keoadmin
05-07-2004, 12:12 AM
THE VILLAGE PUMP
Sydenham Ward Tenants’ and Ratepayers’ Association
Newsletter
SPRING/SUMMER 2004
AMENDED BOARD MEMBER LIST
Virginia Frost—new e-mail address: Ginny.Frost@rogers.com
Henry Laycock—e-mail: laycockh@post.queensu.ca; 101 College St. K7L 4L7
Gord McGuire replaces Sarah Dawn Schenk as AMS rep, no change in e-mail, etc.
Robert Smith, 129 Centre St., K7L 4E7, 531-0699; riders2001@sympatico.ca.
REPORT FROM THE CHAIR—Bill Glover
First of all, I wish to welcome Robert Smith as a member of the board. He is retired from Bell Canada and we appreciate his willingness to give some of his newly acquired free time to serve SWTRA.
The past months have been very busy. In addition to the usual meetings and invitations to participate in various projects, I have started to make formal calls on people such as the mayor and the principal of Queen’s to introduce myself and to inform them of SWTRA’S function and concerns. I shall review some of the highlights here.
The Queen’s Centre—the proposed new student life/athletic complex—is an issue that many will rank alongside Block D (starting up again as I write). My meeting with Principal Leggett was instructive: he told me he had “heard concerns” about heritage houses. The weekend following our talk, the Board of Trustees met and shortly after that a press release announced that Queen’s had chosen the firms Bregmann and Hamann Architects, Sasaki Associates and Shoalts and Zaback as the design team for the project. S&Z, a Kingston firm, have done some impressive heritage projects, including the KFPL branch on Gore Road. VP Operations and Finance Andrew Simpson then organized a public meeting with the architects (to be repeated on Tuesday, May 4, 7-9 pm at the John Deutsch Centre). This went a long way in clearing the air of apprehension that was certainly present at the January public consultation. Since then VP Simpson has met with the SWTRA board in an open and frank discussion of the various issues—design, heritage, integration, financing, street closure, etc. Another round of public meetings is scheduled for fall.
On March 19 Sarah Dawn Schenk, AMS Commissioner of Municipal Affairs and ex officio member of the board, organized a day-long conference on town-gown affairs (see her report further on in this issue). This presented an opportunity to discuss a number of common issues. We say farewell to Sarah Dawn now and welcome her successor for 2004/05, Gord McGuire.
Canada Lands, the non-agency of the federal government charged with the responsibility of disposing of federal lands no longer required, invited SWTRA to join the consultation process involving the former Prison for Women. As a non-agency, Canada Lands is not exempt from paying local taxes or from compliance with local by-laws and regulations. Before selling off a property they do what they deem necessary to make it attractive to any potential buyer. They are also able to impose architectural or other guidelines as a condition of sale. Right now they are determining how the P4W site might be developed. Anita Krebs and Ray Kaduck will represent us in this process. See the report of a meeting held April 27 further on in this issue.
The first phase of the Parking Advisory Committee’s work has been adopted by City Council. The parking changes have been extensively reported in the press so I shall not repeat them here. The next phase--to examine the parking issues associated with Queen’s and KGH—will start on May 11. A third phase will address parking in residential areas adjacent to Queen’s, KGH and the downtown. I represent SWTRA on this committee and will keep you informed.
TREASURER’S / MEMBERSHIP REPORT--Jolene Hopwood/Valerie Blyth
Operating funds--$1071.57
Tree fund--$3436.17 after paying the $2526.81 tree bill for 2003
Ruth Barton Fund--$869.00
Total paid-up memberships--141
Total not yet renewed from 2003 or earlier--70
Note: We urge those of you who have not yet renewed your membership to do so now. The expenses of the association continue, e.g. this issue of The Village Pump.
REPORT FROM THE AMS--Sarah Dawn Schenk
As a student of Canadian politics, I had always assumed “the action” to be at the federal and provincial levels of governance. But as Commissioner for Municipal Affairs for the Queen’s AMS, I came to see the importance of community issues and municipal government. I also came to a greater appreciation of the role these play in our lives as citizens and students. Town-gown relations have always been relevant in Kingston where the university and its students interact daily with the city and its residents. Sometimes this relationship can be negative, but in many ways it can be mutually beneficial, and I strongly believe we can learn to appreciate each other.
That is why I organized the Municipal Affairs Commission’s first conference “Universities and Municipalities: Confronting Challenges and Opportunities Together” on March 19. Open to everyone, residents and students, it was well attended with people coming from as far away as Hamilton and Waterloo. The morning consisted of sessions with presenters from the City’s Planning and Property Standards departments, Queen’s Legal Aid, and the School of Urban and Regional Planning. They were meant to be informative and suggestive of possible solutions to perceived difficulties.
