Van Attack – Kingston – Paterson

Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson says city council’s thoughts and prayers are with the families of those affected by the Monday’s van attack in Toronto.  Paterson says it is important for the community to come together during and not let a senseless act inspire fear or division.

Flags at municipal facilities in Kingston have been lowered to honour the victims.

Pedestrians Killed

The 25 year old man arrested following the attack faces 10 counts of first-degree murder and 13 counts of attempted murder…a 14 charge is expected

Police haven’t identified any of the victims but a man in BC says his 80 year old grandmother Dorothy Sewell was one of the 10 people killed.  Friends have also identified Anne Marie D’Amico, who worked in the area, as one of the other victims.

The president of Seneca College says one of its female students is among the fatalities.

Two South Korean nationals and a Jordanian man visiting family in Toronto also died.

Assault – Victim Arrested

The victim of an assault in downtown Kingston has been arrested by police.

The 21 year old man from Ottawa was beaten over the head with a baton during a fight outside a downtown establishment on Monday night.  He was taken to hospital for treatment and arrested on an outstanding warrant.  Nobody has been arrested for the assault.

Cellular Service

There’s a new commitment from the Ontario government that could lead to improved cellular service in rural areas of Frontenac County and other parts of Eastern Ontario.  The province announced 71 million dollars in funding to improve service at a meeting of the Eastern Ontario Warden’s Caucus in Belleville yesterday.

The Eastern Ontario Regional Networks has proposed $213 million to improve the reach and quality of cell phone service.  It hopes to get the remaining $138 million from the federal government and private sector.

NDP Candidate – Leeds

The NDP riding association in Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes has chosen Michelle Taylor as its candidate for the June election in Ontario.

Taylor is a mother of four children and say she chose to run for the NDP because of leader Andrea Horwath’s commitments to rural schools and public education.

Liberal Candidate – Quinte

The Mayor of Prince Edward County is stepping aside to run for the Liberals in the new Bay of Quinte riding in the June provincial election.  Mayor Robert Quaiff gave his formal farewell to the township council last night.  Dianne O’Brien will take over from Quaiff on May 1st.  O’Brien was chosen as acting mayor earlier this year.

Pita Pit – Make-A-Wish

Pita Pit is raising money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation today.

A dollar from the sale of every pita today will go to the foundation.  50 stores in Ontario and Atlantic Canada will take part today.

Last year the initiative raised $12,000 dollars with just 16 stores taking part.

Pita Pit was founded in Kingston in 1995 and has four locations in the city.

Filed under: Assault, Bay of Quinte, Bryan Paterson, Cellular Service, Kingston, Leeds Grenville Thousand Islands, Liberal Candidate, Make-AWish, Michelle Taylor, NDP Candidate, Pedestrians Killed, Pita Pit, Rideau Lakes, Van Attack, Victim Arrested