Kingston News, May 13, 2016

Kingston Penitentiary

The doors of Kingston Penitentiary may be ready to swing open for tourists.

The city says a significant announcement about a tourism partnership at Kingston Penitentiary will be made today.

Officials will not confirm or deny the announcement is about opening the prison for tours this summer…but it involves the St. Lawrence Parks Commission that operates Fort Henry and Upper Canada Village.  Details will be released at the news conference this morning.

Mayor Bryan Paterson, MP Mark Gerretsen, MPP Sophie Kiwala, St. Lawrence Parks Commission CEO Darren Dalgliesh and Correctional Services Commissioner Don Head will be at the news conference this morning.

Tours of the prison to raise money for the United Way and Habitat for Humanity when KP closed were sold out and created interest around the world.

Paramedics Honoured

Two Frontenac Paramedics have been honoured for saving a man who drove into a house in Kingston and ruptured a major natural gas line.

Joe Ferguson and Dale Hodgins received the Ontario Award for Paramedic Bravery last night at a formal event at Queen’s Park in Toronto.

They didn’t hesitate to rush into the accident scene to save the driver on December 4th of 2014.

Used Syringes

Frontenac OPP would like to track down whoever dumped approximately 250 used syringes in a ditch on the west side of Highway 15 near Seeley’s Bay.

A resident of the area found them in the ditch on Monday and reported it to police.

Officers picked up the syringes.

Anyone with information about this incident should contact Frontenac OPP or Crime Stoppers.

Police say information on the proper storage and disposal of syringes can be provided by your pharmacy or KFL&A Public Health.

Demonstration

A demonstration is being held in Kingston today to promote more oversight and accountability for Ontario’s Child Protection system.

A group called Ontario Citizens for Accountability says the system destroys innocent families instead of assisting them.  It will be handing out information brochures and collecting names on a petition at the corner of Brock and Bagot Streets from noon to 6pm.

On Tuesday – we reported Family and Children’s Services of Frontenac, Lennox and Addington had reduced the number of kids in care from 500 in 2006 to 300 today.  Executive director Steve Woodman called it an historic achievement and said the agency’s focus is on keeping families in crisis together.

Sold – Golf Course and Dome

The Thousand Islands Sportsplex and Westbrook Golf Course are open and operating under new ownership.

The receiver has confirmed Harbouredge Capitol Corporation has purchased the facilities.  The former owners ran into financial trouble.  Harbouredge hasn’t announced any plans for changes at the golf course or dome.

Kingston Police – 175th

Kingston Police is hosting a special fund raising event tomorrow as part of its 175th anniversary celebrations.

It’s hosting a VIP reception in the former jail cells at city hall and a dinner at the Four Points by Sheraton.  Proceeds from the events will be going to Youth Diversion.

Sandy Pines Baby Shower Fundraiser

The Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre in Napanee says a special fund raising event on Sunday will help with their care and rehabilitation of a large number of injured and orphaned animals.

They’ve received more animals than usual this spring.

The Centre is holding a Baby Shower fundraiser from 10 am – 4 pm on Sunday.

Public Works Open House

It’s a big hit with children and even adults who like big trucks and other equipment.

The city’s Public Works department is holding its open house between 10am and 1pm tomorrow.

The open house marks National Public Works Week and the city says it celebrates the contributions of workers, including snow plow drivers, street sweepers and firefighters.

The city will also be giving away 225 white pine seedlings during the open house as part of an initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.