401 Closure

 

The westbound 401 at Napanee was closed at 6:00 a.m. today for the final cleanup and removal of a transport truck that crashed early yesterday.  A 50 year old man from St. Thomas, Ontario has been charged with careless driving.

The westbound 401 was closed at Country Road 4 at six this morning.  The OPP said it expected the closure to last for six to eight hours.

 

Violent Crimes – Kingston

 

Violent crimes in Kingston have increased significantly compared to 2016 according to the latest Statistics Canada report on crime statistics.

Kingston’s violent crime severity index rose 53 per cent in 2017 over 2016…the largest increase in Canada.

Much of that increase is due to a big jump in reported sexual assaults. Kingston Police and the Sexual Assault Crisis Centre say the #MeToo movement last year may have boosted reporting of sexual assault. According to Statistics Canada, in 2017, there were 140 cases of reported sexual assault in Kingston, compared to 90 in the previous year.

 

Drug and Gun Bust Update

 

Kingston Police have charged a 31 year old woman in connection with a major drug and gun bust earlier this month.  A 31 year old man was originally charged after police seized a 9mm handgun, ammunition, two Tasers along with a large quantity of fentanyl laced heroin and crystal methamphetamine.  The man was hit with 15 drug and weapons charges.  The woman is now facing ten charges.

 

Rain – Sewage Overflows

 

The rainfall that hit Kingston caused three sewage overflows.

One at Gore Street, one at William Street in the downtown area and the other into the Cataraqui River at Belle Park.

Kingston got 33.4mm of rain yesterday…that’s 1.3 inches.

KFL&A Public Health says bacteria levels are higher after a heavy rainfall and swimming is not recommended for 48 hours.

 

Breakwater Park – Re-Opening

 

A big celebration is scheduled for today’s opening of the newly renovated Breakwater Park.  The city has family oriented activities planned for the park from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The opening ceremony will take place this morning with comments from local politicians and Swim Drink Fish president Mark Mattson.  Mattson’s organization helped secure half a million dollars from the Garfield Weston Foundation for the park.  The ceremony will include the dedication of the Gord Edgar Downie Pier.

The renovations will wind up costing 6.6 million dollars…$1.2 million over budget.  Some of that cost overrun was caused by flooding last year.

 

Rideau Canal – Rehabilitation

 

Parks Canada is planning major construction at the Kingston Mills and Jones Falls Locks.

The projects have just been put out for tender.

The Kingston Mills locks will undergo a major rehabilitation of its historic stone work.  It will include the repair and replacement of stone and pointing.

The Jones Falls locks will undergo similar work and the Timber Bridge at Jones Falls will be replaced this fall.

 

Charging Stations

 

The City of Kingston is installing 48 public electric vehicle charging stations at 21 locations.

Charging station parking spaces will be clearly marked with signage.

During a trial period, Level 2 stations will be free for public use with the payment of normal parking fees. Level 3 fast chargers will require payment to use.