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“Ensuring Child Safety: Kingston, Ont. Wraps Up School Safety Zone Sign Installation”

School safety zone signs have been rolled out across the city with the final phase to be completed this fall. Community safety zone signs have been installed at all schools across Kingston with the final phase to be completed this fall — just in time for classes to resume. The signs remind motorists to be on the lookout for students and other pedestrians. They also warn of possible fines for those who don’t follow the posted speed limit. Speeding in a community safety zone will have ‘double’ the cost of a normal speeding ticket. “So, if you normally might get a $100 ticket for speeding, now you are going to get close to a $200 ticket and that’s not just for speeding. If it’s a red-light violation or a stop sign violation again penalties vastly increase, normally double,” Kingston Police Sergeant Steve Koopman told Global News. The regulatory tool was broadened in response to the tragic death of a student at Mother Teresa Catholic School, since renamed St. Teresa of Calcutta, in January of 2022. Since then, a school transportation safety review panel was formed partnering Kingston Police, the city, bus companies and local school boards. The community safety zone roll-out is just one of multiple improvements made. “I haven’t seen anybody slowing down. They are passing by as fast as they were driving before the community zone,” says Kingston resident Syed Kazmi. Kazmi sells air purifiers and fixes computers at a business on Bath Road right across from Frontenac Secondary School where recently, community safety zone signs have appeared. Kazmi says he did not realize the signs had been installed, but hopes they have the desired effect. “They should consider that to reduce their speed for sure because the kids… they really… sometimes they are chasing each other and they really run fast,” he says. Kazmi says he has seen Kingston Police monitoring drivers in the area already. According to Koopman, residents should expect that to continue at schools around the city with the rest of the signs going up at schools this summer and fall. The city is also planning to bring in mobile photo radar units by the summer of 2024 to catch every driver going even one kilometre over the posted limit and mail them their ticket. Kingston, Ontario is taking significant strides to ensure the safety of its students as it enters the final phase of school safety zone sign installation. The initiative aims to create a safer environment for children by implementing clear signage and designated zones around educational institutions. The project, which has been in progress for several months, is set to be completed in the coming weeks. The importance of school safety cannot be overstated. It is a collective responsibility to ensure that students have a safe and secure environment to learn and grow. The city of Kingston recognizes this and has taken proactive measures to enhance safety measures around schools. The installation of school safety zone signs serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it increases awareness among drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists that they are entering an area where children are likely to be present. This heightened awareness encourages individuals to exercise caution and follow traffic rules more diligently. Secondly, the installation of these signs helps in demarcating specific areas around schools where additional safety measures are in effect. This includes reduced speed limits, increased penalties for traffic violations, and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations. By clearly indicating these zones, it becomes easier for law enforcement agencies to monitor and enforce traffic rules effectively. The process of installing school safety zone signs began earlier this year with a thorough assessment of all educational institutions in Kingston. A team of experts, including traffic engineers, city officials, and school administrators, worked collaboratively to identify areas that required enhanced safety measures. The assessment took into account various factors such as traffic volume, speed limits, proximity to crosswalks, and historical accident data. This data-driven approach ensured that the installation of safety signs was targeted and focused on areas with the highest risk. Once the assessment was complete, the team devised a comprehensive plan for sign placement. The plan considered the specific requirements of each school and the surrounding neighborhood. Factors such as visibility, accessibility, and the overall traffic flow were taken into consideration to determine the optimal locations for the signs. The next step involved obtaining the necessary permits and permissions for sign installation. The city worked closely with relevant authorities to ensure a smooth and efficient process. This included coordinating with the transportation department, local law enforcement agencies, and school boards. With the permits in place, the actual installation of the signs commenced. Trained professionals equipped with specialized tools and equipment carefully placed the signs at designated locations. The team worked diligently to ensure that each sign was securely installed and clearly visible to all road users. As part of the initiative, educational campaigns were also launched to raise awareness about the importance of school safety zones. These campaigns involved distributing informational brochures, organizing community workshops, and partnering with local media outlets to spread the message to a wider audience. The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Parents, teachers, and residents alike have expressed their appreciation for the city’s efforts to prioritize the safety of children. Many have lauded the comprehensive approach taken by Kingston, emphasizing the need for similar initiatives in other municipalities across the country. The implementation of school safety zones aligns with the broader vision of creating a pedestrian-friendly city. By designating specific areas as safety zones, Kingston aims to promote active transportation and encourage more students to walk or cycle to school. This not only reduces traffic congestion but also promotes healthier lifestyles among children. Additionally, the presence of school safety zones has a positive impact on the overall community. It instills a sense of collective responsibility and encourages individuals to be more mindful of their actions while driving or walking near schools. The signs act as a constant reminder

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“Canadian Universities Take a Stand Against Threats by Ramping Up Security Measures After Waterloo Attack”

