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April Newsletter 2025

Dear Friends of Kingston Inner Harbour,
Thanks so much SkEYEStream for this gorgeous picture “Before the Ice Storm”.
Also, in case you haven’t seen it, have a look at this uplifting video along with the backstory entitled “Local Retired Teacher Battling Tariffs through Song from Quinte News.
https://www.quintenews.com/2025/02/26/351509/ Thanks so much Barb Schlafer.
A totally amazing exhilarating song “We Will Survive by retired secondary school teacher Gord Moran of Prince Edward County repurposing the 1978 hit by Gloria Gaynor.
You will be uplifted. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8peiLVFsLdw

Here are the first couple of verses:
“At first we were afraid.  We were petrified.
Kept thinking we could never live without you by our side.
And we spent so many nights thinking how you did us wrong.
Now we’ve banded all together. Your tariff made us strong.
And so you know. You’re not so great.
There’s not a snowball’s chance in hell we’ll be your 51st state
We should have told you this before. You don’t believe this but it’s true
You really need our resources far more than we need you!
So now just go.  Walk out the door
We do not need you.  You’re not welcome anymore
Weren’t you the one that instigated these trade fights.
You’ll soon grow to regret it when we turn off your lights
Canada.  We will survive. As long as we can think and work we know we’ll stay alive
We have all we really need. We can live without your greed.
We will survive. We will survive.”

LOCAL NEWS, ISSUES AND EVENTS
1. Signs Up. Election On
2. Amazing New Newsletters from Councillor Lisa Osanic
3. Council votes “no” to New Subcommittees on Housing and Homelessness
4. Mark the 2025 City Feature Events Schedule in your Calendar
5. North King’s Town Secondary Plan Update
6. Kingston Symphony Vinyl Records Sale
7. Forest Management Strategy, City of Kingston
8. 2025 Spring Pitch-In Only Weeks Away! For FKIH? Sat, April 19 on trail
9. Earth Day Inner Harbour Event with City Flats
10. Enhanced Transit Service to begin May 2025
11. Downtown High Rise Next to Marine Museum to be Developed?
12. Copper Theft Threatens Public Safety & Power Reliability, Warns Utilities
13. First Capital Distinguished Citizen Award + the Honourable Achievement Award
14. Green Burial Kingston News
15. Call for Applications: 2025 Local Arts Residency at Kingston Grand Theatre
16. The 2025 Kingston Prize is Now Officially Open for Submissions!

FROM FARTHER AFIELD
17.The feds’ flagship innovation fund doled out $229M in the last two weeks,
18. As Line 5 tunnel set to be fast-tracked, Great Lakes tribes withdraw from cooperating on environmental review
19.‘It will lead to a catastrophe:’ U.S. federal job cuts will harm the Great Lakes, Canadian scientists say,

FOR FUN AND GENERAL INTEREST
20. Heritage Hour: The Illegal Fur Trade at Fort Frontenac
21. Wanna Go For a Walk?
22. Canada’s Housing Catalogue is Here for Ontario
23. Guelph Fights to End Enbridge’s Free Ride” on Public Land
24. Clean Electrification is the Nation-building Project We Need
25. Summer Job Opportunity at Root Radical
26. The Reason Dementia Rates Are Rising is Surprisingly Simple.
27. Nature Canada Resources – Every Kid Should Connect with Nature.
28. Analysis: Concerned About Western Alientation? Blame the Bay
29. I Thought My Body was Safe from Microplastics.  I was Wrong
30. Twenty-five Things to Do in Kingston This April
31. Spring Scavenger Hunts From Little Pine Learners

LOCAL NEWS, ISSUES AND EVENTS.
1. Signs Up. Election On
Received from Vickischmolka@substack.com
Candidates:
Mark Gerretsen, Liberal
https://markgerretsen.ca/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Fintan Hartnett, Green
https://www.fintanhartnett.ca/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Daria Juudi-Hope, NDP – https://dariandp.ca/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
BryanPaterson,Conservative – https://www.bryan4kingston.ca/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Ronald Perry, People’s Party –
https://www.peoplespartyofcanada.ca/candidate/ronald-perry?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

Here’s voting information from Elections Canada.

– Vote on election day (Monday, April 28) at their assigned polling station

– Vote on advance polling days (Friday, April 18; Sat, April 19; Sun, April 20; and Mon, April 21 at their assigned polling station

– Vote early at any Elections Canada office across the country (until Tuesday, April 22, 6 p.m.)

– Vote by mail: Electors must apply by Tuesday, April 22, 6 p.m. and return their special ballot by mail (deadlines apply) or in person at their local Elections Canada office before polls close on election day.

Electors planning to return their special ballot by mail should plan ahead and make sure there is enough time to receive a voting kit and return their completed ballot to Elections Canada by the deadline indicated in their kit. 

Editor’s Suggestion:  I find this Substack guy interesting. His posts include X posts by both Poilievre and Carney. – colenotcole@substack.com
2. Amazing New Newsletters from Councillor Lisa Osanic
Received March 26, 2024 – Councillor Lisa Osanic –losanic@cityofkingston.ca
Editor’s Note: This is a truly wonderful summary of what’s happening in Kingston – and shorter than mine -lol.  Do consider subscribing.

We have heavy precipitation starting on Friday forecast over the weekend and the CRCA has issued flood warnings for the inner lakes and rivers.   Please be careful around the water. 

Registration for the Spring session of Swim Lessons – starting 12 noon on April 3rd

Spring Cleaning – Giveaway Days start up soon – Saturday April 12th

  • The dates this year to put anything you want to give away for free at the curb will be held on Saturday, April 12, Saturday, June 14, Saturday, August 16, and Saturday, October 11.
  • Whatever you have leftover, you can donate or post on Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace
  • Or………. 

KEYS Employment & Newcomer Services is looking for Furniture Donations for refugees

  • Kingston Youth Employment Services is looking for free furniture donations
  • Contact: Tarek Elmaghraby (he/him), Max Gries (they/them), and Matthew Horseman (he/him)
  • Tarek Cell: (613) 876-0732, Max Cell: (613) 453-2064, Matthew Cell: (613) 888-2451
  • Or VolunteerWithRefugees@keys.ca
  • In good condition, lightly used:
    • Kitchen items (utensils, dishes, cookware, cutlery)
    • Lamps
    • Small rugs
    • Nightstands
    • Curtains
    • Dining tables and chairs
    • Sofas, couches, and loveseats
    • Light desks
    • Side tables
    • Coffee tables
    • Small to medium-sized TV (flat LED or Smart TVs)
    • Cell Phones
    • Strollers 

Reiteration of the new Garbage Pick Up (automated arms) starting this summer – West of Collins Bay Road

  • Just wanted to mention that when we get the new garbage bins, if you have excess garbage that won’t fit in your bin and you put a bag tag on it, please place the garbage bag 1 metre (3 feet) away from the garbage bin.   The automated arms need room to lift the garbage bin
  • Reycling will remain with the grey bins and blue boxes that we currently have and place them over 1 metre away from the garbage bin as well
  • Stay tuned for details as the rollout approaches

Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) Update

  • The ASE cameras are scheduled to be relocated during the first week of April at the next two sites, on Kirkpatrick Street (near Kingston Secondary School) and Unity Road (near Elginburg Public School).
  • www.cityofkingston.ca/ASE  

Downtown Parking Fees will be increasing April 1st

  • Our parking meters and parking garages are funding through parking fees
  • The parking meters in the downtown will be increasing effective April 1st 

Now Renting: Affordable and Market Housing at 1316 Princess Street
Kingston & Frontenac Housing Corporation are currently completing the initial rent-up of affordable and market units in the six-storey, 92-unit mixed-income apartment building at 1316 Princess Street. The project includes 10 rent-geared-to-income units and 42 affordable housing units with below-market rents (60% to 80% of average market rent), along with 40 market units. It is conveniently located near express transit, a grocery store and various commercial locations. The development was supported by funding from all three levels of government and constructed on land provided by the City.

