Justice, at Last

Robert Latimer will be given full parole early next month.
It is well past time.
This man has been treated unfairly by the justice system.
Let him return to his life in Saskatchewan, out of the media's eye.

Vanier Cup Day

U of Calgary vs Laval at Laval. Should be a good game. Reasonable temperature.

Start time here is 11.30am, due to Laval not carrying through on its commitment to provide lights for the game. It has to be done before dusk. People on the west coast aren't too pleased at having to start watching at 8.45am kickoff.

Canada and the UN Security Council

Yes, Canada would contribute to the deliberations of the Security Council.

But why would the PM start the lobbying within 6 months of the decision? There were reports late last year that Canada was not doing anything about lobbying for a seat. There were even reports that the PM really didn't care if Canada won one of the 2 available seats. [does he care NOW?]

Should Canada get one of the seats, it will be because of our historical stance, commitment, involvement in world affairs, not because of what this government stands for.

update 4pm October 12. No seat. No surprise.
Harper lays blame at feet of Liberal leader. Never takes the blame himself.
This is Harper's doing.

How embarassing for MY country.

Constant Updates on "Why we need to be rid of this government."

It sure is easy to add to that posting about why we need a new government. There are almost daily revelations of deceit or mischief or ....to add to the posting.

I'd like to be able to understand why people I know, and others, think that this PM is supportable. And these people I know seem to be honest, honourable people. Why don't they see the lies or deceit or heavy-handedness?

K-Rock Break Even?

Never.

Three mayoral candidates are upset at the 2nd quarter figures for the K-Rock Centre. They shouldn't be.

The K-Rock Centre will never break even. It will always be subsidized by local taxpayers.

A few predictions.......

Arcturus SMG will not renew its contract with the city to manage it, and the city will have to take over its operation. Not such a bad idea, but the city will have to spend a lot of $$$ to take over the operation. And there will be whining about that. Arcturus will take all its investments here when it goes.

A survey would tell candidates for council and the mayor's chair that there are few, if any, arenas in this country that break even, never mind make money. It just doesn't happen. It's sort of like trying to find a municipal leisure complex in Canada that makes money. That doesn't happen either. These are viewed as SERVICES for the people of a community. The sooner politicans accept that, the sooner they will rest better at night. And the sooner they will program those facilities for the people.

Support for the centre will continue to decline. Hard-core supporters of the Frontenacs and Memorial Centre are deeply opposed to the management, the cost of events, the lack of parking, the attitude of the place (e.g. the cost of refreshments).

An example of the "attitude" of the K-Rock Centre is the fact that no one can visit the Kingston & District Sports Hall of Fame, unless they buy an event ticket. Buy a ticket to a Fronts game, and discover that the shooting gallery is in the Hall of Fame? That you slather the mustard on your hot dog in the middle of the KDSHF? The K-Rock Centre management refuses to use the presence of the hall as a drawing card, a tourist attraction, a part of the city's heritage. And council is no better; they have demonstrated little interest in the KDSHF since it moved from the Memorial Centre (they didn't show a lot of interest there either!)

The city's lack of positive attitude about so much of its treasures, lifestyle and events is one of the city's real problems. No one stands up and cheers for the city! That's the job of the mayor!!! He/she should be the number one cheerleader of the city. The current one definitely isn't a positive, upbeat cheerleader. Let's hope we get one on October 25th. And a few councillors with positive attitude and common sense.

The Whig Standard Leads the Insensivity Parade

There was a tragic death at Queen's yesterday morning. A first year student apperently jumped to his death from the 6th floor at Victoria Hall. There are no details yet.

The Whig publishes a story on line, and this morning, has big headlines of this death in the print edition, and a photo above the fold.

In contrast, CKWS TV said little about it on the 6pm news last night.

The newspaper should be roundly condemmed for this insensitive headline and article. The article is almost exactly what they put online.

Many locals criticize The Whig for its frequent outrageous stances and reporting, in tabloid fashion.

This is another example of that.

Not surprisingly, subscriptions to The Whig are down from previous years. One can see why.

Anyone with Vision?