In the afternoon we had a lively panel discussion moderated by former mayor Helen Cooper. Panelists were Mayor Harvey Rosen, Urban Planning professor David Gordon, Queen’s Vice-Principal of Operations Andrew Simpson, and Chris Edey, president of the Waterloo Federation of Students. I felt we were finally discussing the benefits and challenges of our relationship in a constructive way. Our local MPP and Municipal Affairs Minister (and also a former mayor) John Gerretsen brought the conference to a close with his keynote address, which focused not only on his experience in Kingston but also on the future of municipal powers and initiatives.
This was the culmination of a year of many projects for me. My term as commissioner ends on May 1. After a summer in Banff, I will return in the fall to finish up some courses. My replacement is Gord McGuire. He has already started and has great plans. I know he will enjoy the opportunity, as I have, to represent students to the community and to work to improve our relationship. SWTRA has been an important part of that communication. I appreciate the work that they do and have been happy to serve on the executive board this past year.
THE LATEST ON SNOW NOW THAT SPRING IS HERE--Joan Hansen
One thing you can count on in this life is the subject of snow clearing—or lack of it—showing up at our Annual General Meeting. Now that winter woes are just a fading memory, we thought we’d take a stroll over to 701 Division Street and talk to the man in charge, Damon Wells, Manager, Roads Division, Operations Department. Actually, we let our fingers do the walking. Here are some of the things we learned.
The average yearly budget for winter control in Kingston is $4,000,000. Kingston has 1800 kms of lanes (some streets have more than one lane) and 370 kms of sidewalks. The department owns 32 snow vehicles—plows, sanders and loaders; 1—yes, 1 only—snow blower; 10 sidewalk plows—3 track and 7 trackless or blower types. The department has a manager, 2 assistant leaders, 52 full time employees and some part time ones. There are 10 contracted-out routes in the city’s east and north zones.
There is a winter control plan in effect. The city’s website-- www.city.kingston.on.ca-- (http://www.city.kingston.on.ca--) outlines the priorities of the plan and displays route maps (these maps should be online by fall 2004). The street priorities are 1) arterial roads, 2) business areas, and 3) residential. Sidewalks are divided into 13 plow zones and 7 priority routes that are tied into the arterial routes. The downtown area and the Queen’s area are getting more attention these days. Mr. Wells’s own priorities include improving the level of service on sidewalks. He informed me that Kingston is one of the few Ontario municipalities that still assume responsibility for sidewalk clearing. Business owners—and that includes the city—are still expected to clear off their own although his plows make an initial sweep after each storm. He believes that over all the service has become more consistent in the last few years, but concedes that there are always some unhappy residents. There is a definite relationship between available resources and level of service. He would love to see more money allocated to his department, but feels that there is a responsibility owed to the taxpayer. So he tries to do the very best with what is available.
The things that are almost impossible to do much about are flooded intersections—the thaw affects all build-ups at the same time and is too overwhelming for his resources; removal of snow—the cost is astronomical and time taken vs ordinary plowing is much too long. So there are snakes in paradise, but when the days become shorter just remember that if winter comes, can spring be far behind? Stay in touch with the web site for the latest information. If all else fails, fly south.
AND ON TREES (MORE APPROPRIATE TO THE SEASON)--Bill Hutchison
Our arrangement with the city for tree planting within our district continues. SWTRA members contribute generously each year making it all possible. In 2003 the city planted 23 trees for us at a cost of $2526.81 (if you wish to know locations and varieties, phone me). We had hoped for at least 35, but staff shortages (the Parks and Arenas share), made that impossible. Let’s hope we do better this year. Each tree costs about $150 and is between 10 to 14 feet tall with a trunk 60mm in diameter four inches above the root ball. The root ball on each tree is so heavy it must be moved by machinery and needs a hole roughly three feet wide and three feet deep. In addition trees are chosen from the right seed stock for our climate. All of this insures a survival rate of 95 percent.
In an interview with Ken McGuirk, Chief Arborist, I learned that the department works with a budget of $35,000, has only one water truck and five air buckets--this to care for 30,000 mature trees citywide, with about 15,000 of these located in the old part of the city. The city plants trees for us on city property, usually the easement between the owner’s property line and the sidewalk or street. Planting on private property involves safety/insurance problems plus the possibility of complaints from local nurseries. To get involved in an “urban forest” project would likely require both a management and council decision. For such a project it might be possible through Trees Canada to obtain smaller trees—“whips”—about 5 to 6 feet high with bare roots.
Many of you are concerned about tree cutting. According to Mr. McGuirk, only the owner of the property is informed when his department does the cutting. If the tree presents a danger it will be cut, but every effort is made to save a tree. When a tree is cut, the stump is removed and a replacement provided nearby if feasible. To protect power lines and sewers, Utilities Kingston will cut without any advance notice. If you hear chain saws and see city crews, ask what is going on. If you don’t like it, call 544-2075. It’s live 24/7.
SWTRA would like to present this motion to council: Whereas the Department of Parks, Arenas and Recreation can provide (1) better trained and experienced arborists, (2) better equipment for tree work and (3) greater cost effectiveness, we propose that this department have responsibility for all tree trimming in the city.
If you agree, let Floyd Patterson, your district councillor, know.
