KANATA NORTH NEWS Marianne Wilkinson Councillor, Kanata North Residents continue to wait for parks to be completed

Kanata North residents are waiting impatiently for the parks in their neighbourhoods to be completed. Plans have been ready for more than a year for the park on Keyrock, Brookshire Park on Klondike and Sandhill Park. In the case of Brookshire and Sandhill, the developers were required to do the grading and installation of services first. Once this is done satisfactorily, the City can go to tender for completion of the parks. Both developers have finally started work on those parks but have not yet done the work to acceptable standards. I am still hopeful that this will happen soon so that the installation of playing equipment, fields, hockey pad and water feature can soon be tendered. Unfortunately it is unlikely this work can be completed before winter. Keyrock Park was to be built by Richcraft under an agreement that would see the City reimbursing them for the work based on actual invoices to the maximum collected from development charges in the area. It has taken a long time to get the agreement drafted, but it was finally sent to the developer two weeks ago and discussions are ongoing to finalize it. The way in which the City deals with parks in new communities needs to be changed. Ive asked staff to look at changes to the subdivision agreements to put in timelines for work to be completed so that the long delays weve experienced with these parks wont recur in future developments.

Kanata Food Cupboard needs help

One result of the economic downturn is that many more families turn to organizations like the Kanata Food Cupboard for help. The result is that their shelves are almost bare. The Food Cupboard is in dire need of food donations or financial donations (used to purchase food supplies where necessary). Drop off your food donations in the bins in Kanata grocery stores or contact the Kanata Food Cupboard at 20 Young Road, Kanata, 613-836-7847.

50+ Recreation Strategy

As part of the review of recreational activities the City of Ottawa will be holding a series of two hour consultations across the City to gather the views of residents on the development and improvement of recreation programs for those aged 50 or older. Go to ottawa.ca/recreation_strategy to fill in an online survey

Technology issues

The city has established an IT Committee of Council to review and recommend on how technology can benefit the City, and to connect with and support technology businesses in Ottawa. Ive been elected chair of the committee and will be bringing forth recommendations to enhance the citys role in economic development. Ive been invited to participate this Friday in a Roundtable Discussion on the Technology organized by Jim Watson, the Provincial Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, because of the motion I had presented to council on the closing of Nortel. I will join representatives from governments of Ontario and Canada as well as key industry leaders. This event will lead to a rethink of the citys economic development strategy.

Hazardous Waste Depot

On Oct. 17, there will be a Household Hazard Waste Depot at Waste Management at their 254 Stevenage Dr. location (off Carp Road south of Highway 417). For a list of acceptable household hazardous waste check the Citys website at ottawa.ca/hhw. For battery disposal check at ottawa.ca/takeitback. Small, non-rechargeable batteries can be placed in the container at the Beaverbrook Library.

Coming events
Oct. 3 11 a.m.: Stittsville Village Fest and Parade Oct. 4 Run For the Cure Oct. 7 7:30 p.m.: KBCA meeting, Beaverbrook Community Centre Oct. 13 6:30 p.m., Kanata Transit & Transportation Committee, Hazeldean Library Oct. 17 Hazardous Waste Depot, Waste Management, 254 Westbrook Rd.

Serving the residents and businesses in Kanata North

To receive the Kanata North Newsletter, to deal with a concern or make a suggestion, contact me at 613-580-2474, email Marianne.Wilkinson@ottawa.ca or through www.mariannewilkinson.com.