Traffic Troubles

 

Two tractor-trailers collided on the 401 eastbound this morning near Palace Road and traffic was backed up for several kilometres in the area.  The OPP says traffic was down to one lane between Palace Road and County Road 4.

 

Gardiners Road is down to one lane in both directions near the Cataraqui Centre until 7 tonight for the delivery of concrete.

 

Bike Rider – Memorial

 

It was an emotional day for family, friends and fellow cyclists near Amherstview.

A ghost bike memorial was held on Saturday for Jeff Vervaeke.  Vervaeke died in hospital after being hit by a vehicle on the side of Bath Road during the “7 Days in May” charity ride.

The ghost bike is painted white and has been left by the side of Bath Road where the tragedy happened to remind people about Vervaeke.  It carries the message….Please Share the Road.

 

Sexual Predator – Dangerous Offender

 

A sexual predator has been sent to prison indefinitely after being convicted on two counts of sexual assault in Kingston.  40 year old Rene Bourdon had been an inmate at the Henry Trail halfway house.

Bourdon has been in and out of prison for the past 12 years.  Last week he was declared a dangerous offender and sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison…although he will be able to apply to the parole board for release seven years after his arrest.

Bourdon has said he will appeal the sentence.

 

Drowning Prevention Week

 

It is National Drowning Prevention Week and the OPP is reminding people to talk to children about preventing drowning.

Provincial Police say there are three key messages…

Always directly supervise children around the water…police say if you’re not within arms’ reach, you’ve gone too far.

Be Boat Smart and Boat Sober. Alcohol consumption is a factor in almost 40% of boating-related fatalities.

And…Jumping from heights can result in drowning due to head or spinal injuries.

 

Wind Energy Projects – Cancelled

 

The controversial White Pines wind farm in Prince Edward County has been cancelled by Ontario’s new Progressive Conservative government.

Energy Minister Greg Rickford announced cancellation of 758 renewable energy contracts.  He says it will save taxpayers 790 million dollars.

Rickford says the government will introduce legislation this summer that will protect hydro consumers from any costs incurred from the cancellation of the contracts.

 

Infantry Training

 

Infantry training is taking place at Loch Sloy Airfield in Prince Edward County.

The armed forces says you may see soldiers in camouflage in the area.  The training is for army reservists and will continue until Friday.

 

Kingston – Bike-Share

 

Kingston’s bike-share program won’t have bicycles available for people to use this summer.

City Council approved Dropbike as the supplier of the bicycles after a successful pilot program last year.  It was supposed to have bicycle available at 50 locations for  people to rent – but the city says it has been informed by the company that a recall of some of the components on the bikes means they will be delayed until mid to late September.

Filed under: Kingston, news, tony-orr, Traffic