News
The County is warning motorists to drive carefully after several County roads were hit by an oil leak earlier today. Sections of County roads 34, 4, 5 and 6 were all affected and could still be slippery. The leak was traced to a private firm’s malfunctioning construction equipment and has been contained to the road surfaces with no environmental damage expected. County road crews have spread sand on the spill areas to absorb the oil but ongoing care is advised.
A Prince Edward County individual is facing multiple criminal charges after a road rage incident got out of control last Friday. Police were called to the scene of a collision on County Road 3 at Loyalist Parkway after a motorist reported being deliberately struck from behind. The motorist told officers that the other driver had been tailgating, brake checking and passing in a dangerous manner before intentionally striking the victim’s car from behind. Police arrested a 72 year old Carrying Place resident who was charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, failure to remain at the scene of an accident, assault and mischief. The accused was released from custody and will appear in court to answer the charges.
One of the largest battery storage projects in Canada came online today at the Lennox Generating Station near Napanee. Ontario Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce announced the start of commercial operations of the Napanee Battery Energy Storage System today. The 250-megawatt facility is capable of powering 250,000 homes for up to four hours during peak demand. Battery systems allow power to be generated and stored during offpeak periods allowing generating stations to operate at greater efficiency and higher capacity. The Napanee energy storage system supported 120 jobs during construction and will provide ongoing employment for 10 to 12 people.
The Trent Port Marina has been awarded the Blue Flag Designation for excellence in marina management and environmental stewardship from the International Blue Flag organization. Trent Port Marina is the only marina and beach in the Bay of Quinte area to receive the Blue Flag Canada certification this year. The Blue Flag is an international eco-certification awarded by the Swim, Drink, Fish organization in Canada to marinas and beaches that demonstrate a commitment to providing a clean, safe, and accessible waterfront, that meet rigorous environmental, and safety standards. Last year there were only 16 beaches and 9 marinas across Canada that met the demanding standards.
Inflation in Canada hit 2.8% in April but it was mostly because of soaring oil prices brought on by the US war with Iran. Groceries rose 3.5 % in the month but that was slower than in March and most other categories either decreased or increased only slightly. The Federal government removed the fuel excise tax mid month and experts say that helped but there was still a major impact on pricing from the ongoing hostilities in the middle east. The Bank of Canada doesn’t meet again until June but most experts say that with core inflation remaining low rate hikes are unlikely.
And the iconic Canadian aerobatic team the Snowbirds is being grounded after the 2026 season. Prime Minister Mark Carney said he understands the importance of the Snowbirds but the 60 year old Tutor jets that the Snowbirds fly are no longer safe and replacement aircraft aren’t expected before 2030. Carney promised the Snowbirds will fly again and placed the blame on previous governments that failed to replace the aircraft sooner. The team has approximately 80 full time personnel of whom 24 typically travel to events at any one time.
Sports
The NHL has refused to restore the Las Vegas Golden Knight’s second round draft pick following an appeal of the punishment by the team. The league removed the draft pick after the team violated league media policies by denying reporters access to their dressing room and failing to attend a mandatory news conference following their game 6 playoff win last Thursday night. Coach John Tortorella was also fined $100,000 for the same infraction.
Game one of the NBA Eastern Conference finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks gets underway at 8 o’clock tonight in New York. The San Antonio Spurs took game 1 of the Western Conference Final last night in Oklahoma with a 122-115 victory over the Thunder.
And in Major League Baseball, the Blue Jays are in New York for the second game of a four game series against the Yankees. In spite of playing sub 500 ball the Jays are still in contention, sitting at third place in the American League East and only 1 game out of a wild card spot. First pitch goes out tonight at 7:05.