CURRENT ISSUES UPDATE
Queen’s Centre At our last board meeting, VP, Operations and Finance, Andrew Simpson, held forth for an hour and a half on the subject. Was this more than we wanted to know? Not at all. But it did raise more questions than it answered. We were left with a sense that nothing is fixed in stone and much is still in a state of flux. The location appears to be a given, yet one can’t rule out west campus for some things. Should there be a fieldhouse? an olympic-sized pool? What will work on the chosen site? Can we integrate the historic homes? What do we do about parking? How to time the various components? How to pay for it all? What is sure is that this is needed—especially the student amenities. Queen’s is very serious and has good intentions. One tends to be cynical—after all we all know where good intentions lead—but we need to keep open minds while voicing our concerns. Most important to the local population is how well this will be integrated into our neighborhood. As Chair Bill Glover mentioned earlier, Queen’s will hold a second showing of the centre’s design components on May 4.
Block D With Chair Bill Glover out of town Vice-Chair Bill Hutchison prepared a statement for former Chair Jim Neill to present on Thursday, April 22 when the Planning Department held a statutory public meeting on the new proposal for Block D. For the full text, phone Bill Hutchison. So, is it déjà vu all over again? Close, but not exactly. The new players are Gillen and Homestead. Market demand not being at a high for hotels and office buildings right now, the developers are asking for a zone change to allow for residential on both sides of the property. Picture four16-story apartment dwellings facing Ontario Street. Picture also a city owned park on the water—yes the city is being asked to buy that land when public access to the water is already a fait accompli—separated from the apartments by a concrete wall to contain the contamination. Picture your tax dollars going to that purchase and its year to year maintenance. As Bill wrote, “The city can buy my front lawn anytime if they are going to cut the grass for me.” Nevertheless, he emphasized that SWTRA has been and continues to be in favor of development on Block D. Planning will present their report to council later in the year.
Tett Complex On Friday, April 23, board member Henry Laycock attended a meeting at the J.K.Tett centre organised by Anna Robertson of Theatre 5 with a view to mobilising concern over the future of Brewery Row, its related structures, and the public-owned land on which they rise—plus a few other things. Here is the gist of his report.
Attending were representatives from the Kingston Historical Society, the Kingston Municipal Heritage Committee (formerly named LACAC), the Kingston School of Dance, the Kingston Lapidary Club, the Kingston Girl Guides, the Cataraqui Archeological Society, the Kingston Potters Guild, SWTRA, the Kingston Arts ouncil, and Theatre Five. Notable for his absence was Mark Gladysz, the city’s heritage planner.
Ms Robertson guided the discussion, suggesting possibilities that might be included on the site--shops, cafes, bars, e.g.—and emphasized the importance of all present tenants retaining their tenancies. She had written earlier about these to the mayor. In his reply he had suggested pursuing a feasibility study funded through the Healthy Community Fund. The Kingston Arts Council rep noted that backing for a feasibility study already exists and that her group would support the mayor’s suggestion in this connection. No consensus was reached, but the group agreed to meet again with the aim of constituting a steering committee including an appropriate representative from the city on Friday, May 21 in the same place.
BEYOND OUR BORDERS
British Whig Building—A stone’s throw from City Hall lies another historic building, now ready for occupancy. The city is looking for downtown space in order to cluster its various far-flung departments. What seems to be obvious, however, isn’t. The city wants to spend more of its strained finances to build a new structure even if it might take an infinite number of years to get there. SWTRA supports centralization, but we are also strong on heritage. We have sent a letter to the mayor and council endorsing both. We urge you to lend your support. The BWB is ready, its location is near perfect, city parking in the Four Seasons is available, and –best of all—it is part of the city’s history. And the vision of an adjacent, connecting modern building—in the concept stage now—is most exciting and attractive.
City Arena—Anglin Bay—the inner harbor—has gone from one of the possible sites to the preferred site and now to the chosen site—very quickly. Perhaps too quickly. Our first response is regret that a waterfront site has once again been suggested for this kind of use. We question the initial costs and the ongoing viability of the project. We want more information. We understand that MetalCraft Marine is ready and willing to leave, and we are told a marina will remain. But what about the dry dock? Isn’t it the only one for kilometres? Of course not. Have you forgotten that there is a dry dock at the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes on Ontario Street? The task force does not discount opening this as a commercial dry dock--notwithstanding that it is an historic site and that the Feds currently own it. We are reminded it will be the city’s when the Feds hand it over, but that won’t happen until the city is willing to accept the causeway responsibility also. And what happens to the museum’s own plans for this dry dock? What does the museum management have to say? What do the residents of Ontario Street have to say? Maybe this one is not beyond our borders.
