PROTECTING THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Marianne Wilkinson Councillor, Kanata North Much of Kanata North is located on an outlier of the

Canada Shield, that vast area of ancient rocks that is the core of our continent. The Ottawa Valley is a graben (an area that has moved down between parallel fault lines) with the Gatineau Hills to the south east and the Carp Hills/South March Highlands to the northwest. These are part of the Canadian Shield, the roots of ancient mountain chains, and some of the hardest rock in the world. Kanata Lakes, much of Beaverbrook and parts of Morgans Grant are located in the portion called the South March Highlands. The City of Ottawa owns about 700 acres of these lands in Kanata Lakes and the area just to the west and north of Kanata Lakes and Morgans Grant. Some of these were a part of the 40% open space agreement, including Trillium Woods, while the rest was purchased by the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton just before the creation of the new City of Ottawa. These lands, together with development lands for future housing, have been used for hiking, cross-country skiing and mountain biking for many years. As more development occurs around these areas it has become crucial that a management plan be developed to ensure that they are protected from over-use. The process to create such a management plan will take place over the next few months. User groups will be meeting with staff, myself and Councillor El-Chantiry to develop a public participation plan that will enable all interested members of the public to contribute to the plan and to creating a means to ensure that the lands can be enjoyed by the public while preserving the natural features of the lands. Watch this column for opportunities to participate in ensuring that we protect those areas that weve been able to save from development. It would be nice if we could save all of it but with the decision of the Ontario Municipal Board on lands between the existing Kanata Lakes development and Morgans Grant some of these lands will be developed. What will remain, however, are areas that have consistently been rated highly, including Trillium Woods, which has been rated the number one natural environment area in the entire City of Ottawa. Once the Goulbourn Forced Road has been built to City standards in a location that bypasses the Trillium Woods (the area from Morgans Grant to the railway track) the present road will become a trail. Park Development Work has started on the Forestbrook Park in Morgans Grant. Dead and dying trees are being removed and drainage work done before adding a tot lot and some pathways. The Walden Park design is being finalized and work will begin later this year. Thanks to the residents who have provided so many helpful suggestions for this park.

Flood Plain Amendment The City is proposing an amendment to the Citys Official Plan to implement the 2005 Provincial Policy Statement with regard to flood plains, unstable soils and slopes. If you are interested in this policy contact Rose Kung, City Planner at 613580-2424 ext. 13124 or by email at Rose.Kung@ottawa.ca to request information on the policy. Comments are requested by April 3rd, although this may be extended if a public meeting is held before this goes to the Planning Committee. Reminders March 31st, Free Shred-It Event, Lynx Stadium, 300 Coventry, 10 am -2 pm April 19th, Meeting on Changes to Transit routes throughout Kanata: Holy Trinity Atrium, 6:00 8:00 p.m. Working full-time for the residents and businesses in Kanata North Contact me at City Hall at 613-580-2474, fax 613-580-2514 or by email at Marianne.Wilkinson@ottawa.ca