Transitional Housing for Women at Ridley Drive
In 2020, the City acquired the former retirement home at 805 Ridley Drive as part of its pandemic emergency housing response, with municipal and provincial funding. The east wing was previously renovated to create 12 affordable apartment units operated by Dawn House Women’s Services, which supports vulnerable women. The west wing has been renovated into an 18-bedroom transitional housing space, also operated by Dawn House, providing housing stability and support services. These east and west wing renovations were funded by provincial and federal contributions. Each room includes a private washroom, mini-fridge and microwave, while residents share kitchens and amenity areas. The facility now includes 12 independent units and 18 transitional bedrooms for vulnerable women. 
Mayor’s Civic Awards Nominations are open and close April 18th

Heritage Property Grant Program – Apply by March 31st

Forest Management Strategy introduction webinar – Thursday April 3rd 6pm-8pm Zoom

Friday March 28th is the last day to order a tree for your backyard or frontyard

  • Neighbourhood Tree Planting Program is offering discounted trees to Kingston property owners to enhance their property and help grow the city’s vibrant tree canopy.
  • The City has 11 species available for purchase. Trees will be available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Property owners within the city can purchase up to three (3) trees per property for $20 each (HST included).
  • Pickup of trees will be the Friday and Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend. Orders can be placed online, by phone or in person at select City locations.
  • Visit https://www.cityofkingston.ca/climate-change-and-environment/trees-and-nature/neighbourhood-tree-planting-program/ for complete details. 

Jane’s Walks starting in May

  • Check the website for the locations of this year’s walks that will be posted soon with the walks starting in May
  • There were 20 Jane Walks last year and the locations are posted below
  • https://janeswalkkingston.wordpress.com/ 

Follow the Migration of this year’s Hummingbirds back to Ontario

Free New Online Daily Newsletter in Kingston called YGK Today
To subscribe, go to  https://ygktoday.beehiiv.com/subscribe?ref=kD95QjHnv4
Lisa Osanic (she/her), Councillor – Collins-Bayridge
599 Rankin Cr. Kingston, ON K7M 7K6  613-389-7336 , www.lisaosanic.ca
Join my distribution list to get District Updates emailed to you.  Just let me know!
losanic@cityofkingston.ca

3. Council votes “no” to New Subcommittees on Housing and Homelessness
+ Strategies for the City in the Face of U.S. Tariffs
+ North King’s Town Now Has New Planning Rules
+Thursday’s Planning Committee Meeting on Homestead’s 19 Storey Waterfront Building Postponed
+Condolences to the Family and Friends of Former Councillor Leonore Foster
Received from Vicki Schmolka via Substack – vickischmolka@substack.com
Editor’s Note: If you haven’t already subscribed to this I truly recommend it as well.

4. Mark the 2025 City Feature Events Schedule in your Calendar
Received from the City March 20, 2025
Call for Vendors and Volunteers 
We’re looking for vendors who would like to participate in any (or all!) of this year’s Feature Events. Vendors can be food trucks, artisans, service providers or anything in between.
Contact the Special Events Team at https://www.cityofkingston.ca/careers-and-volunteering/volunteering/special-events-volunteer/ to learn more about this opportunity.  
And our events couldn’t be a success without dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers. Our volunteers assist in essential tasks such as setting up or tearing down event materials, manning information booths, supervising bouncy castles and more! You can apply online to become a Special Events Volunteer. 

Mark the 2025 City Feature Events schedule in your calendar 
May 17: Spring into Summer presented by Utilities Kingston at Lake Ontario Park
June 21: National Indigenous Peoples Day at Confederation Park 
July 1: Canada Day at Confederation Park & Springer Market Square 
July 25: Rockin’ the Square at Springer Market Square 
August 1: Emancipation Day at Confederation Park 
Sept. 21: Intercultural Arts Festival at Confederation Park  
Dec. 31: K-Town Countdown at the INVISTA Centre

5. North King’s Town Secondary Plan Update
Received from The Kingsonist March 19, 2025
https://www.kingstonist.com/city-hall/kingston-city-council-approves-highrise-apartment-clusters-along-montreal-street-corridor/

Editor’s Notes:  A number of us were concerned about the change in height from 12 storeys in earlier renditions of the North Kings Town Secondary Plan to 20 storeys in the version that passed at Council, especially the extreme density at the Rideau, Railway, and Montreal St. intersection! It remains sad that 20 storey buildings are in the plan because high rises are not communities.  The 15-minute community was the Vision that was developed with the Working Group. Further, McBurney Park is the most densely populated part of the city and not a high rise in sight – small lots with small houses divided into small apartments.

Now, we are hearing via the grapevine that most developers want to build and sell soon after completion. They don’t want to manage buildings for 20 years to recoup their investments.  They say they can’t make money by flipping unless the buildings are as high as 20 storeys.
I  asked councillors about the possibility of eliminating the brownfield clean-ups if houses could just be placed on capped land – put on slabs like what is proposed at the Tannery. 
Thanks Councillor Stephen for asking staff and thanks to both for getting back so promptly. 

Here are my questions with responses from City Staff in red.
1. Evidently developers want to do the clean-up and then sell.  They don’t want to wait 20 years managing the building that would be required to make a profit.
Further, given this scenario, developers claim they have to be over 12 storeys to make it worth their effort. 
In our experience, remediation of brownfield properties typically occurs through the redevelopment process and not before. Incentivizing the redevelopment of brownfield properties will result in less environmental contamination and additional housing opportunities within the community – both of which are benefits.

2. It would seem best if the city could do the assessments to find out how much the clean-up would cost.  Then the developer would have a realistic idea from the outset of how much it would cost to do the work and they wouldn’t have to inflate expected costs in order to be sure they would be covered. 
The intensification areas identified within NKT are primarily privately owned lands. The City cannot complete environmental assessments on privately owned lands. Environmental remediation is technical in nature and governed through provincial legislation, rather than municipal by-laws. Costs can vary greatly depending on the type and extent of contamination and method of remediation, which is often tailored to a specific development application.

Other options raised by Bob McInnes at a meeting with him and me and Councillor Greg Ridge was that the City do initial assessments of the properties to have a sense of potential cost, or that the City actually do the brownfield work themselves. That would certainly make it easier for developers and might mean that 20 storeys might not be necessary.