Nominations have closed for October 25 municipal elections in Ontario.

In all but one district in Kingston, there will be candidates trying to collect votes.

In the one district in which there was acclamation, the sitting councillor indicates that her priorities are traffic lights, calming speed bumps......

Good grief! Are any of these candidates going to look at the big picture? Are they going to talk about Kingston's future as a sustainable city? With a 3rd crossing? With less outrageous spending (remember that Vicki Schmolka was the only councillor who voted against the gigantic expenditure of $$$ on a pool+ at the Memorial Centre, that will be used at most 100 days/year. It is September 13th, and swimming in outdoor pools is pretty well done. I know. I do it! Got to be hardy to be swimming today!) With less development on the sparse waterfront? With less dumping of raw sewage into the Cataraqui River?

Great letter!

A great letter to the editor in The Globe and Mail, today.....

Don’t count (on it)

In one master stroke, Stephen Harper has: 1) comforted a micro-base of Canadian voters who hate guv’mint meddlin’ and can be trusted not to understand the deterioration in government services that will accrue with bad census data; 2) cemented the loyalty of a larger base that doesn’t think marginalized Canadians (who will be underrepresented in future censuses) should count in policy formulation anyway; 3) purged our civil service of yet another independent, competent administrator who (like Linda Keen et al.) was in the habit of speaking truth to power; 4) kneecapped a potential leadership rival by forcing the once-popular Tony Clement to bolster this partisan ploy with a hopeless farrago of pseudo-reasons.
The Prime Minister should take a bow – then put the census back where he found it (Long-Form Testimonial – editorial July 28).

M.J. McKenty, Winnipeg

Why We Need to Get Rid of this Government....a cumulative list

1. Recent appointment of David Johnson as Governor General. Another white, male, privileged affluent person.
2. The hypocracy of the PM who lauded the Queen as one of our "best players" on her recent tour, but is on record as wanting to be rid of the Monarchy in this country.
3. His tepid support for GG Jean throughout her term as GG. He should be embarassed, but isn't.
4. Spending $3 billion on the G8/G20 summits. Why did he separate them? Oh yes, wanted to give gifts to Tony Clement's riding, and he did. Millions, for fewer than 15 hours in Huntsville.
5. Decision to close penitentiary farms. He really thinks that these inmates are being trained for becoming farmers. No, Mr Harper, they are being trained to learn things that have gotten them into trouble: not meeting deadlines, not being responsible for their own "stuff," not being part of society in a positive way.
6. Building more and larger prisons.
7. Appointment late July 9th of a failed Tory candidate to the Senate. Has this man no pride??? [budget passed, surprise!, on July 12th]
8. July12. Today it is announced that the long census form will no longer be compulsory to those who get it. it will be mailed out to a few thousand, and return is voluntary. Now, what in the world will be learned, of any use, from this exercise? Only the motivated will do it. The snapshot will be skewed....apparently an effort to "save money and be transparent." Not very likely.
9. July 18. Harper "hides" a lot of non-budget items in the budget. This is how he gets changes to all kinds of programs through, since he knows that the would be a big stink if these items were introduced in Parliament, or if Parliament were sitting and the Opposition got a chance in Question Period. He is a man without conscience.
10. July 22. the head of Stats Can has resigned. This due to what is political interference from the government, especially the Minister, Tony Clement, but probably undeer the orders of Stephen Harper. The long census was resuced to being given to a few, and they are to answer it voluntarily. Any first year student knows that any info gathered under these circumstances is, at best, anecdotal.
11. July 22. Former Minister Helena Guergis has been cleared of any bad behaviour by the RCMP. She was fired from the cabinet, put on the back benches, and told that she would not be able to run for the Conservatives at the next election (is that a booby prize or a gift???). Now, her reputation has been badly tarnished. All this caused by a PM who acted much too quickly, then acted as judge and jury.
He is a man who has never considered the First Nations story of "walking a mile in another's moccasins."

