Scroll down! It has been an amazing season for mushroom hunters!
2) Congrats to all newly elected City Council members and mayor!
3) Safety Petition for Gord Downie Pier
4) Call out for SCUBA divers to investigate turtle hibernation sites.
5) Kingston Mills Locks Rehabilitation
6) Trees in McBurney Park
7) Sing-Along Nov 10 organized by skeletonparkartsfest.ca
8) Third Crossing Early Work Update
9) Brush Clean-Up
10) Bailey Broom Update
11) Belle Park Working Group Update and Belle Island Clean-Up Sat Nov 3
12) Sustainable Transportation for a 21st Century Kingston
13) Light my Ride! Free bike light give-away- Fun Volunteer Opportunity.
14) Your input requested: How should the city spend this money?
15) City Seeking Volunteer Advisors for committees/boards etc.
16) DIA DE LOS MUERTOS, Nov 2-3
Sorry about the incorrect date in the previous update. Take note of this correct date.
What: Normal AGM stuff but refreshments and a chance to see old friends, meet new friends and discuss current issues.
Where: Common Room, Frontenac Village Condo, 1 Place d’Armes.
To get there: Go as far north as possible on King St. You will arrive at the cul-de-sac entry to the parking garage but there won’t be parking available. You can park at Food Basics or in the Anglin Parking Lot. There will be signs at the garage entry as to where to go on foot to get to the party room.
Accessible assistance needed? Contact inverarymary@yahoo.com
When: Tues, Nov 27, 7 pm.
2) Congrats to all newly elected City Council members and mayor!
Sincere congratulations to all those elected. Looks like an amazing group! Sincere sympathy to those who did not succeed. It takes such courage to run for election! Honestly hopeful that this council will care more about our at-risk ecosystems. How can we face our grandchildren if we remain part of the problem?
Phillip Brown is asking the City to close The Gord Downie Pier at night. According to Phillip young people have partied on the former “PUC” Pier on King Street, after the bars close, for years. Today however, with the new prominence of the newly named Gord Edgar Downie Pier he says that the numbers have increased dramatically. There is even a new viral term “AP” (After Party) at The Pier that circulates at the bars. On a warm night dozens of young people are swimming in the dark (sometimes rough and frigid) water, leaving a mess of garbage and broken glass for City staff, disturbing the tranquil evenings and putting themselves in harm’s way by climbing on the various pier structures. His personal concern over the years, which is shared by many according to Phillip, is that someone will drown or be seriously injured late at night. That concern is now amplified with the greater masses of late night partiers. He is making a presentation to City staff and Council Members on Nov 8th and would appreciate your support to CLOSE THE GORD DOWNIE PIER AT NIGHT.
Read more, see a video and photos and see his Change.org petition below.
Phillip says, “If you support this initiative please sign the petition, post on Facebook and forward to friends or colleagues.” Over 500 people have signed his petition so far. https://chn.ge/2yskGrR
We are really hoping to find some SCUBA divers who might consider exploring turtles along with wrecks in KIngston’s Inner Harbour. If you know anyone who might be interested in looking along the Inner Harbour shoreline – as well as having a look at the 14 barge wrecks, do please get in touch! inverarymary@yahoo.com
5) Kingston Mills Lock Rehabilitation
From Parks Canada concerning Rideau Canal National Historic Site, Oct 26, 2018:
“In early November 2018, the contractor for the Kingston Mills Locks 46-49 rehabilitation project will begin mobilizing to site. The locks will undergo major rehabilitation of the historic masonry phased over three non-navigation seasons. Substantial completion of the project is expected in spring 2021.
Work will include stone replacement and repair, repointing and grouting within the locks and select concrete repairs. In order to maintain the historic integrity of the site, careful consideration went into matching the limestone and grout to preserve the historic character of the stonework.
About Kingston Mills
In 1784, to support new Loyalist settlers, the British Government built a saw mill and grist mill at what is now known as Kingston Mills. In 1824, plans for locks along the Cataraqui River were developed to accommodate navigation. As the project advanced, a new plan was adopted that would raise the arch dam, reducing the need for locks between Kingston Mills and Lower Brewers Mills. Historically, the dam provided a basin of water required to operate the grist mill located downstream. Presently, it supports a hydro generating facility.
Beyond its historical importance, Kingston Mills, one of 24 lockstations on the Rideau Canal, is a prime example of engineering mastery. The four limestone locks each have a lift of 3.6 metres and utilize manual methods of opening and closing the lock gates – with push bar, swing bar and endless chain mechanisms.”
This from the McBurney Park Neighbourhood Association:
“Hooray for all the new trees in the park! By my count, there are 14 trees in the park so new and young that they have stakes around them for protection. And 10 of them are so new that the mulch looks really fresh and the red marker tape strips on the stake wires are still brightly flying in the breeze.
The new trees are located in all sectors in the park – some along the outside edges, some along the paved paths, and others right in the middle near the central planter or the playground.