6. Kingston Symphony Vinyl Records Sale
Received from the Kingston Symphony Volunteers March 27, 2025 
Sale Dates:

  • Thursday, April 3, 2025 – 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Friday, April 4, 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 5, 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, April 6, 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Details
From Pop/Rock to Jazz/Blues, Classical to Big Band, Folk to Country, the Vinyl Records Sale has albums to satisfy every possible musical taste! This is your chance to get great deals on classic LPs. You’ll also find a wide selection of audio equipment including receivers, speakers, and turntables. We have thousands of CDs and DVDs/Blu-ray, with individual titles as well as series and box sets. At this sale, our Platinum Lounge, the home of collectibles and rare items, has over 250 albums as well as harder-to-find CDs, box sets, and DVD sets.
The Vinyl Records Sale is a bi-annual fundraising event run by the Kingston Symphony Volunteers in support of the Kingston Symphony. Cash, credit, and debit are accepted as payment.
Details + map showing how to get there: 
https://www.kingstonsymphony.ca/events/vinyl-records-sale

7. Forest Management Strategy, City of Kingston
Received March 18, 2025
The City of Kingston is working with diamondheadconsulting.com to prepare a Forest Management Strategy that will provide new insights into Kingston’s urban forest, as well as various directions related to its management. The strategy will guide the City in the sustainable growth of our tree canopy and provide regulatory and policy recommendations for consideration as the City considers updates to its tree bylaw and Official Plan.   
We invite you to join us for a community workshop to learn more about this project (objectives, scope, methodology and timelines), share your thoughts, and contribute to shaping the future of the City of Kingston’s Forest Management Strategy. We would also like to receive feedback from the community on the existing tree-related policies and programs and explore how we can best plan for the future of our forest management.  

This community workshop is intended for individuals connected to community groups, organizations and non-profits and will explore various themes such as:  
Maintenance: What practices can we undertake operationally, to best support the urban forest given the modern range of threats faced?   
Management: What steps can we take as a corporation to best ensure we are supporting the urban forest and our urban forest management team?   
Monitoring: How will we know if the Forest Management Strategy is successful? How will we track its rollout?  
Planting: Are we planting enough trees, the right type of trees, and in the right places?  
Planning and Protection: Are we striking the right balance in terms of protecting our trees while allowing our community to grow?  
Stewardship: What opportunities do you see to utilize community capacities and knowledge in urban forest management? 
When: April 3, 2025, 6 to 8 p.m. 
Where: Virtual Zoom Meeting 
Format: 30-minute presentation followed by 90-minute discussion.  
Registration:https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/sQNt-QcGQsKdAiA0E0G_qw
Get Involved + More Info? 

Sign up for updates: Use the follow project feature to be added to our newsletter list. You’ll receive news and updates as the project progresses and when new content is added to this site.
Participate in a workshop: Virtual workshops are scheduled on April 2, 3 and 4.They will include a short presentation followed by a facilitated discussion on specific questions and themes.
April 2 is focused on the Indigenous community,
April 3 is geared towards interested and impacted community groups and individuals, and
April 4 is planned for those in industries and fields impacted by forest management.
We are reaching out to invite participants but you can also mail GetInvolved@CityofKingston.ca(External link) and indicate which workshop you would like to attend.
Highlight important trees and areas: Is there a tree you love? A particular woodland area? Or something unique or special you want the project team to know about? Use the map tool below to Drop a pin or pins on a map and let us know what is special, unique or important about it; you can also include pictures.
Tell us a story: Use the stories tab below to tell us what your vision for the City of Kingston’s forest is in 20 years. What does a successful Forest Management Strategy include, and what impact has it had on Kingston by 2045?
Attend an open house: On April 17, drop by the Kingston East Community Centre anytime between 7:15 p.m. and 9 p.m. We’ll have project information available, including key findings from the background review and the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.
Go for a walk in the woods: Join us on May 6 at City Park at 5:30 p.m. Staff from the City’s forestry department will lead a walk through the park to talk about the significance of this mixed urban forest. The starting location within the park is to be confirmed; register for free to confirm your attendance(External link) – . https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/urban-forest-walk-forest-management-strategy-public-engagement-tickets-1297062792729?aff=oddtdtcreator&lang=en-ca&amp=&locale=en_CA&status=30&view=listing
Take our survey: This survey asks specific questions about your vision and priorities related to Kingston’s forest. The survey closes May 11. https://getinvolved.cityofkingston.ca/forest-management-strategy?tool=story_telling_tool#tool_tab
If you are unable to attend this workshop but would like to provide feedback, please let us know. We can provide a copy of the discussion questions and you can provide written responses. 
Please feel free to forward this email to other contacts who may be interested in participating in this project. Additional information on the Forest Management Strategy is available on Get Involved Kingston you can also sign up for project updates. Questions can be directed to the undersigned. 
Mary Mayberry, Supervisor, Forestry,
ISA Certified Arborist, ON-1648A, Public Works Dep’t, City of Kingston,
mmayberry@cityofkingstoon.ca

8. 2025 Spring Pitch-In Only Weeks Away!
Received from Sustainable Kingston March 24, 2025 
Editor’s Note: FKIH will be cleaning up the section of the K&P Trail starting at Rideau and River Sts. and going up to Belle Park – Sat, April 19 starting at 9 am.   ALL WELCOME!!!
Thanks so much Main St. Market and Bread and Butter Bakery for free coffee and goodies – as always

Sustainable Kingston, in cooperation with the City of Kingston’s Solid Waste and Public Works departments and the Rotary Club of Kingston, is excited to announce Spring Pitch-In 2025.
Taking place over the week of April 19 – 27, this annual event will coincide with Earth Day, Tues, April 22,2025. Last year close to 1,000 Kingston residents rolled up their sleeves and removed hundreds of bags of trash from sites across Kingston.
Earlier this month, Sustainable Kingston received a Community Outreach Grant from the Rotary Club of Kingston to reduce the carbon footprint of the event and incentivize student participation. “We’re very grateful for the support of the Rotary Club of Kingston, as well as to the City of Kingston’s Public Works and Solid Waste departments”, says Geoff Hendry, COO of Sustainable Kingston.
Individuals, schools, organizations, and businesses can register online at: www.sustainablekingston.com/pitchin-2025-registration. A list of drop-locations and a Pitch-In FAQ are also available at sustainablekingston.com.
Pitch-In bags will be available to be picked up at the Kingston Area Recycling Centre (196 Lappan’s Lane.) If participants are unable to access Pitch-In bags, they may use their own.
For more information about how your organization can participate, contact Geoff Hendry, Chief Operating Officer at Sustainable Kingston at geoff@sustainablekingston.com.
 
9. Earth Day Inner Harbour Event with City Flats
Received from Pete Sauerbrai of Cityflats Development, March 24, 2025We willbe hosting a Turtle Day at 10 Cataraqui St. on Earth Day, April 25th. 
We plan to install some protection fencing on the site and provide a little bit of turtle education for those interested. We plan to bring out a number of people from our office and have also invited members of Turtles Kingston to join in to help lead the way.
All welcome!
More anon….;.in mid-April news update.