Prison for Women—The P4W is a 7.5-acre parcel of land up for sale and scheduled for redevelopment. Only the 1930 main building, which is of historic significance, will remain. On April 27 Anita Krebs attended a meeting called by Canada Lands Corporation, the present owner, to allow interested parties to submit ideas. Present were Carl Bray of Bray Heritage Land Development, and representatives from Queens, St. Lawrence College, Portsmouth Village, Frontenac Heritage Foundation, Penitentiary Museum, the prison and other interested parties. After a short presentation, which included a drawing and an aerial photograph, discussion proceeded on how the land might be developed. Suggestions included youth hostel, elder hostel, theme hotel, penitentiary museum with an interactive centre, conference centre similar to the Donald Gordon Centre, married student housing, condos, senior homes, inclusive headquarters for all local museums, archeological museum, horticultural society, artists studios, and more. Consensus was that the site be multipurpose to attract large crowds.
NOTES
Driveway Access Ramps—Board member Mike Wheeler sent a letter to the Mayor, District Councillor and the Engineering Dept criticizing the newly-created driveway access ramps on Earl Street. Because they slope quite steeply towards the roadway they are uncomfortable to walk on at any time, but become absolutely dangerous when coated with ice. If you have noticed and/or experienced this, perhaps you would like to add your voice to the argument. Can’t do much about Earl Street now, but we can hope that the city will recognize the pedestrian hazard and change their angle of approach.
Fireboat frivolity in the harbour—Thanks to an alert SWTRA member, Blair Martin, the recent spraying of the shoal tower off City Hall did not go unnoticed. A call to Robert Card, General Works Manager, Parks Canada, at Bellevue House prompted an inspection. The high-pressure water spray could easily have resulted in damaged mortar. Fortunately, none was detected. Tom Wroe of MetalCraft Marine, makers of the boats, was alerted to the possibility, however, and will ensure that this does not happen again.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Regional meeting of local community associations. Last year at the suggestion of Nancy Foster the various community associations in our area met together. This year SWTRA is hosting the meeting, which promises to be an annual event. The next issue of The Village Pump will carry a report on the various groups and what they are doing and how we can learn from each other.
.Symphony Book Fair donations: The Kingston Symphony Association will hold the 45th annual Book Fair at the J.K.Tett Complex, 370 King St. West on Wed., Sept. 15-Sun.,Sept. 19. Donations will be accepted at the Tett Complex from May 18-June 29. Daytime: Tuesdays and Thursdays 1-3 pm. Evenings: Thursdays only 6-7:30 pm. For more information call Judy at 544-0052. Support not only the symphony, but the youth orchestra, the junior strings, the choral society, the community strings and individual music award winners.
AND THE LAST WORD—ALMOST—GOES TO FLOYD PATTERSON
Kingston City Council on cable is anything but the “reality TV” it used to be. No more tooth and claw. We are now so polite we could win the award for the most boring show. Instead of the “gong” show, we’re the “yawn” show. And a lot of folks have told me they like it better that way.
In Kingston we are a civilized crew. We follow a prepared agenda and our council’s rules of procedure. That is not enough, alas, to insure that all goes smoothly. There is always someone who wants to test the rules and the resolve of the chair. The claws may be sheathed, but a city councillor absorbs a lot of mental punishment—enduring persistent and time-wasting end runs by fellow councillors who measure their political resourcefulness by the number of times they are able to change specifics into a free-for-all.
It is not undemocratic to go by the rules. They provide the opportunity for every member, on every clause or resolution, to express his or her view; and a miscellaneous business section allows each of us to raise unlisted matters. It can, however, be unproductive to introduce unrelated topics into a discussion; to go over old matters that have already been put to rest; to rehash initiatives in a three-year-old report that were a rehashed rehash of an even older finding that found them unworkable, illegal, or financially unsound the first time around. Consensus building by a 13-member group can feel like brain-stem laceration. A former councillor told me “remember to smile now and then.” I also find that during breaks it’s a good thing to poke one’s head out of doors for five seconds to breathe some fresh air. But that said, on the whole this council tries to follow a policy of being even-handed, frank, factual, issue- not personality-focused, and of avoiding invective, employing points of order and complying with the rulings of the chair.
What’s new? For the first time council has adopted a multi-year operating and capital budget. We have already set our operating budget increases for the next three to five years. The percentage increase declines every 12 months from five percent to three over the term. In addition, as we go through each year, we look for ways to shave costs so we can come in at less than the forecast percentage.
Next, this council, as no other has in the last fifteen years, is emphasizing programs to attract new wealth and investment to broaden our tax base. To handle the huge costs in infrastructure (roads, sewers, bridges, etc.) and to enhance the quality of life in Kingston, we are more dependent than ever on expansion in the private sector. To help residential tax payers, who are at their limit, we need more success in bringing in commercial and industrial tax payers.
We have also launched a service review to find efficiencies and savings. So tune in on council evenings. You might be pleasantly surprised.
AND NOW FOR THE LAST WORD
From all of us on the board—have a pleasant and safe summer.