If you haven't read this, do, Then you'll understand a bit more about our little tyrant.
http://communities.canada.com/vancouversun/print.aspx?postid=238678

12. July 28. The head of Stats Canada resigns because of interference from Cement and Harper. StatsCan told them that the long census form is essential. Then Clement said that StatsCan agreed with making the form voluntary. This is a plain and simple lie. Probably not the only one from this government.
13. July 28. There is internal revolt in the RCMP against the Harper-appointed civilian head of the RCMP. This man is a Harperite of the first order: arrogant, bossy, given to anger fits, "my way or the highway" person.
14. August 6. Today Harper names bull terrier John Baird as government House Leader. Harper, in spite of what he says, must be pining for a fall election f he puts Baird in charge of getting the government's agenda through. He's argumentative, arrogant, stubborn, and always right; a sure recipe for aggrevating MPs (even ones in his own party!!)
15. August 14. Harper allows Minister Tony Clement take the fall for HIS decision to make the long census form voluntary rather than essential. Can't Harper own up to his own decisions? Allow a minister to take the blame? Ethical behaviour? Nope.
16. August 14. Harper also hangs minister vic Toews out to dry on the Tamil boatload that arrived in Victoria yesterday. You can just hear it, "You step up and speak, Vic. I'm right behind you (in the shadows)."
17. August 18. The chief of the long gun registry, a senior RCMP officer, is sent off for second language training. What? Second language training, aftere he has been in that position for 9 months? The PM says there was no political interference (even though Harper is strongly opposed to the LGR). This PM has taken himself to the point that NO ONE believes him, and many of us think he lies outright. I am one of those.
18. August 17. Veterans' ombudsman, a retired colonel in the Canadian forces, Pat Stogran, hs been told his appointment will not be renewed in November. It is common knowledge that he has advocated for better treatment, conditions, pensions etc for Canadian forces, particularly those injured in battle (or suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder). He has spoken out repeatedly about this situation, echoed by forces who have retired from service. Harper has said he will not re-appoint this outspoken advocate. Why doesn't harper DO something about the situation that our forces have often denounced? Easier to get rid of an irritant than it is to be compassionate towards service people? It is impossible to understand Harper's core values, his religious orientation. Few of us would understand a religious framework that supports lying, is lacking in compassion, and that places a senior public servant at the centre of government. We MUST get rid of this man who is destroying the Canada that WE know and love.
19. week of August 23rd. Harper demands much money be spent on his photo-op trip to the north: fighter planes, scuba diving armed forces, a helicopter to take him about 200 yards, on and on. All these were just so he (with glasses, no contact lenses) could be shown actually "doing something" in and for the north. He is not. Everything he announced will come to pass in over 5 years, if at all.
20. September 10. Harper promises the Diefenbaker Centre in Saskatoon $1.3 million for renos (which it desperately needs, and I support). This is only a promise. As one wag said "don't start the renos till you have the cheque in hand." One of Harper's "promises" that mostly never happen. And they wonder why citizens are sceptical of promises given by politicans.
21. September 10. Promise over $200 million for an arena in Quebec City? Oh yes, for hockey and for Quebec's hoped-for bid for the 2022 Olympic Winter Games. Oh yes, for votes. Well, he should remember that Brad Wall has his hand out for a new facility in Regina for football, concerts, etc. And every premier will have his/her hand out! So much for transparency, openness, no pork-barrelling (don't notice the Senate ppointments). NOTE: As of September 13, the mayor of Moncton has his hand out for $$$ for HIS city's new facility! Get in line!
UPDATE: 3PM ON SEPTEMBER 13th, Harper starts backtracking.......
22. update September 21. Harper has pledged $200 million over 5 years to support Canada's vets, particularly those who are hurt on the field. The question really is why did it take outrage and complaint by the vets themselves, in unision with the Military Ombudsman, to get Harper to be compassionate (well, more compassionate. He'll not win the prize for compassion, ever). And, how far will this amount of money go? Probably not as far as it looks.
23. September 23rd. Commons voted to retain the long gun registry last night. (thankfully). The PM says "this party will not rest till the long gun registry is closed down" (or words to that effect.) And some of his ministers say this will be an election issue. Now, give us a break. There are so many other issues in this country that should be election issues before this one. The PM's comment only re-inforces the idea that he is an obsessive man, with little vision for our country. Maybe a "one trick pony" would be a better description.
24. October 3. And all this time, the PM has allowed Guergis to be written about and gossiped about without even giving her the courtesy of a meeting to explain why he turfed her from the cabinet, and the caucus. This is the behaviour of a coward.
25. October 5. As one opposition member said, this government just "makes it up as it goes along." There weren't 1000 emails a day about the long census form, as Maxime Bernier said. Most of us would call this lying.