10. Enhanced transit service to begin May 2025
Received from the City, March 18, 2025
Spring is in the air, and with it comes enhanced service from Kingston Transit. Starting Monday, May 5, several updates will take place to reflect seasonal service adjustments and planned improvements to the transit network.
The upcoming service changes will benefit transit customers by:

  • Increasing service frequency on multiple routes across the system with additional early morning, late evening and weekend trips added;
  • Adding or improving transit access for customers in several neighbourhoods, including Cataraqui North, Strathcona Park, Rideau Heights and Greenwood Park;
  • Enhancing connections to the train station and Kingston Bus Terminal for inter-city travel; and
  • Providing predictable weekend service across the Cataraqui River during any scheduled LaSalle Causeway closures.

“Integrating these changes into our network is part of our efforts to continue making transit a convenient and reliable option for new and existing customers,” says Christopher Norris, General Manager, Kingston Transit.
Service highlights
Highlights of the service changes include:

  • Routes 16 + 22 will expand to provide connections from St. Lawrence College to Kingston Centre, Rideau Heights and Greenwood Park.
    • New connection to Rideau Heights Community Centre during operating hours.
    • More direct connections to commercial, medical and community areas on the east side using the Waaban Crossing.
  • Route 1 will offer a simplified route through Rideau Heights, maintaining nearby transit access for customers and providing a new connection to the Montreal Street Park & Ride. Service will increase to every 30 minutes on Sundays.
  • Route 18 will integrate into Route 2, offering service in both directions between Queen’s University, St. Lawrence College, downtown, Kingston Bus Terminal and the train station.
  • New Route 60 provides a flexible route option to account for any LaSalle Causeway closures required by the federal government on weekends through the summer period.
  • Route 11 will extend to the train station via Strathcona Park, improving transit access for customers in the neighbourhood.
  • Route 14 will expand service in Cataraqui North to travel in both directions while maintaining nearby transit access for customers.
  • Route 15 will increase frequency on Midland Avenue with service up to every 10 minutes.
    • Three new transit stations on Bayridge Drive will offer convenient, accessible transfers to Express 500.

Customers can explore the new network map – https://www.cityofkingston.ca/media/by4dmbhn/transit-systemmaps-may2025.pdf
The detailed route schedules will be posted online before the end of March.
We’re here to help! Ask questions or get help with trip planning by reaching out to us by phone at 613-546-0000 or by email at ContactUs@CityofKingston.ca. Customers can also plan trips on their mobile device by downloading the Transit App.
Stay connected
Stay connected to Kingston Transit through the Transit App. Transit is available for both Android and iPhone users. It’s a superpowered way to plan your transit trips, check availability and track your ride in real time. It also offers connected trip planning to help you get to your route whether walking or by bike. As a bonus, it comes with bike trip planning features to help you navigate the safest route on two wheels.
Subscribe to email notices about transit service at CityofKingston.ca/Subscribe and click Transit News and Service Alerts.

11. Downtown High Rise Next to Marine Museum to be Developed?
Received from the City, March 18
Notice of Intention for City to declare surplus % Lower Union Street
Received from the City, March 18, 2025
Editor’s Note: This is a piece of green space on the west side of the Great Lakes Museum parking lot.
You can google it.  The address is 5 Lower Union Street.
Lands affected: Firstly: Part closed road allowance being part of lower union street, Original survey Kingston City; Part Water Lot 31 Original survey Kingston City parts 1, 2 & 3 13R1671; Secondly: Part closed road allowance being part of lower union street, Original survey Kingston City Parts 1 & 3 13R401 except parts 1 & 2 13R1671; Kingston; the County of Frontenac. Shown on the map below.
Explanatory note: Through ongoing technical review of the PlanningAct applications for 5 Lower Union Street (File Number D35-003-2021), City Staff, including Planning Services, Development Engineering, Transportation Services and Real Estate, have reviewed and are recommending approval of a stop up and close of the portion of Lower Union Street east of Ontario Street (as outlined on the map below). This portion of Lower Union Street primarily provides access to two properties, addressed as 5 Lower Union Street and 33 Ontario Street, which are both owned by Homestead Land Holdings Ltd., being the applicant of the Planning Act applications. This portion of road also provides access to the parking area for the Marine Museum – an easement in favour of the Marine Museum for continued permanent access to the parking area would be established through the transfer process. At the direction of City Staff, the applicant is consulting with Marine Museum representatives to ensure their interests are maintained through the stop up and close process and confirmed prior to any land transfer.
The City will maintain an access easement over the closed road portion extending over the future driveway on 5 Lower Union Street in order to maintain any access needs associated with a potential deep water dock in the event that this location is selected and used in the future. If the Planning Act applications are successful, the City will also be obtaining an easement around the perimeter of the property for public access to the new waterfront trail section to be built on the site.
City Council will consider a motion to declare the property surplus on April 1, 2025 at 7:00 pm at its regular meeting to be held in the Council Chambers, City Hall, Kingston.
Anyone wishing to be heard regarding these matters should contact the Clerk’s Office or provide written comments before 4:30 pm, March 31, 2025.

12. Copper Theft Threatens Public Safety & Power Reliability, Warns Utilities 
Received from the City March 14, 2025
Copper theft threatens public safety and power reliability, warns Utilities Kingston
Copper theft is a growing concern, posing serious safety risks and threatening the reliability of electrical service. Utilities Kingston is urging residents to recognize the dangers and report suspicious activity to help protect the community. 
Copper grounding wires play a critical role in keeping electrical infrastructure safe and reliable. When these wires are removed or stolen, it creates serious risks, endangering both the perpetrator and the public. 
“Copper theft is not just a property crime – it’s a dangerous act that threatens the safety and well-being of our entire community,” says Scott Neilson, Manager of the Hydro Group at Utilities Kingston. “These wires are essential for keeping our power system stable and our community safe. If you notice anything unusual around utility equipment, report it. A quick call could prevent a dangerous situation.” 
Recognizing and preventing copper theft 
Recognizing the warning signs and taking action are key to preventing copper theft and protecting public safety. 
Signs of copper theft:

  • Small pieces of wire randomly attached to a pole with a large, galvanized staple.
  • A wire running partially up or down a pole but stopping without being attached to anything. 

What residents can do to help: 

  • Do not approach or touch: For your safety, do not attempt to handle or inspect any utility equipment or downed wires. 
  • Report it: If you see a pole with cut copper wires, call our customer service team at 613-546-1181. Provide the location of the damaged or stolen wire, a description of what you’ve found, and when you discovered it.
  • Stay alert: Be aware of any unusual activity near utility poles, substations, or other electrical infrastructure. If you see someone tampering with equipment or removing wires, report it to Kingston Police immediately. 

By staying informed and vigilant, the community can help prevent copper theft, protect public safety and ensure reliable service for everyone. 

