Recently in Kingston News Category

The Elevator Bay waterfront site that was once touted for a massive $160 million condominium and marina project is in danger of being sold by the city for unpaid property taxes.

Elevator Bay Development Inc. accumulated $803,000 in tax arrears over the past five years for its undeveloped pier at 1102-1110 King Street West, according to city officials.

However, councillors are willing to give the owner one more chance to pay up. They've agreed to hold off on a tax sale of the property until May 30, 2013.

EMC Kingston Article here:

http://goo.gl/ch9qJ

From news@lists.cityofkingston.ca

Utilities Kingston has received several calls from concerned residents who have been approached by door-to-door sales people who are falsely representing themselves as being associated with Utilities Kingston in an attempt to rent water heaters.

All Utilities Kingston employees carry identification and customers are encouraged to ask to see it.

Utilities Kingston does not promote its products door-to-door and has not authorized this company to remove their water heaters from homes. These individuals do not represent and are in no way associated with Utilities Kingston.

Customers are reminded to always carefully review all the facts of any offer made by a company, especially before signing a contract. Utilities Kingston is always willing to assist with questions related to its water heater rental program at 613-546-0000.

Councillors decided last night, in less than seven minutes, to move ahead with a public meeting to discuss the opening of a privatized casino in Kingston.

This is how the process will unfold in the weeks ahead:

• the public meeting will be held in Memorial Hall on Aug. 8;

• the information from the meeting will confirm whether or not Kingstonians support a casino within its city limits; and

• if they do, the Kingston Economic Development Corporation will receive enquiries from private gaming facility operators.

Kingston Whig Standard article here:

http://www.thewhig.com/2012/07/19/politics-green-light-on-casino-talks

The city council casino debate ended abruptly in the early hours of Wednesday morning with the mayor and one city councillor yelling allegations at one another.

Tuesday's meeting will be resumed Thursday night in the city council chambers at 7 p.m. and start off with the casino issue.

Looks like this is going to an interesting debate... Read all the gory details in this Kingston Whig Standard article:

http://www.thewhig.com/2012/07/18/casino-debate-boils-over

This question will be answered by the process of a motion coming before city council on Tuesday, July 17/2012. If that motion passes, city staff will be directed to hold a public meeting to gauge public response and acquire public input on the matter.

Kingston Whig Standard article here:

http://www.thewhig.com/2012/07/15/just-gauging-casino-interest-mayor

Kingston-Frontenac Renovates program offers grants and loans for projects

KINGSTON, ONT. /July 3, 2012 - The Kingston-Frontenac Renovates program is offering eligible homeowners grants of up to $3500 to make their homes more accessible or interest-free loans of up to $10,000 toward emergency repairs.

"This assistance will help home-owners afford to keep their homes accessible, safe, healthy and comfortable," says Lanie Hurdle, Commissioner of Community Services.

The funds, being offered through the Consolidated Municipal Service Manager (CMSM) serving the City of Kingston and the County of Frontenac, are being made available to homeowners who:

1. Require accessibility upgrades, such as a ramps or lifts. These applicants may be eligible for a grant of up to $3500.

2. Have homes that are at least ten years old and require emergency repairs that fall into one of the following categories. These applicants may be eligible for interest free forgivable loans up to $10,000:
- Health & Safety renovations to ensure fire safety, get rid of mold, improve water quality, etc
- Accessibility renovations to install a lift or ramp, or make a structural change (these projects may also be eligible for grant).
- Structural repairs to ensure the integrity of a home's roof, foundation or other supports.
- Energy efficiency installations to ensure the cost-effective comfort of a home. This would include furnace, insulation or window replacement.

Eligible applicants include persons with disabilities, seniors and family households with incomes ranging from $26,500 or less (for a one-person household) to $61,500 for households with five or more people. Funding will be allocated on a priority basis to ensure that households with the greatest need of assistance are served first. Some households of more than five people with incomes of $61,500 to $73,500 may be considered if sufficient funding is available.