Front: Jim Neill,Anita Krebs, Joan Hansen, Henry Laycock, Ray Kaduck
Back: Bob Smith,Valerie blyth, Bill Glover, Ginny Frost, Mike Wheeler, Jolene Hopwood, Bill Hutchison
Sydenham Ward Tenants’ and Ratepayers’ Association
Newsletter
SPRING/SUMMER 2004
AMENDED BOARD MEMBER LIST
Virginia Frost—new e-mail address: Ginny.Frost@rogers.com
Henry Laycock—e-mail: laycockh@post.queensu.ca; 101 College St. K7L 4L7
Gord McGuire replaces Sarah Dawn Schenk as AMS rep, no change in e-mail, etc.
Robert Smith, 129 Centre St., K7L 4E7, 531-0699; riders2001@sympatico.ca.
REPORT FROM THE CHAIR—Bill Glover
First of all, I wish to welcome Robert Smith as a member of the board. He is retired from Bell Canada and we appreciate his willingness to give some of his newly acquired free time to serve SWTRA.
The past months have been very busy. In addition to the usual meetings and invitations to participate in various projects, I have started to make formal calls on people such as the mayor and the principal of Queen’s to introduce myself and to inform them of SWTRA’S function and concerns. I shall review some of the highlights here.
The Queen’s Centre—the proposed new student life/athletic complex—is an issue that many will rank alongside Block D (starting up again as I write). My meeting with Principal Leggett was instructive: he told me he had “heard concerns” about heritage houses. The weekend following our talk, the Board of Trustees met and shortly after that a press release announced that Queen’s had chosen the firms Bregmann and Hamann Architects, Sasaki Associates and Shoalts and Zaback as the design team for the project. S&Z, a Kingston firm, have done some impressive heritage projects, including the KFPL branch on Gore Road. VP Operations and Finance Andrew Simpson then organized a public meeting with the architects (to be repeated on Tuesday, May 4, 7-9 pm at the John Deutsch Centre). This went a long way in clearing the air of apprehension that was certainly present at the January public consultation. Since then VP Simpson has met with the SWTRA board in an open and frank discussion of the various issues—design, heritage, integration, financing, street closure, etc. Another round of public meetings is scheduled for fall.
On March 19 Sarah Dawn Schenk, AMS Commissioner of Municipal Affairs and ex officio member of the board, organized a day-long conference on town-gown affairs (see her report further on in this issue). This presented an opportunity to discuss a number of common issues. We say farewell to Sarah Dawn now and welcome her successor for 2004/05, Gord McGuire.
Canada Lands, the non-agency of the federal government charged with the responsibility of disposing of federal lands no longer required, invited SWTRA to join the consultation process involving the former Prison for Women. As a non-agency, Canada Lands is not exempt from paying local taxes or from compliance with local by-laws and regulations. Before selling off a property they do what they deem necessary to make it attractive to any potential buyer. They are also able to impose architectural or other guidelines as a condition of sale. Right now they are determining how the P4W site might be developed. Anita Krebs and Ray Kaduck will represent us in this process. See the report of a meeting held April 27 further on in this issue.
The first phase of the Parking Advisory Committee’s work has been adopted by City Council. The parking changes have been extensively reported in the press so I shall not repeat them here. The next phase--to examine the parking issues associated with Queen’s and KGH—will start on May 11. A third phase will address parking in residential areas adjacent to Queen’s, KGH and the downtown. I represent SWTRA on this committee and will keep you informed.
TREASURER’S / MEMBERSHIP REPORT--Jolene Hopwood/Valerie Blyth
Operating funds--$1071.57
Tree fund--$3436.17 after paying the $2526.81 tree bill for 2003
Ruth Barton Fund--$869.00
Total paid-up memberships--141
Total not yet renewed from 2003 or earlier--70
Note: We urge those of you who have not yet renewed your membership to do so now. The expenses of the association continue, e.g. this issue of The Village Pump.
REPORT FROM THE AMS--Sarah Dawn Schenk
As a student of Canadian politics, I had always assumed “the action” to be at the federal and provincial levels of governance. But as Commissioner for Municipal Affairs for the Queen’s AMS, I came to see the importance of community issues and municipal government. I also came to a greater appreciation of the role these play in our lives as citizens and students. Town-gown relations have always been relevant in Kingston where the university and its students interact daily with the city and its residents. Sometimes this relationship can be negative, but in many ways it can be mutually beneficial, and I strongly believe we can learn to appreciate each other.
That is why I organized the Municipal Affairs Commission’s first conference “Universities and Municipalities: Confronting Challenges and Opportunities Together” on March 19. Open to everyone, residents and students, it was well attended with people coming from as far away as Hamilton and Waterloo. The morning consisted of sessions with presenters from the City’s Planning and Property Standards departments, Queen’s Legal Aid, and the School of Urban and Regional Planning. They were meant to be informative and suggestive of possible solutions to perceived difficulties.