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Students standing in solidarity with Waterloo school stabbing victims – Jun 30, 2023 The recent University of Waterloo stabbing that sent shockwaves across the country has prompted other Canadian universities to review their own security measures. Two students and a professor were injured after a man showed up in class June 28 and drew knives after confirming it was a second-year gender studies class; police have described it as a “hate-motivated” attack. Geovanny Villalba-Aleman, a 24-year-old recently graduated international student, faces three counts of aggravated assault, four counts of assault with a weapon and two counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, as well as mischief under $5,000. He appeared in a Kitchener, Ont., court Tuesday morning, but his case has been postponed to July 25. The violence has raised concern about an increase in crime on campus as post-secondary institutions across the country look for ways to keep students, faculty and staff safe. “Following the University of Waterloo incident, UBC Safety and Risk Services reviewed our protocols to determine if there are any opportunities to improve our safety processes,” said Sam Stephens, director of campus security at the University of British Columbia Vancouver. “We continually review our security protocols to ensure we are following best practices to support a safe environment on campus,” Stephens said in an emailed statement to Global News. UBC’s annual campus security reports released last month showed an uptick in assaults at both the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses last year. The University of Alberta has also seen an increase in overall security incidents on campus in recent months, with at least 444 crimes reported to date this year, according to a U of A spokesperson. “While the current increases may not seem significant to some, we recognize that any incident can be worrisome to those that regularly use the space,” said Ross Neitz, U of A’s media relations strategist. Last year, there were 686 criminal incidents at the U of A campus, that included property crimes and crimes against persons, according to Neitz. “We are currently exploring many avenues related to safety and security from those concerns being raised following this assault,” Verna Yiu, U of A’s interim provost said in June 30 statement released in response to the Waterloo stabbings. “Some of these include looking into how instructor information is publicly posted, collaborating with those who teach and research in these areas to identify actions, and advancing conversations around restorative practices,” the statement read. At the University of Toronto’s three locations, a total of 670 security incidents were reported and responded to last year, which ranged from breaking and entering and theft to sexual assault, criminal harassment and hate crime, according to data for their annual campus safety reports. That was a 38 percent jump compared to 2021 for the same types of incidents reported on all three campuses involving either the general public or members of the U of T community. The university was mostly offering online classes due to COVID-19 up until the fall semester that year, which meant there were fewer students on campus. “We are deeply troubled by the vicious attack that took place … at the University of Waterloo, and we denounce hate and violence in all forms,” a U of T spokesperson said in an emailed statement to Global News last week. “We regularly review our emergency response and communications systems to keep our campuses as safe as possible, and we routinely assess new or emerging concerns, working with community partners such as local police services, where appropriate,” the statement added. In the aftermath of the Waterloo attack, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) said it is committed to providing a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students, staff and faculty. From Jan. 1, 2022, to July 2023, USask protective services responded to 20 calls reporting assaults, 24 reports of breaking and entering, 45 reports of harassment, 100 reports of theft and conducted 19 arrests under warrant. USask said it has one of the few dedicated peace officer groups in Western Canada that enhances the university’s ability to detect and address incidents on campus most often without police involvement. “This can lead to a higher number of incidents reported relative to other universities, as we are able to respond to incidents within 500 meters of our campus in a timely manner,” a statement from USask emailed to Global News said. Montreal’s McGill University said the safety and well-being of every member of its community always remain a top priority. “We stand with members of our community who may be concerned that their teaching, research, or advocacy might heighten their vulnerability to such incidents,” said Claire Loewen, a McGill University spokesperson. “Violence and discrimination of any form have no place in our society.” Ensuring the safety of Canadian universities in the wake of the Waterloo attack requires a proactive and comprehensive approach. Here are some key steps that universities can take to ramp up their security measures: Conduct Security Audits: Begin by conducting thorough security audits of the campus facilities, identifying potential vulnerabilities, and assessing the effectiveness of existing security measures. This evaluation will provide a baseline for improvements. Enhance Surveillance Systems: Upgrade surveillance systems by implementing advanced technologies such as high-resolution cameras, facial recognition software, and intelligent analytics. These enhancements will improve monitoring capabilities and aid in the early detection of suspicious activities. Strengthen Access Control: Implement robust access control measures throughout the campus. This may include the use of key card systems, biometric scanners, or security personnel stationed at entry points to verify identification. Limiting unauthorized access is critical in preventing potential threats. Develop Emergency Response Plans: Review and update emergency response plans, ensuring they are comprehensive and include procedures for various scenarios. Conduct regular drills and training sessions to familiarize staff and students with the protocols and enhance their ability to respond effectively in emergencies. Collaborate with Law Enforcement: Establish strong partnerships with local law enforcement agencies to facilitate information sharing and coordination during critical incidents. Regular meetings, joint training exercises, and sharing best practices

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“In the Heat of the Ring: Ontario Sparks Tensions as Ring of Fire Mining Heats Up EV Ambitions”