13. First Capital Distinguished Citizen Award + the Honourable Achievement Award
Received from the City of Kingston March 17, 2025
Nominate an outstanding volunteer for the 2025 Civic Awards
Volunteers don’t always seek the spotlight, but they deserve it!  
The City of Kingston’s Civic Awards celebrate outstanding individuals who have positively impacted our community through volunteer work. Nominating a volunteer is a meaningful way to recognize their impact, show gratitude and inspire others to give back. 
Nominations are open now through April 18 in the following categories. 
First Capital Distinguished Citizen Award and the Honourable Achievement Award  
These awards recognize volunteers of all ages for their contributions to the community. The First Capital Distinguished Citizen Award celebrates a lifetime of volunteer work, while the Honourable Achievement Awards acknowledge specific contributions. 
Mayor’s Awards for Youth Volunteerism 
These awards recognize people in three categories—elementary, high school and post-secondary youth up to age 24—who demonstrate leadership, care and compassion and/or an ability to overcome personal challenges, motivate others or use unique skills to improve the community’s quality of life.   
How to nominate someone 
Learn more about the awards and submit nominations online at CityofKingston.ca/Awards.  
You can also hand in a completed nomination form in person at City Hall or any City of Kingston recreation centre (Artillery Park Aquatic Centre, INVISTA Centre, Kingston East Community Centre or Rideau Heights Community Centre). 
Completed nomination forms must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Friday, April 18. All entries will be checked to make sure they meet the requirements before being sent to the selection committee.

14. Green Burial Kingston News,
Received in March newsletter

Kingston will soon open its first Green Burial area at Pine Grove Cemetery
It was worth the wait!
After more than 8 years of advocacy, consultation and collaboration, the City of Kingston will soon accept requests for burial plots in a field of native wildflowers. Here, bodies are returned to the earth with only biodegradable materials, and buried shallow to allow for rapid decomposition. This is not only sustainable, but restorative for planet earth. Pine Grove Cemetery dates from the 1850s and contains some conventional graves. But a new area has been established exclusively for more than 100 plots for green burial. It’s close to a forested area just east of the cemetery.
Burials may take place starting from April 14 and can be purchased from March 17 2025.
 
“Kudos GBK! This is great news! Your success will encourage many other Ontario-based groups trying to achieve the same ends” 
—Susan Greer, President of Ontario’s Natural Burial Association, Toronto
 
What’s Happening Next?Advocacy groups in about a dozen Ontario municipalities are working towards providing similar facilities. Until this breakthrough, Glenwood Cemetery, Picton, was the nearest site to Kingston. Now Kingstonians have a climate-friendly option just 30 minutes from town.
Green Burial Kingston is the local group that has persistently pressed for this possibility since 2017, and those who follow their work are rejoicing at the news!
We are planning for a GBK information session in April and a celebratory event later in the Spring. Details will be communicated once these are finalized.The Fine Print Many of you will have received the email from Derek Ochej, Deputy City Clerk, outlining the fees for burial plots at Pine Grove Cemetery.
There are a few points that we would like to clarify and we encourage you to attend any of the information sessions to get all the information and ask your questions.
The cost, at the time of purchase, for a single plot, is $1526.12 plus HST. This includes the four cornerstones that mark out the location of the plot. As with all types of burial sites, there are additional fees after death for marking out the plot, as well as digging and filling the grave. Those will be approximately $1,100.
We at GBK look forward to continuing to work with the city to ensure that natural burials will occur during the winter months. Rather than delay the implementation of Pine Grove the city has decided to proceed with offering burials only between April 15th and December 15th. Until that is altered, if a death occurs in the winter months and a plot has already been purchased, it would require that the deceased be “naturally embalmed” and their body kept in a cold storage vault until the cemetery is open for burials again. There would be additional costs for these services. Note that the nearby green burial site at Glenwood Cemetery in Picton doesn’t offer winter burials, but Cobourg Union Cemetery offers green burials year round.

The funeral directors at both James Reid and Gordon Tompkins Funeral Homes have lots of experience and knowledge to help carry out green burial options. It is also possible for a family to self-direct a green burial for a loved one, on their own, or with the assistance of a deathcare guide. To do so, contact the cemetery operator, Loretta Younge. To find out more about your rights around this option, see https://thebao.ca/forconsumers/family-led-death-care/
 
Further details about purchasing a lot and possibilities for flexible, family-directed burials at GreenBurialKingston.com.
Lots may be purchased by contacting the Cemeteries Operator cemeteries@cityofkingston.ca or 613-546-4291 extension 1276.
Gordon F. Tompkins Funeral Home and James Reid Funeral Home will host green burial information sessions (see below) and the City of Kingston’s Cemeteries Operator will attend these sessions for plot sales.
Mon March 17 Gordon F. Tompkins (435 Davis Drive) 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Tues March 18 James Reid (1900 John Counter Boulevard) 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Wed March 19 James Reid (1900 John Counter Boulevard) 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Email us for more information @ GreenBurialKingston@gmail.com. 15. Call for Applications: 2025 Local Arts Residency at the Kingston Grand
Received from the City of Kingston March 18, 2025
The Local Arts Residency at the Kingston Grand Theatre is seeking applications from Kingston-based emerging or mid-career professional artists or collectives working in theatre, dance, music, circus, comedy or inter-disciplinary practices.  
“For the past five years, the Local Arts Residency program at Kingston Grand Theatre has given local performing artists and artist collectives the space, time and support to explore and bring their unique and creative ideas to life,” says Danika Lochhead, Director of Arts & Culture Services at the City of Kingston. “This artist development initiative is delivered through our performing arts portfolio and helps to activate Kingston Grand Theatre as an artistic, community hub.”  
Returning to its original format of four residency spots, artists-in-residence will have access to the Baby Grand black box theatre for five days each, professional support in technical production and an honourarium of $1,000. The residencies will take place on the following weeks: July 7-11, July 14-18, July 21-25, and July 28-August 1.  
The deadline to apply is Tuesday, April 15 by 5 p.m. 
To learn more or apply for a residency spot, visit the City’s Local Arts Residency page. 
Testimonials from past Artists-in-Residence 
“The Kingston Grand Theatre Local Arts Residency is an invaluable investment in Kingston’s arts community. As artists, so much work happens “behind the scenes” — on evenings and weekends, in between gigs and contracts. A residency is devoted work time and the stepping stone we needed. During our time there, our project took a big leap forward, and the video footage that was captured became important material we included in our grant applications. We are so pleased to share that we premiered the play right here in Kingston at the Baby Grand in September 2024 and toured the production to the Great Canadian Theatre Company in January 2025. It’s been a long and gratifying journey; we’re so thankful to all our local supporters, including the Grand Theatre Residency program, who helped make the impossible possible!” 
-Sophia Fabiilli & Zoë Sweet (2022 Artists-in-Residence) 
 
“Last summer, I had the opportunity to take part in the City of Kingston Local Arts residency with one of my best friends. We created a dance piece that was deeply rooted in Black identity. It celebrated our experiences and the challenges of navigating the artistic world as Black individuals. That week was one of the best of the year for me—not only because we created work that was unapologetically Black but also because we did it in collaboration and within community.  
Finding opportunities to explore both new and familiar artistic mediums with people have become incredibly important to me. The chance to create in a space where BIPOC artists can come together, immerse ourselves and collaborate was incredibly fulfilling.” 
-Shanique Peart (2024 Artist-in-Residence 

16. The 2025 Kingston Prize is Now Officially Open for Submissions!

Received from The Kingston  Prize, March 15, 2025
The Kingston Prize is Canada’s National Portrait Competition. The 2025 competition will be our tenth, and our biggest. Like past competitions, the Kingston Prize celebrates all that is good and unique in Canadian figurative and portrait painting. 
 
