Greetings Everyone. Well we are already well into spring from the winter that really never showed. If you are at all like me, the lack of snow and cold weather was not missed. I am a three season person at best.

It was busy at City Hall this winter and we had another successful Town Hall Meeting on January 17th. Thank you to all of you who take that little bit of extra interest by attending and offering your thoughts and input on how the City and Council are performing.

École Sir John A. Macdonald Public School, the new school under construction in Kingston East, will be the site of a $250,000 outdoor athletic and recreational facility that will benefit students and the greater community for years to come.

Thanks to a generous $252,000 grant from the Pittsburgh Community Benefit Fund (PCBF), the Kingston East Elementary School Outdoor Equipment Project is ready to go. This playground development is one of the largest single funding partnerships ever supported by the PCBF since its inception. Trustees of the Limestone District School Board (LDSB) unanimously approved the partnership at its regular Board meeting on March 7.

Grant Program For Student Entrepreneurs
The Summer Company Program is open for business! Students between the ages of 15-29 years could receive grants up to $3,000 to start their own business. Summer Company is sponsored by the Government of Ontario and administered in the Kingston area by The Entrepreneurship Centre at the Kingston Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO). Participants will receive one-on-one business training and be matched with area business mentors

Now that spring is almost upon us and the sun is a little warmer, it’s a good time to get out and evaluate your shrubs and evergreens before new growth obscures your view.
Look for branches damaged by wind, snow or ice. Check if deer, rabbits or other animals have been chewing on branches. Prune any damaged branches

“The Fort Henry Heights Skating Club (FHHSC) was proud to host the first Annual Shooting Stars Region 3 Interclub on February 18th and 19th at the Constantine Arena. The competition included thirteen skating clubs from Skate Canada Eastern Ontario Region 3 with more than 360 skaters taking part and representing their home clubs. Thanks to the host committee and numerous volunteers who worked the two day event, these dedicated volunteers ensured a successful weekend of skating. The members of the FHHSC can take great pride in a successful undertaking.

Oxford Learning Centre, Kingston students will paint a fifth and final time to raise money to save the lives of African children.

Malaria is the largest single killer of children under the age of five in Africa, taking approximately 3000 lives per day. Buy-A-Net Malaria Prevention Group, founded by Debra Lefebvre of Kingston, ON, works tirelessly to prevent and cure the disease, currently focusing their efforts in the African country of Uganda

A meeting to discuss the Environmental Assessment for a third crossing of the Cataraqui River was held at LaSalle High School March 1st. The presentation, prepared by city staff and consultant firm J.L. Richards outlined the EA process thus far. The purpose, as shown in the 40 page information package, is the need to solve the problem of growing traffic and congestion across the two present crossings, the LaSalle Causeway, and Highway 401. This has become an issue as development in the East end has contributed to traffic volume 20% over the city’s target Level of Service (LOS). Several alternate solutions have been considered, including increasing the capacity of the 401, as well as increasing capacity of the LaSalle Causeway; however, there are multiple issues with both options that make the only feasible option a third crossing.

Frontenacs players, Nathan Cull, Jean Dupuy and Billy Jenkins stopped by the Kingston Military Family Resource Centre (KMFRC) to play ball hockey with the kids and volunteers. Over one hundred youngsters showed up to play.

After the game, pizza and pop were served and the Frontenacs signed autographs on hockey sticks, shirts, and cards.

Sunday, March 18th is Military Appreciation Day at the KROCK Centre. The Frontenacs pre-game show will include an appearance by Warrant Officer Paul Flowers and his extreme custom 2005 Victory Vegas motorcycle. Other dignitary appearances are still being confirmed, but this is a show you don’t want to miss.

“It’s a chance for the Kingston community to show its support for the Military.” said John Price, co-organizer of the event. “These men and women are on the front lines everyday, making sure our freedom isn’t compromised.”

Kingston East’s newest mini café is set to open on February 14th, Valentine’s Day. Located in Freeman’s Wine Making Shop, The Cork and Beans Café will serve coffee, Cappuccino, Café Latte, Espresso, Hot Chocolate, Chai tea, and seasonal drinks.

Ashley Kekkas, the Barista, will be serving hot beverages from Tuesday to Friday, 8:30 – 6 and Saturdays from 8:30 – 5.