Go shopping at the Kingston Public Market at Springer Market Square or the Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market  
• June 20-22: Skeleton Park Arts Festival
• June 21: K-Town Kids Triathlon
• June 21: National Indigenous People’s Day presented by the Kingston Native Centre and Language Nest at Confederation Park Drop-in to join a sport, swim or fitness class  
• Just for fun, Mayor Bryan Paterson is celebrating Recreation and Parks Month by participating in the “Mayor’s Cornhole Challenge” on June 18, competing against other mayors in the area to become the official “Mayor of the Boards.”
• Visit any of our over 200 parks and green spaces! Stroll, roll, bike or splash your way through the City at any of our outdoor parks, playgrounds and splashpads. 

About June is Recreation and Parks Month
June is Recreation and Parks Month is an initiative of Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO). PRO is a non-profit association of leaders in recreation and parks that advances the health, social, and environmental benefits of quality recreation and parks. For more information on PRO, please visit www.prontario.org

11. Kingston Peace Council Movie Night1
Received from Kingston Peace Council, June 3, 2025 via Facebook
What: Movie Night Alex Garland’s latest film Warfare
Where: 99 York
When: June 10 at 7:30 pm
“A surveillance mission goes wrong for a platoon of American Navy SEALs in insurgent territory in Iraq.” Rated 14A The film contains some content that may not be suitable for younger audiences, such as intense violence, gore, and mature themes
This will feature a pre-film presentation by Peace Council President John on the subject of interventionism, antiwar cinema, and the Canadian peace movement in the age of Mark Carney.
BYO Snacks, bathrooms and kitchen on site.
Support us here: https://www.gofundme.com/…/y4vbj-kingston-peace…/cl/s…

12. Cycle Kingston Cycle Week, June 1 – June 5
Lots of fun stuff happening. Including joining Mayor Paterson for aa bike ride and breakfast on June 6 and a Community Ride in downtown Kingston on June 4.
Check out the webpage – cyclekingston.ca/events.html

13. No Clearcuts Kingston Update
Received June 3, 2025
Editor’s  Note: Useful updates on the city’s tree cover and those abusing it.
Included in this edition: Collins Creek (4085Bath Rd) Development – Total Clearcut Averted
Knox Farm Biogas/Biosolids Facility
The Tannery Development
A More Extensive Urban Boundary Expansion Proposal
http://substack.com@bcktrees?utm_source=top-search

14. National Indigenous Peoples’ Day Kingston
Found on the City’s webpage
https://www.cityofkingston.ca/arts-culture-and-events/city-calendar-and-events/feature-events/national-indigenous-peoples-day/
National Indigenous Peoples Day
National Indigenous Peoples Day honours the diverse cultures, traditions and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. This year’s celebration includes a ceremony, performances, workshops and storytelling. Presented by the Kingston Native Centre and Language Nest with support from the City of Kingston.
Admission to this event is free.
When and where? 
Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Confederation Park (216 Ontario St.), from 1 to 6 p.m.
What’s happening

• Opening Ceremony
• Music, storytelling and dancing
• Workshops
• Kids zone
  • 24′ Rock Climbing Wall
  • Corn Maze Inflatable
• Food vendors
• Vendor market

Getting there
You can walk, bike, ride Kingston Transit or drive and park downtown.
Transit
Confederation Park is accessible via Kingston Transit. Visit the KT Trip Planner to plan your route. Kids 14 and under ride for free!
Parking
There is limited street parking around Confederation Park and Ontario Street will be closed. Attendees can use public transit or use paid street parking on adjacent streets. Accessible parking is available in the Ontario Brock lot (enter off of Ontario Street) and on Brock Street next to Confederation Park.
What to bring

• A reusable water bottle to fill up at the Water Buggy courtesy of Utilities Kingston
• Cash or card (ATMs are available nearby and several vendors accept debit/credit)

 Accessibility information 

• Confederation Park is fully accessible. Some activities will take place on the grass.
• Accessible restrooms are available inside the Visitor Information Centre. Additional accessible restrooms are located inside City Hall where there is one single-stall non-gendered restroom.
• Water bowls will be available for guide dogs at the Special Events Office information booth.  

If you have any specific accessibility needs, please email specialeventsoffice@cityofkingston.ca.   
Weather
This event happens rain or shine. The event will only be cancelled if it becomes unsafe to be outside. Some activities may need to stop temporarily if it is raining but will restart after conditions allow.