We are inviting artists from across Canada to submit their work for a chance to gain national recognition and compete for the $25,000 prize. Your painting or drawing must be based on a meeting between the subject and artist. There is no limitation on style; contemporary and experimental portraits are welcome.

 Details and deadlines: https://kingstonprize.ca/how-to-enter-2/

FROM FARTHER AFIELD
17.The feds’ flagship innovation fund has doled out $229M in the last two weeks, The Logic, March 21, 2025.  With an election call fast approaching, Ottawa’s flagship innovation fund has awarded more new funding in the last two weeks than it did in the first six months of 2024, government data shows.  The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) has granted $228.9 million to four new projects since March 11, including three biomanufacturing initiatives, upgrades at a semiconductor plant and a hydrogen liquifier facility.  The grants amount to 39 per cent of the $580.7 million the fund awarded in all of 2024.

18. As Line 5 tunnel set to be fast-tracked, Great Lakes tribes withdraw from cooperating on environmental review, yahoo! news, March 24, 2025.  After being notified that the Line 5 tunnel project will likely be fast-tracked for federal approval, Great Lakes tribes are withdrawing as cooperating agencies in the federal environmental review process.  On March 21, six Great Lakes tribes pulled out of the process, saying the Army Corps had informed them that the permit will likely be issued soon and was no longer acting in good faith.  The relationship was “another ‘check-the-box’ exercise on its way towards permitting Enbridge’s proposed project.”

19.‘It will lead to a catastrophe:’ U.S. federal job cuts will harm the Great Lakes, Canadian scientists say, CBC, March 17, 2025.  After the United States government fired hundreds of people at the nation’s weather, ocean and fisheries agency last week, Canadian scientists are warning that this will have “catastrophic” effects on the Great Lakes.  The U.S. Department of Government Efficiency, run by billionaire Elon Musk, cut its latest round of employees at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), including technicians who work with Canadian scientists to monitor water quality and levels in the lakes.  “It’s a mission that takes participation from both sides equally and constantly,” said Jerome Marty, the executive director of the International Association for Great Lakes Research and a professor at the University of Ottawa.  “Everything we do in terms of managing the Great Lakes is binational,” he said.  “We don’t do one thing on one side of the border and not on the other.  Everything is coordinated.”

FOR FUN AND GENERAL INTEREST
20. Heritage Hour: The Illegal Fur Trade at Fort Frontenac
Received from the City of Kingston, March 27, 2025
Talk: The Illegal Fur Trade at Fort Frontenac
Join us next week to learn about Fort Frontenac and the colourful personalities who shaped its early history. Cassandra Giarrusso will share her research into the strategic importance of this fort as well as its role as the epicentre of an illicit trade in New France. 

Cassandra holds a Master’s degree in History from the University of Toronto. She has contributed to the preservation and public interpretation of Kingston’s heritage through positions at Murney Tower and Fort Henry (where she worked as a costumed guard). 

Attending the Event:
This talk will take place on Thursday, April 3rd, from 12pm-1pm in Memorial Hall. The room is located on the second floor of Kingston City Hall.  Registration is not required, and all are welcome to attend.
Those who use mobility devices or would otherwise benefit from a ramp can access City Hall’s first floor from the Market Street entrance.  There is an elevator behind the reception desk which provides access to the second floor. 
This session will also be filmed and uploaded to YouTube. Our previous talk by Dr. Randy Bagg, Heritage Barns, can be accessed through the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rt255m5T-nc&list=PLvKq-pF2xvq-D5oaZ66pNIgysnAFrAakU&index=7

Our team looks forward to welcoming you back to this program!
All the best, 
Turner Douglas, MSc, OCT (they/them)
Program Coordinator, Heritage Services, City of Kingston
613-561-1025, tdouglas@cityofkingston.ca

21. Wanna Go For a Walk?
Received from Little Forests Kingston, March 14, 2025
When: Hour-long walks late afternoon on the fourth Thursday of every month
Where: Three local natural areas, one per month, once per season.
April: Belle Island
May: Cartwright Point
Why? To get to know more of our Animal and Plant Kin and each other

22. Canada’s Housing Catalogue is Here for Ontario: 
These are the 7 Ontario Designs that Could e Coming to your Neighbourhood
Here’s the 7 Ontario designs in Canada’s new home catalogue

23.Guelph Fights to End Enbridge’s Free Ride” on Public Land
Received from Canada’s National Observer, March 19, 2025 – Abdul Sarfraz
For 20 years, Enbridge has run pipelines beneath the roads and parks in Guelph, Ontario, without paying a cent to the city. 
Now, with Guelph’s franchise agreement with Enbridge set to expire in April, city council and local advocates are demanding that the gas company pay to use the land, ending what they call a long-standing fossil fuel subsidy.
Most provinces require gas companies to pay millions in fees to municipalities — but Ontario prohibits municipalities from collecting such fees.
Guelph City Councillor Leanne Caron said a clause is needed in the new agreement, requiring Enbridge to pay fees if the Municipal Act is ever amended to allow municipalities to charge them. In that scenario, Enbridge would have to start paying city fees immediately, rather than waiting for the next 20-year renewal, she said.
The city is determined not to sign another two-decade contract without significant changes that reflect today’s realities, she said. “Fossil fuel companies are contributing to the climate crisis, and they need to pay the cost.”
“It would be irresponsible to lock ourselves into an outdated agreement without any flexibility,” she noted. “We’re not asking for this to apply to telecommunications companies, solar distributors, or other energy providers — just for-profit fossil fuel companies.”
The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) has scheduled a hearing on Guelph’s franchise agreement in June. Caron said Enbridge attempted to block the city and local environmental group eMERGE from participating. That move was denied by the board, shows a document Caron shared with Canada’s National Observer.
Most provinces require gas companies to pay millions in fees to municipalities — but Ontario prohibits municipalities from collecting such fees.
Full Article: https://www.nationalobserver.com/2025/03/18/news/guelph-fights-enbridge-pipelines-public-land?nih=7Iq5W9dZEToRsJR5PRyR6kISfnu_7qK36nmtJPGm0Cg&utm_source=National+Observer&utm_campaign=045aa92590-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_03_19_01_34&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_cacd0f141f-045aa92590-277300613

