Wind Farm – Damages

The US based company that had planned on building a giant wind farm in Lake Ontario near Kingston says it has been awarded $25 million in damages. Windstream Energy had its plans to build the 100 turbine wind project cancelled when the Ontario government announced a moratorium on offshore wind developments in February of 2011.

Windstream used the North American Free Trade agreement in the case heard by the Netherlands-based Permanent Court of Arbitration in February. Windstream says the panel has now ruled in its favour.  On top of the $25 million in damages it has been awarded $2.9 million in legal costs.

OMB Appeal

The founder of a group opposed to high rise development in downtown Kingston has announced a second Ontario Municipal Board appeal of the Kingston city council decision to approve the Capitol condominium project.

Vision for Kingston founder Samantha King says she will be delivering her appeal at City Hall this afternoon.

Former City Councillor Vicki Schmolka has also appealed the decision by city council to approve the 15 storey condominium.

Homecoming

You’ll notice Kingston is a much busier place than it usually is because of an invasion of Queen’s University alumni.  It’s Homecoming weekend.

Union Street between Division and University will be closed starting this morning and won’t re-open to traffic until 6 p.m. Sunday.

Alumni will parade from Grant Hall to the new Richardson Stadium Saturday and Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor will deliver the game ball for the Homecoming football game.

On Sunday…there’s a special celebration marking the 175th anniversary of the signing of Queen’s royal charter by Queen Victoria on Oct. 16, 1841.

St. Lawrence – Government Funding

St. Lawrence College is getting $11.5 million from the federal and provincial governments for its Hello Future project.

Kingston and the Islands MP Mark Gerretsen announced yesterday the federal government is giving his alma mater $10.3 million.  MPP Sophie Kiwala announced Ontario’s contribution will be $1.2 million.

St. Lawrence President and CEO Glen Vollebregt says the college has already raised $20.6 million dollars for the project.

It includes a new Student Life and Innovation Centre, A Permanent Home for the Centre for Education, Behavioural Research and Innovation in the Community and Modernized Health Sciences Simulation Labs.

Horwath – Kingston

Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath is visiting the city.  Horwath is holding a media event this morning with Kingston residents about their Hydro Bills and will tour H’art Centre.  Tonight she’ll attend a dinner hosted by the local riding association.

Laser Depth Dynamics

A Kingston company you’ve probably never hear of is celebrating is holding the official opening of its new site on Railway Street today.

Laser Depth Dynamics specializes in measuring the depth of laser welds, cuts and drilling.

Its main clients are in the U-S, Europe and Asia.  The company has 10 employees and is looking to hire more.

The grand opening takes place this afternoon complete with a robotic laser ribbon cutting ceremony at 5:30.

Cross – HR Award

The senior human resources manager at SLH Transport in Kingston has been named the HR Leader of the Year by a trucking industry organization.

Ken Cross received the award at a ceremony held by Trucking HR Canada.

Cross says it is an honour he shares with amazing employees at SLH Transport and the Senior Leadership Team.

Cross is probably best known for his leadership role and participation in the cross Canada Sears National Kids Cancer Ride.

Filed under: Andrea Horwatch, Cross HR Award, Damages, Government Funding, Homecoming, Kingston, Laser Depth Dynamics, NDP, OMB Appeal, St. Lawrence, Windfarm