15. List of Many June Events courtesy Councillor Chaves.  Thanks so much!
Received June 2
June 4-5th:  Kingston Climate Summit – Biosciences Complex, 116 Barrie Street 9am-3pm
Home | Kingston Climate Summit
June 6: Unity Way Day of Caring:
Day of Caring – United Way of KFL&A
June 7: Inclusive Play Fair – Shannon Park:   10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Inclusive Fun Fair | Facebook
June 7th: Kingston Waters Cleanup – Gord Edgar Downie Pier    9:00 am – 1:00pm
Kingston Waters Clean Up 2025 | Facebook
June 7th:Westbrook United 100th Anniversary Community Party: 11:00am – 3:00pm
Westbrook United 100th Anniversary COMMUNITY PARTY ALL AGES | Facebook
June 7th: Portugal Day Multicultural Event – Our Lady of Fatima Parish Hall: 12:30pm-3:00pm
June 8th: Italia Day BBQ Patio Party – 1174 Italia Ln:  11:00am – 3:00pm
(1) Italia Day! | Facebook
June 14th:  Pride Parade – Leaving from the Kingston Memorial Centre: 12pm – 1pm
(1) Kingston Pride Parade 2025 | Facebook

June 14th:  YGK Craft Beer Fest – Fort Henry: 12:00pm – 8:00pm
(1) Facebook
June 21st: Kingston Kids Triathlon – Kingston Memorial Centre: 7:00am – 3:00pm
Kingston Kids Triathlon 2025 | Facebook
June 21st: Princess Street Promenade – 10am-5pm
June 21st: National Indigenous Peoples Day Event – Confederation Park: 1pm – 6pm
National Indigenous Peoples Day | City of Kingston
June 22nd: Philippine Independence Day Event – Confederation Park: 10:30am – 5:00pm
(1) Philippine Independence Day Celebration @ Kingston, ON | Facebook
June 28th- July 1st: Artfest Kingston – City Park – 10am-5pm
Artfest Kingston in City Park | Facebook

16. Summer Registration for Swimming Lessons and Certifications Now Open
Summer registration opens on Thurs, June 12 at noon. Swimming lesson information is available starting Thurs, May 29 at noon.
https://www.cityofkingston.ca/activities-and-recreation/aquatics-and-swimming/swimming-lessons-and-certifications/

17. Municipal Fee Assistance Program
With rising costs of living, find out if you qualify.
https://www.cityofkingston.ca/community-supports/municipal-fee-assistance-program/
https://www.cityofkingston.ca/news-and-notices/podcasts/

18. Give Away Day June 15th
On City’s webpage
#WasteNotYGK: Giveaway Day is June 15
This Saturday, June 15, is Giveaway Day! Gather the reusable items you no longer want and set them out for neighbours who might like them.   
“Giveaway Days are an effective and unique way to reduce waste in Kingston. When you pick up free secondhand items, you not only save them from landfill – you also reduce the waste associated with packaging and the greenhouse gas emissions associated with manufacturing new goods. Giving away items also helps community members save money,” says Adam Mueller, Supervisor of Solid Waste Disposal.   
Share pictures of your Giveaway Day items on Instagram or Twitter at #WasteNotYGK. 
Giveaway Day Guidelines
Only set out appropriate items that you know someone else might want. 

• Appropriate: Books, CDs, DVDs, furniture and small appliances, electronics, construction materials (including drywall, lumber, hardware), kitchen gadgets, dishes, cutlery, pots and pans and, yes, unwanted gifts.
• Inappropriate: The Consumer Product Safety Bureau of Health Canada advises that these items should not be given away (or picked up): baby walkers, cribs, car seats, strollers, playpens, bath seats, mattresses, blinds and toys. 

How to put items out: 

• Place items at the curb in front of your home. 
• Place stickers or signs on the items with the word ‘FREE.’
• Ensure any items that you do not want taken are kept away from items placed at the curb.
• At the end of the day, bring any uncollected items back into your home. The City will not collect unwanted items left at the curb. Consider donating them to a local charity. 

How to pick items up: 

• Respect other people’s property: don’t walk on lawns or gardens. 
• Take only the items that are marked ‘FREE’ and placed at the curb.
• Don’t leave previously picked up items on the curb at other people’s property. 

https://www.cityofkingston.ca/garbage-and-recycling/collection-calendar/#giveaway-days

19. City Launches Playground Accessibility Public Engagement
Received May 21
The City of Kingston is launching a new Playground Accessibility Plan and inviting residents to help shape its direction. This plan will guide the equitable development, renovation, and enhancement of the City’s playgrounds over the next ten years.
“Play is essential to a child’s development and to the well-being of our communities,” said Amy Elgersma, Director of Recreation and Leisure Services. “With every new playground we build or renovate, we strive to create welcoming, inclusive, and accessible spaces for everyone. The Playground Accessibility Plan will guide us over the next decade to ensure our investments in play are thoughtful, equitable, and responsive to community needs.”
An in-person project workshop for the community takes place on June 11 and an online one is planned for June 12. Complete workshop and project details, are available through the project page on Get Involved Kingston. This is also where you can ask questions and offer feedback as the project moves forward.
Public input is important in developing this plan and will occur in various forms throughout the spring, summer and early fall of 2025. To stay connected and receive updates on future opportunities to provide feedback, visit Get Involved Kingston and follow the project.