Too Much! And Too Little!

Too much what?

• money being spent on the G8/G20 Summit
• copy about the summits in the nespaper
• whining about Canada
• men making decisions about the Hockey hall of Fame

Too little/few?

• women in the Hockey hall of Fame. Angela james and Cammi Granato are overdue in the hall. Let's hope that next time around, the suits will choose more women (and not call them a "subcategory") and pick the correct men. Dino C? What a joke.
• sincerity in the apology to families of those killed in the Air India disaster 25 years ago, yes 25! Why did it take so long? The federal government is embarassingly partisan, operating only when it sees something to be gained, for itself. There is no acting on something because it is the right thing to do.

A Controversial Decision

I don't know anyone who would support the use of performance-enhancing drugs, in sport or anywhere else.

But, has the punishment here exceeded the crime?

Should all the current players be penalized for the mistakes, poor judgement, possibly criminal activities of a few?

There are precedents. In the cases of medallist Olympians, the medals have been taken from whole relay teams. At least one of those and possibly two of those, are being challenged. If one relay team member cheats, should all the others of the team have to pay the price?

Consider, in the Waterloo, case, the incoming students who were recruited for football, who expect to play on the team (or at least be red-shirted) who now are without that team.

Consider too the support staff of the team: assistant coaches, therapists, sport psychologiests, trainers, etc who now do not have their team. Recognize that support staff usually are sport-specific; these people are trained in football.

The action of the AD is too severe for the mistakes. Too many people are paying the price. It is unfair, mostly to the athletes.

Not complicated to do more tests on more athletes next season. Costs money, but then, think of the lost money when the team doesn't participate. A few well-heeled alumni will keep their wallets closed.

Over-reaction by the AD.


---------------
Doping Control Test results on University of Waterloo football team announced


