Kingston News August 7, 2018

Water Main Break

A popular business owner is reeling after a weekend water main break on Princess Street.

Water came gushing out of Brian’s Record Option around 10am on Saturday, with Tommy’s Diner and the Pita Grill also seeing some damage.

Owner Brian Lipsin has said that he is uncertain of the stores future, due to the extensive damage and the fact many items won’t be able to be replaced.

There is currently a GoFundMe page open for Brian with a $10,000 goal.

Heat Warning

Environment Canada has removed a heat warning from the Kingston area.

Temperatures are still expected to be in the high twenties today, and mid thirties with humidity, but are cooling compared to the 41 degrees we saw yesterday with the humidex.

KFL and A public health also issued a heat warning last week, reminding everyone to stay hydrated, block out the sun, wear loose fitting clothing, and check on friends and family who may be more vulnerable to the heat.

LaSalle Causeway

Public Services and Procurement Canada is warning that you could see some delays on the LaSalle Causeway early this afternoon, with lane reductions for maintenance.

One lane will be closed from 1pm to 3pm this afternoon, with a flag person on site directing traffic.

The sidewalk will be open for pedestrians, but there could be minor delays.

Sheep

Expect to see quite a sight if you drive past Grass Creek Park in the next few days.

A flock of around 330 sheep are being kept there leading up to the Kingston Sheep Dog Trials this weekend.

The area with the sheep is protected by an electric fence, to prevent predators like coyotes from getting in.

The sheepdog trials will take place this weekend at grass creek park.

Saudi Arabia

Foreign Affairs minister Chrystia Freeland says Ottawa will always stand up for human rights, in the face of Saudi Arabia’s decision to expel Canada’s ambassador and freeze new trade deals.

Global Affairs Canada tweeted its dismay at the recent arrest of activists in Saudi Arabia, urging their immediate release.

Several Arab states have jumped at the chance to support Saudi Arabia, including the Kingdom of Bahrain, The United Arab Emirates, and the Palestinian authority.

Northern Ontario Fires

Northern Ontario firefighters continue to battle flames on numerous fire lines.

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources says there were 122 active fires as of yesterday evening, including 78 in the northwest region, and 44 in the northeast.

Eighteen fires in the northeast and seven in the northwest were classified as out of control.

The largest fire in the northeast, Parry Sound 33, covers about 113 square kilometres and remains out of control.

Buck-A-Beer

Ontario Premier Doug Ford will be visiting a brewery today, where he is expected to roll out his government’s buck-a-beer plan.

The move was one of Ford’s promises during the spring election campaign, along with a vow to expand the sale of beer and win to corner and box stores in Ontario.

A source told The Canadian Press last week that the plan will lower the minimum price of a bottle or can of beer to one-dollar from $1.25 by the Labour Day weekend.

Brewers would not be required to charge less.