Gord Downie – Aboriginals

Leaders of Canada’s indigenous community say they feel stunned and grateful to Gord Downie of The Tragically Hip for training the spotlight on issues plaguing First Nations.

Downie spoke passionately about their struggles during the final concert of the bands Man Machine Poem tour at the Rogers K-Rock Centre on Saturday night.

He noted Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was in the audience and said he believes Trudeau will help bring about meaningful change.

Indigenous leaders are thanked Downie for taking time to speak up for their communities in the midst of his own struggle with terminal brain cancer.

Break In Arrests

Kingston Police have made two arrests in two separate commercial break and enters.

A 50 year old man has been charged with break and enter and possession of stolen property after being arrested at the Hydro One property on Sydenham Road.  Police say he was caught on Monday night with about 60 pounds of metal that had been taken from bins on the property.

A 38 year old woman was arrested after she was spotted on the roof of a business in the area of Princess and King Streets around 3am yesterday.  Police say she was highly intoxicated and broke into the business through the roof.   She’s been charged with break and enter and commit mischief to property.

Fire Bans

The status of fire bans in Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Counties has changed following recent rainfall.  Kingston Fire and Rescue has lifted the open air burning ban that’s been in effect.  The fire ban has also been lifted in South Frontenac.

South Frontenac Fire Chief Rick Chesebrough is fire coordinator for KFL&A and says you should check burning regulations with your municipality to determine what fires are or are not allowed.

Tourism Organization – Changes

Tourism has been booming in Kingston this summer and officials are planning on how to keep the momentum going.

Officials with Tourism Kingston, Kingston Accommodation Partners and the city have been meeting to discuss the creation of Kingston’s new tourism organization.  Tourism Kingston will no longer be part of the city’s new economic development agency.  Two meeting have been held and another will take place next week.

University Research Money

Fifteen Researchers at Queen’s University getting a total of more than $2.8 million from the Ontario government.  Kingston and the Islands MPP Sophie Kiwala made the announcement yesterday.  The grants include funding for two Early Researcher Awards, one Large Infrastructure Award, and 12 Small Infrastructure Awards.

Filed under: Aboriginals, Break In Arrests, Changes, Fire Bans, Frontenac, Gord Downie, Justin Trudeau, Kingston, Kingston Police, Lennox and Addington Counties, Prime Minister, Tourism Organization, UYniversity Research Money