(Waterloo, Ontario) – The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES), the University of Waterloo and Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) held a media conference in Waterloo, ON, to announce the results of the doping control testing which was conducted on the University of Waterloo football team on March 31, 2010.
When the University of Waterloo was informed that one of their former football players (Nathan Zettler) was under investigation related to trafficking banned substances (human growth hormone and steroids), the university took immediate and unprecedented action by requesting that the CCES immediately test the entire Waterloo football team.
“The CCES would like to congratulate the University of Waterloo and its Athletic Director, Bob Copeland for taking such bold and decisive action – requesting that the entire team be tested,” said Paul Melia, CCES President and CEO. “CIS and its member institutions have always been strong leaders in the fight against doping in sport, they were the first to institute mandatory education for all of their student-athletes and they continue to work with us to try and create a stronger testing and education program.”
On March 31st, the CCES conducted or attempted to conduct a total of 82 sample collections on 62 University of Waterloo football players. Sixty one (61) of those sample collections were for urine and 20 were for blood. Some athletes provided both blood and urine samples. Blood testing is conducted in order to determine the presence of certain substances, for example human growth hormone (HGH). The CCES is still awaiting all of the final results of the blood tests.
From the 62 urine sample collections attempted, the CCES is managing a total of nine potential anti-doping rule violation cases which include: one asserted refusal; a total of four admissions of Use – two admissions occurred prior to the testing procedures and two admissions occurred at the time of sample collection; three adverse analytical findings; and one case is pending additional police investigation.
The CCES is committed to transparency and public disclosure, but will at all times ensure the rights of the athlete(s) to confidentiality and due process. CCES will only disclose an athlete’s name in the event the athlete has been asserted to have committed an anti-doping rule violation resulting in a sanction and has either signed a waiver accepting the consequences of the violation proposed by the CCES or, completed a hearing procedure that has resulted in an arbitrator’s decision to uphold the assertion and impose a sanction.
"Naturally we're very disappointed in the results of the tests, but from the beginning Waterloo initiated testing the team in the belief it was the right thing to do. We have worked with CIS and CCES and thank them for everything that's been done, and we look forward to moving ahead," said Bob Copeland, Director of Athletics, University of Waterloo.”
A first year linebacker, Jordan Meredith’s urine sample returned an adverse analytical finding for Tamoxifen, a prohibited substance according to the 2010 World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List.
Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor, which is commonly used by athletes as part of a post cycle treatment to combat the side effects of steroids. Mr. Meredith's urine sample only returned an adverse analytical finding for Tamoxifen.
In response to the CCES’ notification of the adverse analytical finding, Mr. Meredith waived his right to a hearing and acknowledged the commission of an anti-doping rule violation. Mr. Meredith has received a sanction of a two-year period of ineligibility.
Joe Surgenor, a 2nd year linebacker from Barrie, ON admitted to use of a steroid at the time of doping control. Mr. Surgenor has accepted a two (2) year sanction and waived his right to a hearing.
The CCES is also continuing to monitor the ongoing Waterloo Regional Police investigation into former University of Waterloo football player Nathan Zettler who has been charged with possession of steroids for the purpose of trafficking. As trafficking in prohibited substances is also an Anti-Doping Rule Violation, the matter is in the process of review and may result in a further assertion.
“This is the most significant doping issue in CIS history, and we’re taking it very seriously,” said CIS Chief Executive Officer, Marg McGregor. “This situation illustrates that the CIS doping control program needs to be strengthened to ensure a level playing field and protect the rights of the vast majority of student-athletes who respect the rules and complete clean.”
At the time of the Waterloo testing, the CCES conducted other doping control tests at the University of Guelph and McMaster University. There are no further adverse analytical findings to date from those schools tested – samples may be held for eight years and retroactively tested.
With the assistance of CIS and its member institutions who have provided athletes’ performance records and information on their home locations, the CCES has been conducting more unannounced home visits which have to date resulted in one potential anti-doping rule violation. More information cannot be provided at this time as the case is under review.
“I want to assure the Canadian public, that the CCES, the CIS and its member institutions, are taking this situation very seriously, said Mr. Melia. “We are applying all of the powers of the Canadian Anti-Doping Program including investigation, testing and education. We will continue to keep you informed as information becomes available either through media conferences or media releases.”
“If we are going to be effective in determining the extent to which this may be an issue in CIS football and possibly the sport of football, we will need the support of all of our partners in sport including the provincial and federal governments to work together to find the resources to investigate this situation, increase testing, and provide education earlier to our young athletes so that they don’t grow up believing that the answer to winning in sport is using performance enhancing drugs.” Mr. Melia concluded.
About the CCES
The CCES is an independent, national, non-profit organization. Our mission, to foster ethical sport for all Canadians, is carried out through research, promotion, education, detection and deterrence, as well as through programs and partnerships with other organizations.
About Canadian Interuniversity Sport
Canadian Interuniversity Sport is the national governing body of university sport in Canada. Fifty-two universities, 10,000 student-athletes and 550 coaches vie for 21 national championships in 12 different sports. CIS also provides high performance international opportunities for Canadian student-athletes at Winter and Summer Universiades, as well as numerous world university championships. For further information, visit www.cis-sic.ca.
About The University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo, located at the heart of Canada's Technology Triangle, is one of Canada's leading comprehensive universities. Waterloo is home to 30,000 full- and part-time undergraduate and graduate students who are dedicated to making the future better and brighter. Waterloo, known for the largest post- secondary co-operative education program in the world, supports enterprising partnerships in learning, research and discovery. For more information about Waterloo, visit www.uwaterloo.ca.
-- 30 --

Why Host the Big Events?

$614,000 is not small change!!!

Hockey hall in works for Sask.