In the afternoon we had a lively panel discussion moderated by former mayor Helen Cooper. Panelists were Mayor Harvey Rosen, Urban Planning professor David Gordon, Queen’s Vice-Principal of Operations Andrew Simpson, and Chris Edey, president of the Waterloo Federation of Students. I felt we were finally discussing the benefits and challenges of our relationship in a constructive way. Our local MPP and Municipal Affairs Minister (and also a former mayor) John Gerretsen brought the conference to a close with his keynote address, which focused not only on his experience in Kingston but also on the future of municipal powers and initiatives.
This was the culmination of a year of many projects for me. My term as commissioner ends on May 1. After a summer in Banff, I will return in the fall to finish up some courses. My replacement is Gord McGuire. He has already started and has great plans. I know he will enjoy the opportunity, as I have, to represent students to the community and to work to improve our relationship. SWTRA has been an important part of that communication. I appreciate the work that they do and have been happy to serve on the executive board this past year.
THE LATEST ON SNOW NOW THAT SPRING IS HERE--Joan Hansen
One thing you can count on in this life is the subject of snow clearing—or lack of it—showing up at our Annual General Meeting. Now that winter woes are just a fading memory, we thought we’d take a stroll over to 701 Division Street and talk to the man in charge, Damon Wells, Manager, Roads Division, Operations Department. Actually, we let our fingers do the walking. Here are some of the things we learned.
The average yearly budget for winter control in Kingston is $4,000,000. Kingston has 1800 kms of lanes (some streets have more than one lane) and 370 kms of sidewalks. The department owns 32 snow vehicles—plows, sanders and loaders; 1—yes, 1 only—snow blower; 10 sidewalk plows—3 track and 7 trackless or blower types. The department has a manager, 2 assistant leaders, 52 full time employees and some part time ones. There are 10 contracted-out routes in the city’s east and north zones.
There is a winter control plan in effect. The city’s website-- www.city.kingston.on.ca-- (http://www.city.kingston.on.ca--) outlines the priorities of the plan and displays route maps (these maps should be online by fall 2004). The street priorities are 1) arterial roads, 2) business areas, and 3) residential. Sidewalks are divided into 13 plow zones and 7 priority routes that are tied into the arterial routes. The downtown area and the Queen’s area are getting more attention these days. Mr. Wells’s own priorities include improving the level of service on sidewalks. He informed me that Kingston is one of the few Ontario municipalities that still assume responsibility for sidewalk clearing. Business owners—and that includes the city—are still expected to clear off their own although his plows make an initial sweep after each storm. He believes that over all the service has become more consistent in the last few years, but concedes that there are always some unhappy residents. There is a definite relationship between available resources and level of service. He would love to see more money allocated to his department, but feels that there is a responsibility owed to the taxpayer. So he tries to do the very best with what is available.
The things that are almost impossible to do much about are flooded intersections—the thaw affects all build-ups at the same time and is too overwhelming for his resources; removal of snow—the cost is astronomical and time taken vs ordinary plowing is much too long. So there are snakes in paradise, but when the days become shorter just remember that if winter comes, can spring be far behind? Stay in touch with the web site for the latest information. If all else fails, fly south.
AND ON TREES (MORE APPROPRIATE TO THE SEASON)--Bill Hutchison
Our arrangement with the city for tree planting within our district continues. SWTRA members contribute generously each year making it all possible. In 2003 the city planted 23 trees for us at a cost of $2526.81 (if you wish to know locations and varieties, phone me). We had hoped for at least 35, but staff shortages (the Parks and Arenas share), made that impossible. Let’s hope we do better this year. Each tree costs about $150 and is between 10 to 14 feet tall with a trunk 60mm in diameter four inches above the root ball. The root ball on each tree is so heavy it must be moved by machinery and needs a hole roughly three feet wide and three feet deep. In addition trees are chosen from the right seed stock for our climate. All of this insures a survival rate of 95 percent.
In an interview with Ken McGuirk, Chief Arborist, I learned that the department works with a budget of $35,000, has only one water truck and five air buckets--this to care for 30,000 mature trees citywide, with about 15,000 of these located in the old part of the city. The city plants trees for us on city property, usually the easement between the owner’s property line and the sidewalk or street. Planting on private property involves safety/insurance problems plus the possibility of complaints from local nurseries. To get involved in an “urban forest” project would likely require both a management and council decision. For such a project it might be possible through Trees Canada to obtain smaller trees—“whips”—about 5 to 6 feet high with bare roots.
Many of you are concerned about tree cutting. According to Mr. McGuirk, only the owner of the property is informed when his department does the cutting. If the tree presents a danger it will be cut, but every effort is made to save a tree. When a tree is cut, the stump is removed and a replacement provided nearby if feasible. To protect power lines and sewers, Utilities Kingston will cut without any advance notice. If you hear chain saws and see city crews, ask what is going on. If you don’t like it, call 544-2075. It’s live 24/7.
SWTRA would like to present this motion to council: Whereas the Department of Parks, Arenas and Recreation can provide (1) better trained and experienced arborists, (2) better equipment for tree work and (3) greater cost effectiveness, we propose that this department have responsibility for all tree trimming in the city.
If you agree, let Floyd Patterson, your district councillor, know.