24. Clean Electrification is the Nation-building Project We Need
Received from Canada’s National Observer, March 19, 2025 – Chris Severson-Baker
Finally, it’s clear: we’ll be living in an unpredictable and frankly scary world for the rest of this decade, thanks to our dear American friends’ impulsive, power-hungry and distinctly unfriendly leader.
Canadian priorities have completely shifted in just a few weeks. Canadian sovereignty is on the line. Deep economic integration with the U.S., seen as key to prosperity and safety in the past, is being used against us. Canadians are checking for a maple leaf when buying groceries — they’re glad to hear about Kentucky bourbon being taken off the shelves — and very soon, they’ll expect our leaders to unveil a nationwide strategy for major economic growth independent of the U.S.
There will be a vigorous debate on which direction that strategy should take. 
The rest of the world is moving at pace into what the International Energy Agency calls the Age of Electricity. The global transition to clean energy is accelerating. In 2024, global investment in clean energy beat out fossil fuels, $2 trillion to $1 trillion. Investment in low-carbon solutions — like electrified transport and renewables — grew by 11 per cent, hitting a record $2.1 trillion. This is all driven by dramatic declines in the cost of new power generation and electrification technology.
President Donald Trump sees this as a threat to U.S. economic power and is actively trying to take the U.S. in the opposite direction.
With our abundant natural resources — including our ability to generate lots of clean, low-cost electricity to power the industries of the future — Canada is positioned to thrive in this emerging clean economy. 
Canada’s largest provincial economies are scaling up their supplies of electricity, and electrifying their buildings and transportation systems. Quebec Hydro is investing tens of billions in expanding hydro power production, building out its wind power industry and modernizing its power grid. BC Hydro is completing the Site C dam this year and had a very successful call for new power. Ontario is planning to invest heavily in nuclear energy and seeking advice on demand-side management improvements. 
We should avoid knee-jerk investments we’ll regret, including taxpayer-backstopped pipelines that risk becoming stranded assets not long after coming online, writes Chris Severson-Baker
Calls to quickly break down trade barriers and scale up trade between provinces are highlighting a major economic growth opportunity that has, until now, been deemed politically unfeasible: deeply integrating our provincial power grids. Instead of a patchwork of “power islands,” a deeply connected cross-Canada grid.
Take Alberta and B.C., for example. Alberta could build-out wind and solar, and connect that variable power with B.C.’s big hydro dams, which can act like giant batteries that produce when the power is needed most. Both provinces get more value from their respective power generation assets. 
This supply of affordable and reliable clean electricity is also key to attracting investment in the production of goods and services that modern net-zero economies around the world are demanding. Readily available clean electricity was a contributing factor in the Volkswagen Group’s $7-billion decision to build its first North American-based battery manufacturing plant in Ontario and Honda’s $15-billion milestone investment in Canada’s first comprehensive EV supply chain, creating thousands of jobs.
In 2025, this is how we will grow the economy without relying on increased trade with the U.S.
And, there will be loud voices urging Canadians to go another way.
Powerful incumbent oil and gas industry players have begun calling on governments to expand oil and gas infrastructure. Earlier this month, despite several years of profits in the absence of growth and no active pipeline proposals, its main industry association called for the rollback of regulations it claims are stopping pipeline development. One oil and gas CEO even argued for pipelines to be declared “in the national interest.” 
While this moment calls for decisiveness, Canada must be strategic and responsible about which projects and industries we develop. We should avoid knee-jerk investments we’ll regret, including taxpayer-backstopped pipelines that risk becoming stranded assets not long after coming online.
New energy infrastructure — whether an upstream production facility, pipeline, LNG terminal, or refinery — take several years to plan and several more to complete. This has not been happening lately because investors are looking at the same scenarios as us, which suggest global oil and gas demand will peak and begin its decline in the next decade, potentially as early as 2030.
Modernizing our electricity grid, building out renewables and other clean energy sources, and shifting our domestic energy demand from oil and gas to electricity will be Canada’s next serious drivers of jobs and economic development. Ideally, Canada’s electricity grid is clean, modern and well-connected, powering as many aspects of everyday life as possible — from the cars we drive, to how we heat and cool our homes, to the industries that provide jobs and prosperity across our country.
A coordinated national policy of clean electrification is the nation-building exercise we need right now. Electrification is the only overarching policy I know of that simultaneously supports economic prosperity, creates jobs, improves health outcomes, provides affordable energy, reduces carbon emissions, and helps Canadians become more resilient to the economic impacts of trade disputes, and the physical and economic impacts of climate change.
Clean Energy Canada research shows a household in Toronto that switches its gas cars for EVs, swaps out its gas appliances, installs a heat pump, and makes modest energy efficiency upgrades could cut $550 off its monthly bills, even accounting for upfront costs. A similar house in Vancouver could save $777.
On jobs: Pembina Institute modelling shows that in Alberta, despite job losses in oil and gas, if governments embrace the clean economy, there will be net job growth – with 31,000 jobs added by 2030, and 269,000 by 2050. These are jobs in clean transportation; low-carbon buildings; direct air capture; clean electricity; biofuels; low-carbon manufacturing; and hydrogen and carbon capture and storage. Depending on the cost and availability of CCUS and direct air capture technologies during this timeframe, these numbers could be even higher. 
If there’s ever been a time to bolster Canada’s national security through an energy project that makes us more prosperous, healthier and more resilient to an increasingly turbulent world, while reducing emissions and doing our part to address the climate crisis, this is it – and the project is clean power.
Chris Severson-Baker is Pembina Institute’s executive director.  
Full Article: https://www.nationalobserver.com/2025/03/19/opinion/clean-electrification-project-grid-hydro?nih=bBODLOMzZdpXszfLtdpoQObQAM250Zgto9zl8bjMMpk&utm_source=National+Observer&utm_campaign=045aa92590-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_03_19_01_34&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_cacd0f141f-045aa92590-277300613

25. Summer Job Opportunity at Root Radical
Received March 18, 2025
The greenhouse season is off to a good start, with our first batch of onion seedlings starting to poke up out of the soil. Jackie has seeded the onions, eggplant, and peppers as well as a variety of herbs and flowers for organic gardeners.
The plant store is now open for business, by the way – https://rootradicalplants.square.site/s/shop

The reason for the email is that I am hiring for one vacant position. I am hoping the community will help us get the word out to find the right person for the job. 
Two staff (Aaron and Jackie) are returning and I have hired one new person who will start in May. 
This role would start in late April and run until mid-November. The main tasks on the farm are planting, hoeing and hand weeding, harvesting, washing, and packing vegetables. Of note is that this year we will have housing on the farm available for the right person. 
https://rootradical.ca/hiring/

26. The Reason Dementia Rates Are Rising is Surprisingly Simple.
Received from the National Geographic March2-, 2025
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/rising-dementia-rates-reason-and-how-to-reduce-risk?rid=C2DC149D63666E2CCEC3DF1E9C241C82&cmpid=org%3Dngp%3A%3Amc%3Dcrm-email%3A%3Asrc%3Dngp%3A%3Acmp%3Deditorial%3A%3Aadd%3DDaily_NL_Thursday_Discovery_20250320&loggedin=true&rnd=1742501312913

We are living longer!
The Lancet Commission on Dementia recommends several specific actions across the life course to reduce dementia risk:

  • Ensure good quality education is available for all and encourage cognitively stimulating activities in midlife
  • Make hearing aids accessible for people with hearing loss and decrease harmful noise exposure
  • Treat depression effectively
  • Encourage use of helmets and head protection in contact sports and on bicycles
  • Encourage exercise
  • Reduce cigarette smoking
  • Prevent, reduce, and treat high blood pressure
  • Treat high cholesterol, especially during and after midlife
  • Maintain a healthy weight and treat obesity as early as possible, in part to help prevent diabetes
  • Reduce high alcohol consumption
  • Prioritize age-friendly and supportive community environments and housing and reduce social isolation by facilitating participation in activities and living with others
  • Make screening and treatment for vision loss accessible for all
  • Reduce exposure to air pollution

Editor’s Note: Why don’t any of these studies seriously advocate for weight bearing and aerobic exercise as well as sex and laughter!!!  I’m sure they all make a difference. Our culture is simply too afraid to look at sex and for whatever reasons vigorous exercise and laughter are never really considered priorities. Crazy! Most of the Blue Zones where people live the longest live in mountainous areas where people get exercise daily just by walking and gardening – and they get together and drink wine together in the evenings. Sitting alone watching TV doesn’t cut it.

