New Schools

 

Kingston is getting two new school buildings that will house three new schools and a French language cultural centre.

The Ontario government has announced funding of nearly 24 million dollars for a combined French Language Public School and Catholic Secondary School in Kingston for 600 students.  It will also have 49 child care spaces and will include the Centre Culturel Frontenac community hub.

A new Catholic elementary school for 500 students will be built in Kingston’s Woodhaven subdivision.  It will have 73 child care spaces.

Funding was also announced for a new school in Belleville and additions to three other schools in Belleville and Madoc.

 

Arrests – Kidnapping/Forcible Confinement

 

Three down…two to go as Kingston Police continue to work on a case involving the kidnapping, forcible confinement, robbery and assault of a man.  The man was robbed of a large amount of money on January 9th at a residence on Lansdowne Street. A 29 year old man was arrested shortly after the robbery and police issued warrants for the arrest of five others…two of the men were picked up last week…and yesterday morning a 27 year old man was arrested in a Princess Street coffee shop after he was recognized by several citizens.

Police are still looking for 29 year old Robert Michael Reid Poffley and 31 year old Ian Robert Charles Miller.

 

Apartment Vacancy Rates

 

Kingston is hoping to attract more builders of rental units after city council agreed to offer them an incentive.  Last night Council approved Kingston’s participation in a program to rebate development charges for the construction of rental units.  The province has established a fund to help municipalities with the rebate.

The vacancy rate for rental accommodation in Kingston is 0.7%…the lowest in over 30 years.

 

Brier Bid – City Council

 

City Council also approved a $200,000 contribution to support the city’s bid for the 2020 Brier.

The contribution consists of $100,000 cash and $100,000 worth of facility and equipment rentals.  Tourism Kingston says the curling tournament would provide between 11 and 15 million dollars in economic benefits for the city.

Organizers are hoping Kingstonians will show their support by paying a $50 deposit on a ticket package.

 

Strip Club – Appeal

 

Kingston’s only strip club will remain closed for at least another week…and won’t be able to re-open unless it wins an appeals hearing.

The first day of the hearing for the owners of the Plaza Gentleman’s Club was held yesterday at Kingston city hall.

Their business license was denied when Kingston Police failed to sign off on the application.

It turns out a former owner has been charged twice with drug offences.

The other owners told an appeals hearing at city hall yesterday…he’s been fired and has nothing to do with the club anymore.

A decision on renewing the license is expected when the hearing resumes next Tuesday.