CURRENT ISSUES UPDATE
Queen’s Centre At our last board meeting, VP, Operations and Finance, Andrew Simpson, held forth for an hour and a half on the subject. Was this more than we wanted to know? Not at all. But it did raise more questions than it answered. We were left with a sense that nothing is fixed in stone and much is still in a state of flux. The location appears to be a given, yet one can’t rule out west campus for some things. Should there be a fieldhouse? an olympic-sized pool? What will work on the chosen site? Can we integrate the historic homes? What do we do about parking? How to time the various components? How to pay for it all? What is sure is that this is needed—especially the student amenities. Queen’s is very serious and has good intentions. One tends to be cynical—after all we all know where good intentions lead—but we need to keep open minds while voicing our concerns. Most important to the local population is how well this will be integrated into our neighborhood. As Chair Bill Glover mentioned earlier, Queen’s will hold a second showing of the centre’s design components on May 4.
Block D With Chair Bill Glover out of town Vice-Chair Bill Hutchison prepared a statement for former Chair Jim Neill to present on Thursday, April 22 when the Planning Department held a statutory public meeting on the new proposal for Block D. For the full text, phone Bill Hutchison. So, is it déjà vu all over again? Close, but not exactly. The new players are Gillen and Homestead. Market demand not being at a high for hotels and office buildings right now, the developers are asking for a zone change to allow for residential on both sides of the property. Picture four16-story apartment dwellings facing Ontario Street. Picture also a city owned park on the water—yes the city is being asked to buy that land when public access to the water is already a fait accompli—separated from the apartments by a concrete wall to contain the contamination. Picture your tax dollars going to that purchase and its year to year maintenance. As Bill wrote, “The city can buy my front lawn anytime if they are going to cut the grass for me.” Nevertheless, he emphasized that SWTRA has been and continues to be in favor of development on Block D. Planning will present their report to council later in the year.
Tett Complex On Friday, April 23, board member Henry Laycock attended a meeting at the J.K.Tett centre organised by Anna Robertson of Theatre 5 with a view to mobilising concern over the future of Brewery Row, its related structures, and the public-owned land on which they rise—plus a few other things. Here is the gist of his report.
Attending were representatives from the Kingston Historical Society, the Kingston Municipal Heritage Committee (formerly named LACAC), the Kingston School of Dance, the Kingston Lapidary Club, the Kingston Girl Guides, the Cataraqui Archeological Society, the Kingston Potters Guild, SWTRA, the Kingston Arts ouncil, and Theatre Five. Notable for his absence was Mark Gladysz, the city’s heritage planner.
Ms Robertson guided the discussion, suggesting possibilities that might be included on the site--shops, cafes, bars, e.g.—and emphasized the importance of all present tenants retaining their tenancies. She had written earlier about these to the mayor. In his reply he had suggested pursuing a feasibility study funded through the Healthy Community Fund. The Kingston Arts Council rep noted that backing for a feasibility study already exists and that her group would support the mayor’s suggestion in this connection. No consensus was reached, but the group agreed to meet again with the aim of constituting a steering committee including an appropriate representative from the city on Friday, May 21 in the same place.
BEYOND OUR BORDERS
British Whig Building—A stone’s throw from City Hall lies another historic building, now ready for occupancy. The city is looking for downtown space in order to cluster its various far-flung departments. What seems to be obvious, however, isn’t. The city wants to spend more of its strained finances to build a new structure even if it might take an infinite number of years to get there. SWTRA supports centralization, but we are also strong on heritage. We have sent a letter to the mayor and council endorsing both. We urge you to lend your support. The BWB is ready, its location is near perfect, city parking in the Four Seasons is available, and –best of all—it is part of the city’s history. And the vision of an adjacent, connecting modern building—in the concept stage now—is most exciting and attractive.
City Arena—Anglin Bay—the inner harbor—has gone from one of the possible sites to the preferred site and now to the chosen site—very quickly. Perhaps too quickly. Our first response is regret that a waterfront site has once again been suggested for this kind of use. We question the initial costs and the ongoing viability of the project. We want more information. We understand that MetalCraft Marine is ready and willing to leave, and we are told a marina will remain. But what about the dry dock? Isn’t it the only one for kilometres? Of course not. Have you forgotten that there is a dry dock at the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes on Ontario Street? The task force does not discount opening this as a commercial dry dock--notwithstanding that it is an historic site and that the Feds currently own it. We are reminded it will be the city’s when the Feds hand it over, but that won’t happen until the city is willing to accept the causeway responsibility also. And what happens to the museum’s own plans for this dry dock? What does the museum management have to say? What do the residents of Ontario Street have to say? Maybe this one is not beyond our borders.