27. Nature Canada Resources: On Facebook  March 24, 2025
We believe that every kid should connect with nature.
Your NatureHood is any green space in your neighbourhood — from the biggest cities to the smallest towns — whether it’s an overlooked urban forest, a community garden, the park at the end of your street, or your backyard!
Check out these 3 resources to get you started:
NatureBlitz – https://naturecanada.ca/…/nature-blitz-a-how-to-guide…/?
Junior Birding Journal – https://naturecanada.ca/…/resou…/junior-birding-journal/?
15 Ways to be a Good Neighbour in your Naturehood – https://naturecanada.ca/…/15-ways-to-be-a-good…/?

28. ANALYSIS: Concerned About Western Alientation? Blame the Bay
Received from TVO, Mar 26, 2025 – John Michael McGrath
The Hudson’s Bay Company is facing liquidation. Its historical impact lives on.

At its height, the Hudson’s Bay Company had the power to sign treaties, raise armies, and make war. In 2025, it’s struggling to make rent. Chartered by His Majesty Charles II in May 1670, it may very well cease to exist under the reign of Charles III: the company is certainly liquidating all but a half-dozen of its stores, and even those aren’t guaranteed to survive. It’s an ignominious end for one of the world’s oldest corporations, one of the last survivors of a bygone age of imperialism where national power and corporate interests worked hand in glove. Or is that age behind us?
The role of “The Company” in Canada’s founding mythos is taught to every schoolchild: that Royal Charter in 1670 gave the company a monopoly on the fur trade in the Hudson Bay watershed — a staggering 3.8 million square kilometres, though given the poor quality of maps back then they didn’t know that with any precision. Something like a third of modern Canada was once Rupert’s Land, named for the company’s first governor and cousin of the King. The fur trade extended European influence across the continent, as The Company had to contend with French (and later, American) competition in its relations with Indigenous people.
But the end of The Company’s monopoly, and the transformation of Rupert’s Land into Canadian territory, created a political problem for Canada that in some ways still shapes Canadian politics to this day: western alienation, and specifically the belief that central Canada sees the west as territory to be emptied of resource wealth to subsidize the east.
Ontarians might roll their eyes at the allegation, but the thing is: for more than a generation at the founding of our country it was literally true.
When Canada acquired Rupert’s Land from The Company in 1870, the still-young Parliament of the Dominion paid the then-princely sum of £300,000 — about $1.5 million at a time when the national revenue was only $14 million. Parliament quickly created the province of Manitoba out of the new lands (so quickly that nobody was quite sure whether it was legal to do so; the British Parliament amended the British North America Act to settle the legal niceties).
Manitoba would not be admitted to Confederation as a province equal to the others, however: the Dominion (federal) government, not the province, would have control of all public lands and natural resource revenues. Eastern provinces explained this in part by arguing that their taxpayers had borne the cost of acquiring Rupert’s Land in the first place, and the national government was justified in recouping those costs through the sale of lands and resource rights. Control of Crown lands was also vital to building a national railway.
The precedent set with Manitoba was repeated in 1905 when Alberta and Saskatchewan were admitted as provinces. It had long been national policy to settle the west with immigrant farmers, but these rapidly growing provinces were denied some of the most important tools for government revenue in an era before income and sales taxes were common. That left them unable to pay for basics like schooling while western resource revenues flowed back east.
(This whole episode in national politics is told very well in Mary Janigan’s Let the Eastern Bastards Freeze in the Dark.)
The eastern provinces had the demographic weight to insist on maintaining the status quo, so it persisted until the crisis of the Great Depression. Western provinces would finally gain a measure of equality in Confederation in 1930 when Parliament passed the Natural Resources Acts. This is a part of Canadian history that doesn’t always make it into the lessons for schoolchildren. It certainly didn’t in mine. But Janigan argues it’s utterly essential to understanding the west’s resentment of being dictated to by eastern Canada.
None of this means that we have to accept, for example, Alberta premier Danielle Smith’s preferred policies on climate change or natural resource exports, any more than a sympathetic hearing for francophone history in Canada requires us to concede the introduction of increasingly-onerous laws to harass Canadian Muslims residing in Quebec.
History doesn’t compel choices we make in the present, but it does give us vital context to guide the debates we have today. As the Hudson’s Bay Company passes into history, it’s worth remembering how it shaped Canada’s past — and how that’s still affecting us in the present.
https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-concerned-about-western-alienation-blame-the-bay?utm_source=TVO&utm_campaign=acec2bda1a-TVO-Today-Newsletter-MON_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_eadf6a4c78-acec2bda1a-61349601&mc_cid=acec2bda1a&mc_eid=9eb8fc5bc8

29. I Thought My Body was Safe from Microplastics.  I was Wrong.
Ziya Tong had her home, food and body tested for microplastics while making the documentary Plastic People. – https://www.cbc.ca/documentaries/the-nature-of-things/i-thought-my-body-was-safe-from-microplastics-i-was-wrong-1.7486007?cmp=newsletter_CBC%20Newsletter_13848_1879311

30. Twenty-five Things to Do in Kingston This April
Received from Tourism Kingston, March 27, 2025
https://www.visitkingston.ca/25-things-to-do-in-kingston-this-april/

31. It’s Time for Canada’s Brain Gain
Received from MacLean’s, March 27 

The big news in academic circles this week is that Jason Stanley, a bigwig political philosophy professor, is leaving his illustrious job at Yale in favour of a position at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto. Stanley, who wrote a book called How Fascism Works, is an expert in the machinery of totalitarianism. He didn’t like what he was seeing in America. Stanley is the second intellectual luminary to recently decamp to the Munk School. Timothy Snyder, the bestselling author of On Tyranny—another guru of authoritarianism—has moved to Toronto from Yale too. Are these the early signs of a brain gain? I hope so. But only if Canada is prepared to welcome all the talented people who are looking for refuge. Adam Bjorndahl is an associate professor in philosophy (with a mathematics background) at Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh and also a Canadian who, like many of his colleagues, is feeling increasingly uneasy about living in the U.S. For Maclean’s, he’s written about how Canada can lay the groundwork to recruit some of the best minds in the world. His rallying cry for a Canadian talent grab includes a list of practical suggestions to make Canada, in his words, “a haven for research and higher education.”

32 Spring Scavenger Hunts From Little Pine Learners
https://littlepinelearners.com/nature-scavenger-hunt-printables/

So that’s it for the first half of April.
Wishing you spring time joy..
Cheers,
Mary Farrar, President,
Friends of Kingston Inner Harbour
www.friendsofinnerharbour.com