Canwest News Service June 7, 2010 2:09 AM

The Saskatchewan Hockey Associated received $614,000 from Hockey Canada as its share of the profits from the 2010 world junior championship in Saskatoon and Regina.
The SHA, which had its annual general meeting during the weekend in Regina, is using a portion of the money to create a post-secondary scholarship that will be available to graduating midget AAA players from Saskatchewan who stay in the province either by going straight to school or moving to the SJHL.
SHA general manager Kelly McClintock also hinted some of the money from the world juniors will be put toward the creation of a hall of fame in time for 2012, which is the 100th anniversary of hockey in Saskatchewan.

Why Humboldt?

Site selection for any big sporting event is a political decision. like it or not.

One has to wonder if the Kingston bid committee and those in the hockey "community" did enough on the political side. The franchise holder needs to know the people it might have to work with, the people behind the people, who has (either or both) influence and power. For a franchisse holder, this is a big deal. Those in the franchise must know the people, not just as they appear at the bid meetings, but over a period of time.

So, if Kingston might consider bidding again (and there's a lesson here for the Frontenacs and their interest in hosting the Memorial Cup), they need to keep involved in hockey at the national level, keep in touch with those who make the decisions in Hockey Canada. Show your interest in more than their treasures (these big events); be interested in the organization, get involved in it.

A second point that is a real negative for Kingston is its appalling air service. Don't be too quick to condem Humboldt......there is excellent air service to Saskatoon. It is frequent, it is from all over the country (and internationally) and there are at least 2 major airlines that serve the area. Humboldt is about 115K east of Saskatoo on what is esssentially a straight highway across the prairie (few if any annimals to cross the road, etc!!). It takes about one hour to get there from the Saskatoon airport. Frankly, a lot of those who go to the RBC Cup may stay in Saskatoon.

So...keep the politics going, and for heavens sake, let's get half-decent air service to Kingston! Just ask around the community if this isn't a BIG problem.

p.s. Surely no one thinks that when the site of the Olympics or Olympic Winter Games is chosen, that IOC members made their decision on the day of the formal bid presentation? Good. Most of them decided a long time ago!

WHY? Humboldt, SK to Host RBC Cup in 2012.

Hockey Canada rejects Kingston's bid to host 2012 RBC Cup
Humboldt, Sask. gets the nod over Kingston and two other cities

from The Kingston Whig Standard

The Kingston Kimco Voyageurs will not be hosting the 2012 RBC Cup.
Hockey Canada awarded the national junior A hockey championship to the Humboldt Broncos of Saskatchewan on Sunday at its annual general meeting in Montreal.
Kingston, Port Alberni, B.C. and Fort McMurray, Alta. were the other cities bidding for the event.
"Our committee did an exceptional job on our bid," Voyageurs owner Gregg Rosen said. "There's nothing more we could have done to secure the 2012 tournament. Hockey Canada has made its decision and it's the goal of our organization to get back to the RBC Cup and hopefully have an opportunity to host it down the road."
The Vees advanced to the national final in 2009 in Victoria, B.C., finishing fourth. Under Rosen's ownership, the Vees have led the Ontario Junior A Hockey League in attendance the past two seasons.
It marks the second national hockey championship setback for Kingston this month. Earlier in May, the Kingston Frontenacs lost out on their bid to host the 2011 Memorial Cup, which went to Mississauga.

----------------
It's easy to underestimate Humboldt, the Broncos, and the support the team has.

Humboldt is not some hick town on the prairie. It is near Saskatoon, it's people travel and work throughout the region.

The Broncos have been a strong team for...well, perpetually. They play good hockey, they have strong management, they have excellent fan support, they have excellent media coverage.

Media coverage of the team would definitely be one factor taken into account. The Broncos get regular, in-depth coverage from the Saskatoon Star Phoenix. Coverage is about the athletes it is positive, it is human-interest related. The placement of articles is superior to the layout and placement of articles in The Whig. Compare this to the sort of coverage that the Vees get in Kingston. Not even in the same league.

They Made Two Decisions!

Maybe it was because the TV cameras weren't on councillors last night at their Special Meeting, maybe it was because some of them came to their senses, but amazingly, city council made two right decisions.

They will accept the federal government's offer of property along Highway 15 to build affordable housing, and they will proceed with the second stage EA for the third crossing of the Rideau River.