Prison for Women—The P4W is a 7.5-acre parcel of land up for sale and scheduled for redevelopment. Only the 1930 main building, which is of historic significance, will remain. On April 27 Anita Krebs attended a meeting called by Canada Lands Corporation, the present owner, to allow interested parties to submit ideas. Present were Carl Bray of Bray Heritage Land Development, and representatives from Queens, St. Lawrence College, Portsmouth Village, Frontenac Heritage Foundation, Penitentiary Museum, the prison and other interested parties. After a short presentation, which included a drawing and an aerial photograph, discussion proceeded on how the land might be developed. Suggestions included youth hostel, elder hostel, theme hotel, penitentiary museum with an interactive centre, conference centre similar to the Donald Gordon Centre, married student housing, condos, senior homes, inclusive headquarters for all local museums, archeological museum, horticultural society, artists studios, and more. Consensus was that the site be multipurpose to attract large crowds.
NOTES
Driveway Access Ramps—Board member Mike Wheeler sent a letter to the Mayor, District Councillor and the Engineering Dept criticizing the newly-created driveway access ramps on Earl Street. Because they slope quite steeply towards the roadway they are uncomfortable to walk on at any time, but become absolutely dangerous when coated with ice. If you have noticed and/or experienced this, perhaps you would like to add your voice to the argument. Can’t do much about Earl Street now, but we can hope that the city will recognize the pedestrian hazard and change their angle of approach.
Fireboat frivolity in the harbour—Thanks to an alert SWTRA member, Blair Martin, the recent spraying of the shoal tower off City Hall did not go unnoticed. A call to Robert Card, General Works Manager, Parks Canada, at Bellevue House prompted an inspection. The high-pressure water spray could easily have resulted in damaged mortar. Fortunately, none was detected. Tom Wroe of MetalCraft Marine, makers of the boats, was alerted to the possibility, however, and will ensure that this does not happen again.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Regional meeting of local community associations. Last year at the suggestion of Nancy Foster the various community associations in our area met together. This year SWTRA is hosting the meeting, which promises to be an annual event. The next issue of The Village Pump will carry a report on the various groups and what they are doing and how we can learn from each other.
.Symphony Book Fair donations: The Kingston Symphony Association will hold the 45th annual Book Fair at the J.K.Tett Complex, 370 King St. West on Wed., Sept. 15-Sun.,Sept. 19. Donations will be accepted at the Tett Complex from May 18-June 29. Daytime: Tuesdays and Thursdays 1-3 pm. Evenings: Thursdays only 6-7:30 pm. For more information call Judy at 544-0052. Support not only the symphony, but the youth orchestra, the junior strings, the choral society, the community strings and individual music award winners.
AND THE LAST WORD—ALMOST—GOES TO FLOYD PATTERSON
Kingston City Council on cable is anything but the “reality TV” it used to be. No more tooth and claw. We are now so polite we could win the award for the most boring show. Instead of the “gong” show, we’re the “yawn” show. And a lot of folks have told me they like it better that way.
In Kingston we are a civilized crew. We follow a prepared agenda and our council’s rules of procedure. That is not enough, alas, to insure that all goes smoothly. There is always someone who wants to test the rules and the resolve of the chair. The claws may be sheathed, but a city councillor absorbs a lot of mental punishment—enduring persistent and time-wasting end runs by fellow councillors who measure their political resourcefulness by the number of times they are able to change specifics into a free-for-all.
It is not undemocratic to go by the rules. They provide the opportunity for every member, on every clause or resolution, to express his or her view; and a miscellaneous business section allows each of us to raise unlisted matters. It can, however, be unproductive to introduce unrelated topics into a discussion; to go over old matters that have already been put to rest; to rehash initiatives in a three-year-old report that were a rehashed rehash of an even older finding that found them unworkable, illegal, or financially unsound the first time around. Consensus building by a 13-member group can feel like brain-stem laceration. A former councillor told me “remember to smile now and then.” I also find that during breaks it’s a good thing to poke one’s head out of doors for five seconds to breathe some fresh air. But that said, on the whole this council tries to follow a policy of being even-handed, frank, factual, issue- not personality-focused, and of avoiding invective, employing points of order and complying with the rulings of the chair.
What’s new? For the first time council has adopted a multi-year operating and capital budget. We have already set our operating budget increases for the next three to five years. The percentage increase declines every 12 months from five percent to three over the term. In addition, as we go through each year, we look for ways to shave costs so we can come in at less than the forecast percentage.
Next, this council, as no other has in the last fifteen years, is emphasizing programs to attract new wealth and investment to broaden our tax base. To handle the huge costs in infrastructure (roads, sewers, bridges, etc.) and to enhance the quality of life in Kingston, we are more dependent than ever on expansion in the private sector. To help residential tax payers, who are at their limit, we need more success in bringing in commercial and industrial tax payers.
We have also launched a service review to find efficiencies and savings. So tune in on council evenings. You might be pleasantly surprised.
AND NOW FOR THE LAST WORD
From all of us on the board—have a pleasant and safe summer.
Front: Jim Neill,Anita Krebs, Joan Hansen, Henry Laycock, Ray Kaduck
Back: Bob Smith,Valerie blyth, Bill Glover, Ginny Frost, Mike Wheeler, Jolene Hopwood, Bill Hutchison