Kingston News, November 29, 2016

Military – Sexual Assault

Canada’s chief of defence staff is says he’s upset and disappointed following the release of a Stats Canada survey that found a troubling number of sexual assaults among active service personnel.  The report says an estimated 960 men and women say they were victims of assaults in the last year.  General Jonathan Vance points out some of the allegations were made after he made it clear such conduct won’t be tolerated in Canada’s military.  Vance says that makes him more determined than ever to fight sexual misconduct in the armed forces.

CF-18 – Crash

The commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force says Monday’s deadly crash of a fighter jet in the Prairies serves as a reminder of the dangerous work the men and women of the armed forces are asked to do every day.  Lieutenant-General Michael Hood is expressing sympathy to the family of the pilot killed when his C-F-18 fighter jet went down while on a routine training flight at the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range.  The pilot’s name has not been released.

Ontario – Electricity

A break may be coming for your electricity bill.

The Ontario government says it’s looking at more flexible billing plans for hydro consumers.  Energy Minister Glenn Thibeault is also questioning time of use pricing.  Critics say higher rates during daylight hours hurt anyone who is home during the day.

Thibeault also says the province plans to change the way it buys electricity so it doesn’t focus on wind, solar or any specific technology.

High Speed – Kingston Man

Police say a driver from Kingston is facing a handful of charges after being stopped for travelling at a high rate of speed on the 401.  Leeds OPP stopped a vehicle around 8pm Friday.  A new release says an OPP officer was assaulted and the driver was arrested.  53 year old Ronald Bonnenfant has been charged with assaulting a peace officer, resisting arrest, driving under suspension, stunt driving and having an open container of liquor in the vehicle.

Wolfe Islander – Public Meetings

The first of two information sessions on the latest plans to upgrade the Wolfe Island Ferry Service takes place tonight.  It’s being held from 4 to 8pm today at St. Margaret’s Hall on Wolfe Island.  Another session will take place tomorrow from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront Hotel.

The Ministry of Transportation announced last year an environmental assessment will determine the potential of adding a second ferry for Wolfe Island.  The meetings today and tomorrow will update the assessment and alternatives being considered by MTO.

B’nai Brith – Hospice

The campaign to raise money for Hospice Kingston is getting a big shot in the arm from B’nai Brith Kingston.  It raised more than $570 thousand dollars for the campaign during an event featuring Dan Aykroyd last Thursday. The goal of the Hospice Kingston campaign is $7.8 million.

It’s planning to build a 10 bed residential hospice at the Sisters of Providence property at 1200 Princess Street.

United Way – Final Update

The United Way Campaign in Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington has issued its final update before its campaign wraps up tomorrow.

The campaign announced yesterday it has about $191,000 left to go to reach the goal of $3,451,000.  The final campaign total will be unveiled during the touchdown breakfast tomorrow at the Ambassador Hotel and Conference Centre.