CUPE – Hospital Funding

 

The Canadian Union of Public Employees says the Kingston Health Sciences Centre isn’t getting its fair share of funding.  Union local president Mike Rodrigues says the province promised a 3.1% increase in the Ontario budget.  Rodrigues says the union believes the newly merged Hotel Dieu and Kingston General hospitals will be lucky to get even two percent.

The union is holding a session today outside the Stuart Street entrance to Kingston General to highlight the problems created by below average funding.

 

Impaled by Arrow – Update

 

A 19 year old Kingston man continues to recover in Kingston General Hospital after being impaled by an arrow from his crossbow.

The arrow narrowly missed Ben Crittenden’s heart on Monday morning at a rural residence in Tweed.  He was rushed to Belleville General Hospital by ambulance – then airlifted by helicopter to Kingston General Hospital.

Crittenden underwent surgery to remove the arrow and issued a statement through the hospital yesterday saying…”I would like to thank the community for their concern and well wishes as well as to all of the first responders and medical professionals who have helped me.”

The OPP says it has determined there was nothing suspicious about the incident.

 

Teens Held – Home Invasion

 

Five young people from Kingston and South Frontenac arrested following a home invasion in Prince Edward County are still behind bars.

They were arrested in a high risk takedown after their vehicle was spotted in Odessa on Friday night.  The OPP says a search of the vehicle yielded weapons used in the robbery in Rossmore and a large quantity of marijuana.  Police also say the five young people who were arrested were known by the victims.

The four 19 years old and a 17 year old appeared for bail hearings in Belleville on Monday and were held in custody for another court appearance today.

 

Racism – City Council

 

A blatant incident of racism in Kingston that prompted a protest has also prompted city councillor Jeff McLaren to ask the city to review its anti-racism policies.

The incident involved a woman being yelled at and called the ‘N’ word repeatedly from the balcony of a residence on Division Street across from Kingston Police Headquarters.

Councillor Jeff McLaren will present a motion at next Tuesdays council meeting asking staff to review police aimed at combating racism.

 

Door to Door Sales

 

There’s an aggressive door to door sales campaign taking place in Kingston right now where people are trying to sell water filtration systems.

A person knocks on your door and shows you a picture of your basement water meter and says they are coming into your house to inspect it.  They actually try to get into your home.

Utilities Kingston says it doesn’t sell water filtration systems and they aren’t needed for Kingston’s water.

It says the water is regularly tested, meets or exceeds quality standards and is completely safe to drink.

 

Rideau Canal – Fully Open

 

The three locks on the Rideau Canal north of Kingston have finally re-opened following the record rainfall of last week.   Other locks on the canal had already re-opened.  The Kingston Mills, Upper and Lower Brewers locks were closed until yesterday morning.  Over two dozen boaters were allowed to move through the lock stations on Monday after some had been stranded for a week.

 

Waterkeepers – Public Session

 

Lake Ontario Waterkeeper is hosting a public discussion tonight on Kingston’s Waterfront Master Plan.

The session is part of the Kingston and Wolfe Island Culture Festival sponsored by Waterkeeper.

The discussion will be led by David McDonald of the Waterfront Access Group and Rebecca Harrison of Lake Ontario Waterkeeper.  It takes place from 7-9 p.m. in Memorial Hall at Kingston City Hall.

 

Senators Mascot – Kingston Y

 

About a hundred campers at the Kingston YMCA will get a visit from the Ottawa Senators mascot today.  The Senators have given the Y $10,000 to help subsidize fees for families who can’t afford the summer camp.

Spartacat will stop by the YMCA in Kingston today to present a symbolic cheque to the officials and greet the young campers.