Kingston in 2009

Some notable events, thoughts, behind-the-scenes stuff in Kingston, and a few predictions......

1. With the continuing operational red ink at the LVEC, it is only a matter of time before Arcturus SMG says "adios." Probably at the end of their contract. Bet big money on that. Then the K-Rock Centre will cost us REALLY big money to operate, as the city takes it over.
2. Kingston's downtown is getting emptier and emptier. With the infrastructure dig-up that is scheduled for spring/summer 2010 it will be harder and harder for tourists, never mind locals, to browse and buy in lower Princess Street. Already we miss the S & R. Vandervoort's has taken up a lot of the slack, but it still isn't the beautiful old building that S&R was in.
3. So, what will happen to the S&R building? The city has called for expressions of interest to provide more municipal accomodation. Just remind yourself that the city is RENTING the old Whig building. Had it purchased it when it was available for purchase, we taxpayers would own it by about 2012, and not keep paying gigantic rental for it. This is called "shortsighted.'
4. The old Police Station will be demolished, and used as a parking lot. Wonder how much contamination there is under that location.
5. Have to wonder when the city will make some strides toward improving the skating area at the Market Square. Do you think any city employees take a look around the country to see what amenities other cities offer at their muncipal feature rink? Skate rentals? Lots of hot chocolate and food? More convenient bathrooms (have you put on your skates "down there" or had to take your child to the bathroom?)
6. Let's just touch on "pedestrian crosswalks." The city's determination not to have them, is just a sign of stubbornness. And to cite that they are illegal is silly. How come Picton and Gananoque, to name just two communities, have them? And, people use them!!!
7. Is there some time in the near future that the city will require citizens to shovel their walks, and stop doing it for them? Why do we pay for this, when people should be expected to look after a bit of sidewalk in front of their own house? Persons who require wheelchairs or scooters, to say nothing of those with walkers, are poorly served in Kingston. (We won't rant about the incomplete, short-sighted renovations to The Grand Theatre, wherein scooters can't get into the bathrooms). Is there NO community spirit here?
8. And, speaking of community spirit, why is it that there was only ONE true volunteer on the Olympic Torch Relay Committee? Everyone except one person was there by virtue of their employment position in the community...on the base, a city employee, a city councillor, and on and on. Check the committees in other communities; they were full of volunteers. In one Canadian community in1988 when the torch went through the city, the committee had about 15 members, and virtually all of them were community volunteers. Don't get me started on Kingston's lack of community spirit.