Suspicious Fire

A late night fire in Kingston has gutted a vacant building on Princess Street across from the Kingston Centre…and it is under investigation by police and fire officials.

Kingston Fire and Rescue was called to 1085 Princess Street just before 11 last night.  A passerby had noticed flames coming from the building next door to the former Centre Stage Music building.

The fire was knocked down by around midnight.

Witnesses told Kingston Police a couple of people were seen running from the area of the building before the fire.

 

Smith Steps Down

Former Kingston City Councillor Ed Smith has announced he is not going to run a campaign to try and get elected in Lakeside District.  Smith made the announcement during an all candidates meeting last night.  He says he can’t officially withdraw from the election.  So, he is asking people to vote for one of the five other candidates running in Lakeside District.  Councillor Laura Turner is not seeking re-election.

 

Meet the Candidates – Loyalist Township

Residents of Loyalist Township have a chance to meet all of the candidates running for township council tonight.  The session at the Palace at the Odessa Fairgrounds starts with a meet and greet at seven tonight…Candidates will make presentations following that and there will be a 90 minister moderated question and answer session.

The all candidates meeting is being cohosted by the union locals representing township and ferry employees.

 

Youth – Assault Charges

A 14 year old Kingston boy is facing charges after a violent outburst on Sunday night.  Kingston Police say staff members at a group home were assaulted when they tried to restrain the boy.  The 14 year old has been charged with assault with a weapon, two counts of assault, and four counts of breach of probation.

 

Impaired Driving – Soccer Field

A 34 year old woman from Odessa is facing more than a red card after a vehicle was driven across the soccer field at the Invista Centre to get to a nearby bar.

Kingston Police say they were alerted to the incident by witnesses and found a vehicle parked sideways across two handicapped parking spaces with grass lodged in its front end at a nearby bar.  A woman was found inside the bar and arrested.  Police say she blew three and a half times over the legal limit and has been charged with impaired driving.

 

Berlin Wall Coming Down

Kingston’s Berlin Wall is coming down.

City Staff confirmed for Kingston City Council last night…a pedestrian crossing is being installed at Beverly and King Streets to give people access to Breakwater Park and the Gord Edgar Downie Pier.  Staff says the fences at Breakwater Park that were dubbed the Berlin Wall will be removed when the signal is activated and the work should be complete this fall.

 

Payday Loan Stores

Kingston has moved to limit the number of payday loan-type stores to seven.  That’s the current number that are licensed in Kingston.  City council approved a recommendation last night to limit the number to seven.

 

Council Briefs

City council has also voted to ban the release of helium filled balloons for any reason.  A report for council noted the balloons burst when they reach a certain height and the debris is bad for wildlife and the environment.

 

Patios in Kingston won’t have to close at the end of October again this year.  Council has unanimously approved extending the patio season until the end of November.

Ten of 35 patios chose to remain open during November last year as part of a pilot project.