Five of them have memorial plaques:
· one for David Rutenberg in the southeast corner, near Ordnance
· one for Wilson D. Stainton in the central south, near Ordnance at Clergy
· one for Robert & Mina Ferguson in the north, near Balaclava
· one for Stuart Simmers just north of the central planter near the picnic table
· one for Debi Wells between the central planter and the children’s playground
Big thanks to everyone who made this possible, including our neighbourhood’s Simon Smith for his volunteer leadership on trees, Eugene Conners and all other members of the City of Kingston’s staff who made it happen. Let’s all take care of our park’s new trees and hope they thrive.”
7) Sing-Along Nov 10 organized by skeletonparkartsfest.ca
What: Sing-Along led by Georgette Fry and friends. No experience necessary. This family-friendly event includes arts and craft activities, food, beverages and special guest musicians.
When: Sat, Nov 10, 2 pm
Where: Calvary United Church, 45 Charles St. Kingston
More info?: http://skeletonparkartsfest.
East Side Early Work Locations: Early work site activity will occur in the east side area of the bridge alignment on Gore Road west of Highway 15 to the Cataraqui River, including topographic survey, tree survey, utility work and wildlife surveys.
West Side Early Work Locations: Early work site activity will occur in the west side area of the bridge alignment on John Counter Boulevard east of Montreal Street to the Cataraqui River, including archaeological field investigations, topographic survey, tree survey, utility work and wildlife surveys.
Cataraqui River Early Work Locations: Early work site investigations continue in the Cataraqui River area between the east and west side shores at Gore Road and John Counter Boulevard, including bathymetric survey, geotechnical investigations and geo-environmental engineering studies.
Types of Early Work Activity from October 2018 until December 31, 2018
Archaeological field investigations: Studies will be undertaken as part of the requirement to investigate any potential archaeological items in the area.
Bathymetric Survey: As part of analyzing possible construction methods, a bathymetric survey is needed to measure the water depth of the project corridor. This work includes a boat in the water with crew taking water depth measurements.
Geo-environmental engineering: Studies will be carried out in the area including collecting samples from in the water boreholes for chemical analysis to help determine soil characteristics.
Geotechnical Investigations: this includes crews obtaining soil and rock information of the site area in order to design foundations for the bridge structures. Holes will be bored into the bedrock at proposed pier locations to complement existing geo-technical information.
Topographic survey: A survey gathering data about the elevation of points on land will assist designers in determining grades, stormwater, pathway connections, and utility aspects of the project.
Tree survey: Qualified tree surveyors will be gathering info in the project area such as species, health, age and any physical measurements. This information will help in the development of the tree restoration plan.
Wildlife Surveys: Protecting wildlife and their habitat is a key part of conserving Kingston’s biodiversity. As the Third Crossing progresses the project team is working hard to protect the rich variety of life and ecosystem near the future bridge. Experts will conduct surveys of plants and wildlife from the east-side and west-side areas and marine environment. A number of wildlife reports have been completed as part of earlier phases of the project; however additional surveys are needed to satisfy environmental requirements prior to construction taking place.
Contact: thirdcrossing@cityofkingston.
Brush and leaf pick-up is October, leaves in November.
Schedule:http://www.
Application for a Heritage Permit:
https://www.cityofkingston.ca/
The following is from Travis Canadien’s report on the Caretakers of Belle Island Facebook page.
1. They are now consulting with the Local Indigenous Community before they go to the concept stage via Talking Circle(s). December sometime.
2. Removal, Complete removal, of the two golf cart bridges, are not an issue to make a reality in the following year… Dredging to promote water flow is a separate issue (removal of the golf cart bridges was designed to resolve the collapse of the one bridge) that will be addressed with guidance from the Belle Island Committee and Traditional Chiefs who signed the Accord.
3. Suggestion about placing Tiny Homes on a section of the Park to aid/ease the Homeless Community is a no go because there is concrete restrictions from building residential housing on a site that was once was a garbage dump.
4. Removal of the debris that is clogging the 911 bridge’s culvert will be done at the next Shoreline cleaning of Belle Park and Island. Previously, it happened on Earth Day.
Belle Island Clean-Up Sat Nov 3, noon til 5. All welcome!
Meet at the bridge to the island at noon or come when you can.
Jeff Mann’s Update on his Trillium Grant initiative we agreed to support under our umbrella:
“Last year I appeared at your general meeting, on behalf of myself and others, and asked for your support in applying for a Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) Grant. You generously agreed and we set out on what has turned out to be a confusing and difficult path.
First, the good news, FKIH is, or will soon be, registered with the OTF. This allows all the other steps of the application to proceed. AND we decided on a name (which you see above). (STICK?)
