Bombardier – Metrolinx

 

The court battle between Metrolinx and Bombardier is heating up with 300 jobs on the line at the Bombardier west of Kingston.

Metrolinx has filed documents in court saying it’s been in talks with another transit vehicle manufacturer designed to ensure “the urgent supply” of vehicles for Toronto.

Bombardier has filed an injunction aimed at preventing Metrolinx from terminating its 770 million dollar contract for 182 vehicles.  Bombardier insists its light rapid transit vehicle will be ready on time and says Metrolinx has refused to inspect the test vehicle at its facility in Millhaven since October.

 

Electricity – Price Cut

 

Premier Kathleen Wynne is defending her government’s plan to cut hydro rates by an average of 17 per cent even though it will cost 1.4 billion dollars a year in extra interest payments.

The reduction is being achieved by refinancing already long-term power generation contracts over even longer terms.  Wynne says it might cost more over the long term but it will be fairer to spread out the payments over a longer period.

 

Stolen Truck – Public Works

 

The driver of a stolen vehicle has been arrested thanks to a City of Kingston Public Works crew.

They spotted a pickup truck that had been stolen from a co-worker yesterday afternoon and called police.  They followed the vehicle and helped box it in when police met up with them on Division Street near Dalton Avenue.  The man driving the pickup was arrested.

 

Lemoine Point Vandalism

 

There’s been some nasty spray paint vandalism at the Lemoine Point Conservation Area.

Graffiti has been spray painted on various things including new signs.  It was found yesterday morning and anyone with information on the person responsible for the graffiti is being asked to contact Kingston Police or Crime Stoppers.

 

Drug Dealer – Sentence

 

A 26 year old Kingston drug dealer is going to jail for 254 days after pleading guilty to possession of a large quantity of crystal methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking.

Liam Hustler had already spent 431 days in custody before his trial.

Police busted Hustler after he met up with a drug dealer in Toronto in October of 2015.  They were under surveillance and were arrested when they drove a car back to Kingston that had a bag of crystal methamphetamine hidden in the centre console.

 

 

 

New Medical Officer

 

The medical officer of health for Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington is retiring after 20 years on the job.

Dr. Ian Gemmil will retire on June 30th.

Dr. Kieran Moore has been chosen to replace Gemmil.

Moore is currently associated medical officer of health at the agency.

 

Queen’s – CFN Funding

 

A research network hosted at Queen’s University is receiving $23.9 million dollars from the federal government.

The Canadian Frailty Network was launched in 2012 to address the growing burden of older Canadians on families and caregivers.

The announcement of the funding takes place today.

 

History File

 

From Tony’s today in history file…celebrating the telephone, insulin and a Canadian hero in China.

On this day…March 3rd 1847, the inventor of the telephone, Alexander Graham Bell, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland.

In 1921, Doctors Frederick Banting and Charles Best officially announced their University of Toronto team had discovered insulin to treat diabetes.

And…in 1890, Dr. Norman Bethune was born in Gravenhurst, Ontario. The Canadian physician served during several wars and was the first westerner recognized as a hero by China.

 

Pancake Power

 

Call it pancake power.

Smitty’s Family Restaurant and Lounge raised just under five thousand dollars during its South Eastern Ontario Easter Seals Pancake Day event.

It was the 19th year for the restaurants three day event.

The proceeds from the sale of a pancake special were donated to Easter Seals and staff donated all of their tips on Shrove Tuesday…Pancake Day.