Vital Signs Report

 

The latest edition of the Community Foundation’s Vital Signs community report card says the rate of poverty has increased slightly in Kingston over the past ten years.  It says data from the 2016 census indicates 13% of the population is living in poverty.

It also found self-reported fair or poor mental health increased from less than 6% to over 8%.

The report says the “sense of community belonging” is strong in Kingston, with a measured 5% increase over the previous decade.  However, charitable giving is barely keeping up with inflation and charities are now relying on fewer donors giving more.

The Vital Signs was released to the public this morning at the Residence Inn by Marriott.

 

Sandy Pines – Contractor

 

A Kingston construction company has come forward to help the Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre in Napanee.  The company is hoping to confirm today that it will do the work necessary to finish a new barn and complete its aquatic centre.

The barn was destroyed by fire last year.

The original contractor suffered a critical injury in the summer.

Sandy Pines says the new contractor has offered to donate its time and materials and hopes to announce today it has finalized plans to do the work.

 

Close Pier

 

An online petition has been launched in an effort to get the city to close the new Gord Edgar Downie Pier at night.  The petition on ww.change.org has been posted by businessman Philip Brown.  Brown says he is concerned someone will drown because of the new popularity of the pier.  He says it has become a late night gathering spot for partiers.  Brown says he will be making a presentation to City staff and Council Members on Nov 8th.  The petition doesn’t offer any suggestion on how to close off the pier to public access at night.

 

https://www.change.org/p/phillip-brown-protect-our-youth-and-city-assets-close-the-gord-downie-pier-at-night?recruiter=842597231&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=undefined

 

Pedestrian Injuries

 

A pedestrian has suffered serious injuries after being struck by a vehicle on Highway 2 in Kingston east.  It happened just after 4am on Saturday near Niagara Park Drive.  There has been no update on the condition of the pedestrian and there is no word yet from Kingston Police on charges.

 

Bank Robber to Prison

 

In case you missed it on Friday…the man who robbed the Scotiabank at 863 Princess Street last week has been sent back to prison.  37 year old Kevin Penzes has a long criminal record and plead guilty to the robbery.  He told the teller he was going back to RTC – the Regional Treatment Centre in Bath and got his wish on Friday when a judge sentenced him to four years in prison.

 

Kinsmen Dream Home

 

Tickets for the Kinsmen Dream Home lottery go on sale this week.

The home is on Apple Wood Lane about 10 minutes north of Inverary.  It has been built by Home Valley Builders.  The Kinsmen are hoping it will be available for open houses this weekend.

The house is worth $780,000.

Tickets are $150 and will be available at area banks, the Boys and Girls Club, and the YMCA.

The Dream Home draw will take place during the second intermission of the Kingston Frontenacs game on December 29th.