Now, the not so good news. The Collective Impact Grant which would have allowed us to take a comprehensive and inclusive approach to the issue of transportation was terminated by the OTF for what I think were sound reasons. Unfortunately, the TRANSFORM grant which was the new improved version has been put on hold indefinitely. So we will need to use the somewhat more restrictive vehicle of the SEED grant. We will be starting meetings soon to develop the application for this grant. If you would like to be part of the process please contact me, Jeff Mann at jeffautomann@fastmail.com”
13) Light my Ride! Free Bike Light Give Away – Fun Volunteer Opportunity
Light My Ride (LMR),s Cycle Kingston’s annual cycling safety awareness campaign, is really a lot of fun. This year LMR starts Thurs, Nov 1st. This program is always around the change back from daylight savings time to standard time as a reminder to cyclists that a white front light and a back red light are necessary for safety and also required by law. Volunteers set up at various locations around Kingston to talk with cyclists and distribute free lights (provided this year by the City of Kingston) to those riding at dusk or in the evening without lights. Volunteers always appreciated!
More info? www.cyclekingston.ca.
Contact: Hal Cain at veloist360@gmail.com.
“KINGSTON, ONT./Oct. 30, 2018 – Between now and Nov. 27, the City of Kingston wants to hear how you would spend the Kingston Solar LP Community Benefit Fund.
Designed to help improve natural and recreational areas, this fund is part of an agreement with Kingston Solar LP (Samsung), which is contributing $1,250 per megawatt of power produced by their solar project to the City. Within the City’s boundaries, the project generates 73.6 megawatts, which makes the company’s annual contribution to the fund more than $92,000.
“The balance of the fund with 2019 contributions is approximately $95,225, and we want to hear ideas from residents on how this money should be invested into our community,” says Julie Salter-Keane, community projects manager with the City.
Projects that meet the fund’s criteria for consideration include:
- Planting trees in the public right-of-way and on private properties in the area of the Kingston Solar LP (Samsung) properties.
- Park improvements in the rural area of Kingston.
- Acquisition of parkland/natural lands in the rural area of Kingston.
To share ideas online, visit getinvolved.
To share ideas in person, residents can attend a rural advisory committee meeting on Nov. 26 at the Glenburnie Fire Station, 1485 Unity Rd. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.
“We are looking forward to all the great ideas the public brings forward,” says Salter-Keane.
Collected since 2015, the fund has so far been used to plant approximately 2,000 trees near the solar project, replace a play structure, plant trees and build a shade structure at Elginburg Public School.”
Help shape your community. Volunteer for one of the City of Kingston committees, boards, commissions or working groups now seeking informed advice from committed Kingstonians.
The City is seeking new members for the following:
Advisory Committees
· Arts Advisory Committee
· Lemoine Point CRCA Advisory Committee
· Heritage Kingston
· Housing and Homelessness Advisory Committee
· Kingston Environmental Advisory Forum
· Rural Advisory Committee
Legislated Committees and Boards
· Appeals Committee
· Committee of Adjustment
· Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee
· Taxi Commission
Agencies and Boards
· Kingston Access Services
· Kingston Economic Development Board of Directors
· Kingston Frontenac Public Library Board
· Kingston Police Services Board
· Milton Cemetery Board
· Pine Grove Cemetery Board
Working Groups
· Belle Park Working Group
· Central Kingston Growth Strategy Community Working Group
· North King’s Town Secondary Plan Community Working Group
· Planning Advisory Working Group
Those interested in serving must be 18 years or older, a resident/business owner in Kingston, and be either a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, a person who has been given permanent resident status by immigrating to Canada but is not a Canadian Citizen, and has resided in Kingston for at least one year.
Apply by Nov. 20 at 4:30 p.m. online at www.CityofKingston.ca/
16) DIA DE LOS MUERTOS
What: This wonderful inclusive event gives us the opportunity to appreciate our ancestors and to think about death and its implications in both a spiritual and practical way. It is happening once again for the 4th year. We are always happy to support Yessi Rivera Belsham and Ollin as we have been partners for many celebrations over the past few years.
Where: Lady of Fatima Parish, 588 Division St.
When: Friday, Nov 2 and Sat, Nov 3.
Fri, Nov 2:
11:00 am – 3:00 pm: End of Life Symposium – Cross-cultural and interfaith speakers sharing perspectives on end-of- life care, grief, burials, bereavement and more.
3:00 – 4:00 pm: Death Cafe – Open discussion and dialogue to connect, share on topics relating to life and death
4:00 – 6:00 pm: Ollin Soundscapes – A journey through sound and voice in the spirit of remembrance.
NOTE: Bring mat or blanket if you wish to lie on the floor.
Sat, Nov 3:
11:00 am – 4:00 pm: Celebration of Life – Opening Ceremony, Traditional Food Vendors, drumming, singing and dancing. Family/kids activities including Face Painting. Open Community Altar in remembrance of loved ones Educational and Community Displays. Sisters in Spirit Tribute, and more.
8:00 pm – 2:00 am: iTumboo! MTL (a 19+ event)
At the Grad Club, 162 Barrie St. A Montreal DJ Collective spinning classic & vintage Afro/Latin vinyl all night. Advance tickets: tumbooygk@eventbrite.ca
More info? https://www.facebook.com/
Once again, thank you all so much for subscribing to these ominously long updates.
Cheers,
Mary Farrar, President,
Friends of Kingston Inner Harbour
www.friendsofinnerharbour.com