What if Kingston…
This week, I’ve been kicking around Victoria and Vancouver for a bit of work, and play. While I was wandering around Victoria last night, I noticed that they had many green parking areas in the downtown core. Now that’s not to say that they painted a parking space green, and few a through buzz words on a nearby sign, but rather these spots accept the smallest of automobiles. And thus, Victoria’s environmentally friendly parking spaces will only accommodate Mercedes-Benz’s SMART cars. I wonder who the local dealer knows on city council? Rest assured these spaces are only found on every other block, and are few and far between, but still, I think that it’s a great way to reward drivers who’re helping to reduce their emissions. I know that Kingston was toying with the idea of reducing rates for motorcycles, and they’ve added a few new spaces for compact cars, but has anyone on city council thought about reducing the rates for hybrids, and/or SMART cars? What if Kingston had a green parking scheme? Do we want our city to become a model for environmental policy and best practices?
KRC vs The Grand
Who does the booking for the K-Rock Centre? I’d like to know because the KRC has made what I consider to be a pretty big error. It is bringing in a show from out of the country - a show that is happening at the Grand with local musicians and dancers one night later: The Nutcracker. Yes, it’s that magical time of year and families are getting ready to revisit one of their favourite Christmas traditions. Read more
To pee or not to pee
Kingston’s city council is in the process of passing a “public nuisance” bylaw that is aimed at stopping people from public urination, defecation or vomiting. Also included in this bylaw are the acts of knocking over mailboxes and garbage cans (I’m sure recycling bins would be included too…if we had any). The law is meant to target those who habitually get drunk in public and cause a nuisance. ie. the students. Read more
Leaf Collection
It seems like forever since Thanksgiving. I suppose that can be chalked up to the fact that I was getting married on Thanksgiving weekend, and had to go without turkey this year. As our neighbours to the south prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, followed by the famous Black Friday (which is also Buy Nothing Day), I’ve been playing in the leaves, and getting my yard ready for the winter. We have a few huge trees on our property, and thus a lot of raking and bagging. In any case, I’ve still got a good cover of mulched leaves to help spring everything back to life come warmer weather. Leaf collection has begun throughout the city (in case you didn’t know), and they have this handy online schedule which gives you a terrible idea as to when you might expect a truck to come by a collect your yard waste. I liken it to the stupid timings cable companies give you for service calls….sometime between 8am and 5pm. But I digress. It’ll only be a matter of time until Kingston get’s their green bin recycling program in place, and I can’t wait. Now that my leaves are waiting by the curbside, I’ve retired my rake for the year, and put my shovel on stand by for the first big dump of snow, which (fingers crossed) will not arrive until the day before Christmas. But if old man winter wants to come earlier than that, I’ll be okay with it so long as I get to spend a snow day or two at home in front of the fireplace.
Ruffles, Furbelows and Frills
Last month, I took a drive out to the new big box plaza, which was plopped down at the 401 and Division Street intersection. I’m not a huge fan of the King’s Crossing moniker, so I’ll entertain and perhaps use any creative submissions you can come up with instead. Back to the story at hand. The massive mall is home to a Canadian Tire, Mark’s Work Warehouse, Boston Pizza, No Frills, and fashion including: Tommy Hillfiger, Calvin Klein, Puma, and many more (pictures found here). Like it’s counterpart on Gardner’s Road, it’s bound to become a shopping mecca for Kingstonian’s, and visitors from near and afar. Read more
Where in Kingston - Solved!
I’m pleased to announce that Hiero has brought Kingstonist’s “Where in Kingston” question to a glorious end, by correctly identifying our pixelated representations of “Pollution”, a sculpture located in the waterfront park across from Kingston General Hospital . In case this is your first introduction to this piece of public art, Pollution was unveiled in the ’70’s, and was not well received by the public. Stories of public backlash and re-beautification of Pollution include one incident where enraged citizens took it upon themselves to paint the sculpture so that it resembled a pop can. In any case, Hiero’s keen eye has won him a pair of tickets to see the KSO perform their holiday concert at St. George’s Cathedral on December 17th. Until next time (and yes, we’ll be running another “Where in Kingston” contest in the New Year), keep reading, and please keep those comments coming.
Homegoing
After years of debauchery and wreckage, Queen’s has finally stepped up to do something about the giant Aberdeen party that has occurred every Homecoming weekend since 2005.
In case you’re new or you’ve just been out of the country (yes, this made national headlines) for the last four years, Queen’s students and their friends from other universities have taken it upon themselves to shut down Aberdeen street on the Saturday night of Homecoming weekend for a wild, dangerous and very expensive party. Arrests have been made in spades, there have been numerous injuries, police have been brought in from other cities (on the tax payer’s dollar) and residents who aren’t students (yes students, we do exist) have had to endure the loud ruckus and damage to their private property.
I went to Queen’s and I receive the alumni emails that go out every month or so. Today there was one in my inbox that I have long anticipated but never thought would actually come. Read more
Turbines Galore
On a couple of occasions, I’ve written about Kingston’s new windy skyline in relation to the Wolfe Island wind farm . For months, I’ve wondered how the 86 wind turbines might appear from afar. Last week my questions were answered when I peered across the water, and counted at least 5 turbines - either complete or in some stage of construction. Although they’re a true testament to Kingston and Islands commitment to sustainable energy, these giants also stand for something a bit less savory. In that respect, the failure of elected officials to step in and ensure suitability has sullied the project for many Island, and some Kingston residents. What do you think? Is this progress, or reasonable grounds for a class action lawsuit? My first impression of the new view is positive.
The Iron Duke
Nearly a year ago, I was sauntering by the abandoned Schertzo on Wellington Street, when I noticed a glint of life seeping out from behind the boarded up windows. For the first time since the bar had closed, the lights were on inside, and the sound of sober conversation debunked my initial fear that a downtrodden soul had broken in and taken up refuge. Over the next few weeks, my friends and I watched intently, giving random status reports on the progress we noticed at 207 Wellington. Soon thereafter, building permits and liquor licenses appeared, and an assortment of tradesmen could be seen working inside. In next to no time, the Iron Duke opened, and in less than a year, it has earned the top spot amongst Kingston’s oldest and most revered pubs. Read more
The Gertrudes’ Blackbird and the Cedar
Check out the brand spankin’ new music video from The Gertrudes for their song Blackbird and the Cedar . Personally, I love the tune, and the overall style of the video. Can’t wait to see what they come up with next. Be sure to check them out the next time they’re rockin’ out in Kingston. You won’t be disappointed.
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Friends & Supporters