20. Cart-based Waste Collection Begins Rolling into Kingston Downtown
Received from the City of Kingston, June 2, 2025
We’re wheely excited – garbage and organics carts are rolling into Kingston! 
Beginning July 1, some neighbourhoods in Kingston will begin transitioning to an automated cart-based waste collection system. Carts for garbage and organics are being distributed to residences in select areas of north, east and west Kingston over the next few weeks.  
Residents are encouraged to check if their address is part of this initial transition on the City website. Enter your street address within the map for results. As we move forward with next phases of this transition, neighbourhoods will be notified in advance of the changeover and the map will be updated.  
Each residence will receive two 120L bins – one for garbage and one for organics. They hold approximately two bags. There is no weight limit for the carts, but the lid must be able to close fully. Carts do not need to be full to be put out for collection. The carts are the property of the City.  
Residents will only receive carts for garbage and organics – blue and grey recycling bins will not be distributed. As of July 1, the City will no longer be responsible for recycling programs. Read more about that provincially mandated change at CityofKingston.ca/Recycle. 
For more information on this transition or how to put out carts for collection, visit CityofKingston.ca/CartCollection. The full cart collection transition is expected to take several years, with most neighbourhoods using carts by 2030.
Interactive map shows which neighbourhoods are transitioning to the new system first. In the first phase, around 15,000 homes in specific areas will make the transition. Updates will be shared in advance as other neighbourhoods begin to transition.l
Editor’s Note: Most of the downtown will be affected.
https://www.cityofkingston.ca/garbage-and-recycling/automated-cart-collection/

FROM FARTHER AFIELD

21.How Canada is advancing autonomous ships and smart ocean technology, Government of Canada, May 22, 2025. Maritime autonomous surface ships, or MASS, are the marine equivalent of self-driving cars or drones and play a crucial role in Canada’s strategic future.

22. Critical Labour and Skills Shortage in Canada’s Marine Transportation Sector: Study, 
Sea News, May 22, 2025 (also appeared at Talent Canada).  A first-of-its-kind comprehensive report, ‘Canadian Seafarers Pathway Study’, has revealed critical labour and skills shortages in the country’s marine transportation sector.  Domestic vessel operators in Canada need to hire 8,300 new workers to meet the industry demand and replace retirees by 2029, which is more than 30 percent of its current workforce.  Canada’s marine training system will not be able to meet labour demands without significant changes. Julia Fields, Executive Director of the Canadian Marine Careers Foundation, said the country’s marine sector is vital to the national economy, not only for its direct contributions, but also for the many industries and communities that rely on efficient marine transport of passengers and cargo.

23. Water levels along Great Lakes staying steady, WOODTV8, June 1, 2025. It has been nearly five years since Lake Michigan and Lake Huron hit record levels, causing aggressive erosion and damaging several lakeside properties.  After five years of steady drops, the lake has returned to average levels and could even stay below the mean this summer. For the month of April, the average water level for Lake Michigan/Huron – hydrologically, just one lake – was 578.35 feet.  That is about 6 inches below the lake’s long-term average and nearly 4 feet below the peak measured in July of 2020.June 1, 2025.

24. Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador Move to Unlock Economic Potential of Offshore Wind
Received from the Government of Canada June 2 – news@notification.canada.ca
Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador Move to Unlock Economic Potential of Offshore Wind – Canada.ca

FOR FUN AND GENERAL INTEREST

25. Wild Ideas! Nature Activities for Family Fun this Summer Received from Watersheds Canada, June 2, 2025 Looking for simple, screen-free ways to keep the kids busy (and happy!) this summer? Join us during Rivers to Oceans Week for Wild Ideas—a laid-back, idea-packed session full of nature-based activities your whole family can enjoy. Whether you are in the city, suburbs, or out at the lake, you will leave this webinar with creative, low-stress ideas to help your family connect with the outdoors all summer long. This session is perfect for parents, grandparents, and educators looking for engaging activities to connect young learners with local nature no matter the weather, your past experience level in nature, or the changes you are seeing in your community due to climate change. Thursday, June 12 at 12pm ET Register now: watersheds.ca/freshwater-stewardship

So that’s it for now.
Cheers,
Mary Farrar, President,
Friends of Kingston Inner Harbour