Kingston News, April 28, 2016

LOCAL

KINGSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY – Discrimination

Proposed new rules to bar foul-smelling patrons or those “lingering aimlessly” from Kingston’s public library have been put off.

A group that opposes the new code of conduct appeared at a library board meeting yesterday — arguing the new rules target the homeless and the poor.

A spokeswoman for Libraries are for Everyone says more than 100 people turned out for the meeting and many in the audience made “heartfelt” statements.

She says Councillor Jim Neill moved to defer the Code’s implementation and invite public consultation as soon as possible and the motion passed.

The library board has said the guidelines aren’t aimed at a specific group but are needed to ensure the library remains a safe space. (The Canadian Press)

STOLEN TRACTOR – KINGSTON

Kingston Police are searching for a tractor that was recently stolen from the Kingston Mills area.

Contractors have been on site at a city park near Holy Name Catholic School where equipment is regularly left overnight, on the morning of April 21st when workers returned they found a Kubota B21 tractor, valued at approximately $18,000, was stolen.
Attempts were made by staff to prevent the theft of equipment but the suspects were able to still move it. It is unknown if it was loaded onto another trailer to haul it away or simply driven from the scene.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Kingston Police.

GRASS CREEK PARK – Indecent Acts

Kingston police have arrested a 63 year old Kingston man for committing an indecent act at Grass Creek Park.

The incidents began around April 20th where a witness noticed the man, after several complaints the street crime unit set up surveillance.

On April 26th the male seen returning to his vehicle and it was clear to undercover officers that the suspect was committing the offence of an Indecent Act in a public place with other people in close proximity. The suspect was arrested later that afternoon.  He is additionally being charged with breach of a court order.

LCBO – THREATS

Kingston Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a young male who allegedly threatened staff at a local LCBO.

On Tuesday night the suspect entered the LCBO store located at Princess Street and Concession Street.

He walked past the cashier without making any attempt to conceal or pay for a 60 oz bottle of Smirnoff Vodka and a 40 oz bottle of Jack Daniels Whiskey. When an employee attempted to get his attention he threatened the staff member that he had a knife.

The suspect is described as white, 19 to 20,5’5″ to 5’8″ in height, medium to heavy build, Photos are available on our FB fan page and anyone with information is asked to contact police or crimestoppers.

Belleville Police -Twitter

A social media user in Belleville is being threatened with legal action over tweets about the Belleville Police Service.

A letter from Kingston lawyer Kees Kort, addressed to Twitter account ↕DickieBuckshot, says posts made about the police and particularly chief Cory MacKay are defamatory, abusive, misogynistic and harassing.
It adds the comments “go beyond legitimate expression” and the Police Services Board will seek appropriate legal action, damages and remedies if the activity isn’t stopped immediately.
The letter was deemed strictly privileged and confidential but was posted to the Dickie Buckshot twitter account yesterday.  (Canadian Press)

Warkworth Prison-  Lockdown Ended

Corrections Canada says the lockdown at a medium security prison northwest of Trenton has been lifted.

The extra precautions were put in place at Warkworth Institution near Campbellford last Saturday so staff could hold an exceptional search.

Acting Assistant Warden Shawn Sutton says a number of unauthorized items were found and normal operations, including visiting, have resumed.

The Correctional Service of Canada says in a release that it’s strengthening measures to prevent the entry of contraband into its institutions.  (Canadian Press)

Karate Sex Assault – Peterborough

Two karate instructors have been charged in an alleged sexual assault in Lindsay, near Peterborough.

Police say a woman came forward last month to report a sexual assault that took place at a karate tournament there in 2010.

They say she was 16 at the time of the alleged sex assault.

Thirty-nine-year-old Shannon Kaye of Welland and 39-year-old Michael Ryan Kowtaluk of Hamilton are each charged with sexual assault and sexual exploitation. (Canadian Press)

PROVINCIAL

Developmental Facilities – Lawsuit

A court has approved a 36-million-dollar settlement of a class-action lawsuit filed against the province by residents of 12 former developmental services facilities across Ontario.

The province says the money will be used to compensate residents who suffered harm while at the schools, which operated between the 1960s and late 1990’s.

Attorney General Madeleine Meilleur says she hopes the settlement will help the residents and their families heal.

Settlements of two similar class-action lawsuits were reached in 2013 involving residents at the Huronia Regional Centre in Orillia and at the Rideau Regional Centre in Smiths Falls and the Southwestern Regional Centre near Chatham. (The Canadian Press)

Child Exploitation – Ontario

Provincial police say they’ve laid numerous charges in connection with a province-wide, Internet child exploitation investigation.

O-P-P Chief Superintendent Don Bell is to announce details of the investigation at a news conference this morning in Toronto.

Police are calling it a massive investigation.

Investigators say it included elements that were consistent with human trafficking probes. (The Canadian Press)

NATIONAL

Trudeau – Saskatchewan

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau describes his meeting with the premier of Saskatchewan as “wonderfully positive.”

Trudeau sat down yesterday in Saskatoon with Premier Brad Wall, where both reported productive talks on a number of issues, including pipelines and more funding for First Nations.

They also discussed Employment Insurance, and the sections of Saskatchewan left out of recently announced benefit extensions for regions hit hard by the resource downturn.

Wall says he’s still hopeful for expansion, and will take Trudeau “at his word” that the situation is being monitored. (Canadian Press)

Syria
The International Committee of the Red Cross is warning that the northern Syrian city of Aleppo is on the brink of a humanitarian disaster as a result of renewed fighting there.
The statement came after airstrikes dropped overnight on a key hospital in Aleppo and other nearby buildings.
The hospital was supported by both Doctors Without Borders and the ICRC, which report 14 patients and medical staff among the at least 27 people killed. (Canadian Press)

Bombardier
Montreal-based plane manufacturer Bombardier is announcing a firm order — and the biggest one yet — for its new C-Series passenger jets from an American airline.
Bombardier says Delta Air Lines has placed a firm order for 75 C-S-100 aircraft in a deal it values at about 5.6-billion dollars U-S, with delivery expected to begin in 2018.
The order is a massive boost for Bombardier’s troubled and delayed jet program.
C-E-O Alain Bellemare says he sees this deal from Delta as a “strong endorsement” of the C-Series in the 100-150 passenger class. (Canadian Press)