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Ontario and Ottawa have promised billions of dollars to automakers to attract them to build electric vehicles and batteries in the province. The strategy puts the mineral-rich Ring of Fire at its core. But, as Global News’ Queen’s Park Bureau Chief Colin D’Mello reports, a looming battle with local Indigenous communities could spell trouble. The lawyer representing a number of First Nations communities opposed to the Ford government’s plans for the Ring of Fire is cautioning that the province’s long-term electric vehicle battery manufacturing strategy might be a “fool’s errand.” Premier Doug Ford agreed to enter into a pact with the federal government to offer hefty subsidies to companies that choose to build lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles in Ontario, seen as the next frontier in the province’s auto manufacturing strategy. Both governments have poured billions into packages to tempt car makers to set up in the province, Already, Ontario has agreed to give German automaker Volkswagen and Amsterdam-based automaker Stellantis up to $10 billion in tax breaks for the production of millions of batteries set to come off the assembly lines over the next decade. In order to scale up the province’s battery manufacturing presence, however, the Ford government might need to unlock mining in a key region in northern Ontario, known as the Ring of Fire, which contains deposits of minerals needed to build electric vehicle batteries. Opening the area up for critical mineral mining means a massive road-building effort, new studies, and convincing local First Nations communities to support the idea. Flavio Volpe, president of the Autoparts Manufacturers Association, believes Stellantis and Volkswagen finally give the region an “anchor customer” to justify the infrastructure needed to access the mineral deposits. “Now, those mining interests in Northern Ontario have two plants that are going to make, between them, something around 1.5 million batteries per year for 20, 30 years,” Volpe told Global News. “And so now that business model starts to look a little better.” Building a dedicated road to the Ring of Fire has been a decades-long challenge leading to confrontations between prospectors, governments, and First Nations over the environmental concerns around drilling and mining potentially sensitive lands. Having an anchor customer and accelerated EV battery plans hasn’t changed the equation. It has long been a key topic of conversation between Ford and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The pair discussed the Ring of Fire during four successive meetings at the end of 2022, and it topped the agenda on three occasions. While the Ford government has partnered with two First Nations — Marten Falls First Nation and Webequie First Nation — to conduct environmental assessments for an all-season road, a number of Treaty 9 First Nations have objected to the developments unless they are given a better understanding of the project’s impact on the environment. While the Ford government has partnered with two First Nations — Marten Falls First Nation and Webequie First Nation — to conduct environmental assessments for an all-season road, a number of Treaty 9 First Nations have objected to the developments unless they are given a better understanding of the project’s impact on the environment. Canada’s peatlands are among the largest in the world — making up around a quarter of the world’s total supply. Together, they store more carbon than the Amazon rainforest and amount to the largest land carbon stock in the world. The latest research estimates Canada is responsible for 150 billion tonnes of carbon sequestered underground — the equivalent to 11 years of current global greenhouse gas emissions. Critics of the Ford government’s plans fear that mining in the Ring of Fire could release some of that carbon and render the benefits of electric vehicles moot. “The purpose of electrifying is to save us from ourselves, to reduce the growing catastrophe of climate change by getting off fossil fuels,” Kempton argued. “If, by getting at those minerals, we make climate change worse by digging up the peatlands that store trillions of tonnes of carbon … then that’s a case of cutting off our nose to spite our face.” Recently, the Treaty 9 First Nations launched a lawsuit against Ontario and Ottawa arguing they must be equal partners in any development on their territories. The groups alleged they had not been properly consulted. Chief Mark Bell of Aroland First Nation said his community and others aren’t on board with the Ring of Fire plan as it stands. “We hear so much about building mines and roads and this and that, but they don’t have our community’s permission,” he said. “There’s been zero consultation on these types of projects.” Both the government of Ontario and Canada filed a notice in recent days that they intend to defend the legal action, setting the stage for a protracted court battle over unlocking the country’s economic future. https://securitysurveillancesolutions.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/facebook-video-fbdown.mp4 Explore the environmental concerns in greater detail: Dive deeper into the specific environmental risks associated with Ring of Fire mining, such as the potential impact on biodiversity, water sources, and the overall ecosystem. Discuss the measures being taken or proposed to mitigate these risks and ensure responsible mining practices. Highlight the perspectives of Indigenous communities: Give voice to the Indigenous communities affected by the Ring of Fire mining and their unique perspectives on the matter. Discuss their concerns regarding land rights, cultural preservation, and the potential benefits or drawbacks they anticipate from the mining activities. Analyze the economic opportunities in depth: Provide a comprehensive analysis of the economic benefits associated with Ring of Fire mining. Explore the potential job creation, revenue generation, and long-term economic growth for Ontario. Consider the ripple effects on local businesses, industries, and the overall regional economy. Examine the technological advancements and innovation potential: Delve into the technological advancements and innovation that could arise from the mining of critical minerals in the Ring of Fire region. Discuss the potential for research and development, the growth of related industries, and the advancement of clean energy technologies. Discuss the role of government policies and regulations: Explore the existing

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