Kingston News, October 3rd, 2016

Hospitals Foundation – Council

The University Hospitals Kingston Foundation will be asking city council to approve a donation of $6.5 million over the next five years.

The city pledged 16 million dollars to the foundation 10 years ago and that commitment is running out.

So, the foundation is going back to council to renew its commitment to support capital projects.  The Ontario government requires 10-percent of hospital redevelopment costs to come from the community.

Mayor Bryan Paterson says that’s why he’s in favour of investing in the local hospitals.

OMB – Development Appeal

Former Kingston City Councillor Vicki Schmolka has filed an appeal of the decision by Kingston city council to approve the Capitol condominium project.

Schmolka filed her appeal with the Ontario Municipal Board last week saying the 15 story development goes against the city’s official plan and zoning bylaws.

Military Bases – Infrastructure

Auditors say Canada’s military bases are literally falling apart. The National Defence auditors say chronic underspending on maintenance and repairs has led to the decay electrical and heating systems, drinking water and sewage systems and even roads are all in disrepair.  In March, the Liberal government set aside more than 200-million dollars over two years to fix armouries, aircraft hangars, naval jetties and military housing across the country.  But that money won’t address problems the auditors found with basic utilities.

Priest Guilty

A former Roman Catholic priest has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a boy in Kingston over a period from 1988 to 1993.

68 year old Robyn Quinton Gwyn had served as a priest in Kingston and Brockville.

A date hasn’t been set for Gwyn’s sentencing.  He is now retired.

Court heard that psychiatric evaluations he underwent in 2004 determined he was a pedophile.

Drug Busts

Two Kingston men face charges after police seized more than half a kilogram of cocaine from a backpack modelled after a large Pokeball, an item in the popular Pokemon games. The arrests last Thursday morning followed a lengthy investigation.   A 23-year-old man is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and a breach of undertaking, while a 27-year-old is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking.

In a separate drug bust at Eldon Hall Place – police seized crystal meth, cocaine and bear spray…a 32 year old man has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of a dangerous weapon.

Traffic Notes

Several intersections on Princess Street in downtown Kingston are scheduled to be closed today and tomorrow.  Crews will be installing StreetPrint crosswalks at Princess and Clergy and Princess and Montreal.  They’ll also be repairing the crossings at Princess and Wellington…Princess and King and Princess and Ontario.

Wolfe Islander – Ferry moves to Dawson Point

A note for commuters using the Wolfe Island Ferry…service begins at Dawson Point starting today.