Kingston needs affordable housing. No one disputes that. People make unwarrented assumptions about the way of life of those who will live there. Not much charity shown.

And, all the questions that councillors were asking, particularly Councillor Schmolka, will be answered in the 2nd phase EA. Why councillors kept asking questions that the consultants said would be answered in the next phase, is a mystery to most of us.

Now, if council were to re-visit the S&R decision, and accept Mr Doornekamp's offer, citizens might think that council was acting in our best interest.

It's still difficult to see where this council will get all the money that it has committed to projects in the last year.

Outer Station, Kingston, Ontario

Montreal Street, en route from Highway 401, one of the routes used by tourists to enter Kingston!

Kingston's Outer Station, today

Now, this is another embarassment.

Another Goes Under

You have to wonder when the councillors of Kingston will figure out that their stewardship of the downtown is AWFUL!

Another store, Sir Gawain, a women's and men's wear shop, is closing its doors (announced this morning) It is located at the corner of Ontario and Princess Streets. Well, it's located there right now, but come July, it too will be gone.

And to think that these same councillors have decided NOT to buy the S & R building, that would have had quite a bit of pedestrian traffic, perhaps people going in to pay their parking tickets or property taxes........

Someone recently commented to me, "I can't wait to get rid of these people." There are a lot of citizens climbing onto that bandwagon.

One has to feel for the fellow who is trying to make an impression on the local market with his excellent (yes, I have had them, bought them) take-home frozen dinners, across from the Lone Star that has been closed for almost a month. On Ontario Street. The Lone Star must be crying too, since a lot of its trade is on the patio, summer-time.

What do the other owners/renters of property in the downtown think of all the closings? Do they wonder how long they can hang on?

There are over 40 vacant storefronts on Princess Street between Division and Ontario Streets. Why is this? One of those who knows, from experience, says that the rental rates in the buildings are astronomical. This person decided (without much contemplation) to take the business off Princess Street, to an adjacent street, and even then the rental rates are almost choking. Why? City taxes? Greedy landlords? Both?

Council doesn't address this in public at all. One has to wonder if they are oblivious to this, or if they don't care, or if they think it's just a passing aberration, or is there some other reason?

Kingston's downtown is in crisis. The citizens know this, why don't city councillors?

Too bad the Special meeting of Council tonight isn't being telecast on Cogeco 13. It sure would be nice to see if even one councillor tried to put this critical situation on the agenda.

S & R for City Staff

And, while we are on the subject of bone-headed decisions....a quick look at the suggestion that the city purchase the S&R building, all renovated at the developer's expense, and ready to move into.

They said "NO."

Most children in grade 7 would be able to figure out that if the city is paying about $500,000/year to RENT an inadequate building, they will pay $5. million for a 10 year rental. And still nOT OWN the building.

The city has over $14 million in the budget for new digs. They would have to come up with $5 million more to get into the S&R building. This is chicken feed, considering how they just, without comment, gave $600,000 to fix up the Sir John A locomotive.

One has to admire the city staff for their "no comment" stance on this decision. Anyone who has been involved in any sort of organization, knows that with consolidation of staff comes greater co-operation, collaboratiion and efficient use of time. Just ask someone who does organizational development!!!

Kingston's Council is Treading Water

How right Councillor Steve Garrison is!

City council is doing nothing these days.......oh yes, they did do something this week.

After about 2.5 hours asking questions of the consultants on the Third Crossing (cost of moving to next phase is about $650,000) they left the item.

They went next to an item about the locomotive Sr John A that is sitting in Confederation Park in front of city hall. The engine needs work.

They passed, WITHOUT COMMENT, a request for over $650,000 to restore the locomotive and put it in some kind of enclosure.

This is ridiculous! It is the same amount of money they squabbled over about the Third Crossing!!!

Work on the next phase of the Third Crossing will take several years (most guess at 2-3 years) and that is just for the required studies!!!!

That's not even deciding to actually build the crossing!

These people have their heads in the sand. Whenever they stand up, it's to posture for the up-coming municipal election in October.