City Priorities

Kingston city council has agreed on five key areas to focus on over its four year term.

Council met for the last three days at Queen’s to develop a strategic plan.

The five areas are…affordable housing, climate action, transportation, economic development and healthy citizens and spaces.

The strategic priorities will discussed and voted on at a formal meeting of city council in mid-April.

 

Youth – Bail Hearing

The second day of a bail hearing for a youth facing terrorism charges takes place in Kingston today.  The suspect can’t be identified under the Youth Justice Criminal Act.

He was charged in late January after an investigation by the RCMP sparked by a tip from the FBI.

There is a strict publication ban on evidence, submissions and reasons submitted during the hearing.

It’s not known if the court will release a decision today on granting the youth bail.

 

Survey – Sexual Harassment

Almost a third of Queen’s students involved in an extensive survey have reported they were the victims of non-consensual sexual violence…a staggering 2,000 students.

The disturbing fact come from a survey of university students.

Seven thousands students at Queen’s took the survey and more than 5,000 reported experiencing sexual harassment.

 

Catholic Diocese – New Archbishop

Kingston’s new Catholic Archbishop comes to the Limestone City from Pembroke.

The Archdiocese of Kingston has announced Pope Francis has appointed the Most Reverend Michael Mulhall as the new Archbishop of Kingston. He has been the Bishop of Pembroke since September of 2007 and replaces the Most Reverend Brendan M. Obrien who has retired after 12 years as Kingston’s Archbishop.

 

Science Fair

Students from grades five to 12 are showing off their work at the 48th Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Science Fair today at McArthur Hall.

Over 200 judges from the local science community have volunteered their time to meet the students and review their projects during this 2-day fair that wraps up today.

The projects are open for public viewing between 10:00 am and noon today.

 

Cannabis Store – The Hip

Kingston will have two of the provinces first cannabis stores open for business on Monday and the store associated with Kingston’s iconic rock band The Tragically Hip is doing it up in style.

Spiritleaf and Up Cannabis will be hosting a VIP Reception at Chez Piggy on Sunday.

Members of The Hip and Mayor Brian Paterson are expected to be there.

The store in the former S&R building at the Corner of Princess and Ontario Streets will open at 9am on Monday.

 

Cultural Showcase

The India-Canada Association of Kingston is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a Heritage Day event on Sunday.  The public is invited to enjoy music and dance from Bollywood to Bhangra.  Over 150 performers will be taking part.  The event takes place from 2 to 5pm at Duncan McArthur Hall.

 

Globetrotters

A member of the Harlem Globetrotters will be at Molly Brant Elementary School in Kingston today to talk with students on ways to prevent bullying.

The Globetrotters have developed an interactive presentation and Globetrotters star Champ Thompson will be bringing the program to the school.

The Globetrotters play at the Leon’s Centre in Kingston on April 11th.

 

Earth Hour

Kingston has declared a climate emergency and it should come as no surprise that the city is encouraging people to take part in Earth Hour tomorrow.

You’re being encouraged to turn off your lights between 8:30 and 9:30 on Saturday night in recognition of Earth Hour.  It is a global initiative.