KANATA NORTH NEWS Marianne Wilkinson Councillor, Kanata North BUS ROUTES, GARBAGE, DOGS AND LANDFILLS

This week there have been meetings to deal with the proposed bus route changes, the proposal to move to biweekly garbage collection in 2012, on determining which parks will permit dogs to run at large and on the proposal by Waste Management to construct a new landfill operation next to the existing one on Carp Road. All of these have a significant impact on the quality of life in our communities. The deadline for recommendations on the bus routes was Apr. 7th. During the past weeks, Ive attended three of the City wide consultations, held a workshop to develop options for Kanata North, attended other community meetings and responded to many emails and phone calls. All of these provide me with information to make concrete suggestions to OC Transpo to ensure that the bus system in Kanata North provides adequate service without increasing costs. I will report next week on the results of my meeting with OC Transpo. A revised staff recommendation will be available online on Apr. 13th and the Transit Commission will be making the final decision on Apr. 20th. Check the final plan and then let me know if you have any further concerns so that I can suggest further changes on the 20th. The new route system will be in place in September. Until then your present service will continue. The final decision on dogs in the parks, stating which parks require dogs to be on leash and were they can be permitted to run, will be made by bylaw staff. I appreciate all of the information that the community has provided and have met with staff to ensure that your concerns have been addressed. Dog owners will still be required to have dogs on leash when walking along a road or sidewalk. Thank you to everyone who has provided their view on the staff recommendation to move to biweekly garbage collection. Many years ago waste was picked up twice a week and then with recycling and better containers, it moved to a weekly pick-up. With additional recycling via the green bin, there is now a move to reduce the frequency further, as the smelly materials would be in the green bin with a weekly collection. There are some residents without green bins, and Ive met with staff to ensure that there is a solution to meet their needs. I am concerned about the short timeline for final consultation on this issue and have raised that with the Environment Committee Chair and the Mayor. The Environmental Assessment for the proposed landfill on Carp Road is continuing. Waste Management has the last of their open houses on this round of meetings tonight (Apr. 7th) at the Legion in Stittsville. To submit your views and to find out more about the proposal go to http://wcec.wm.com

CLEANING THE CAPITAL

If you havent yet registered for cleaning the Capital, please do so soon. Kanata North residents, including students at the schools, have been a big factor in keeping our community clean and beautiful. One opportunity is the Beaverbrook Community Association which invites all to come at 9 am on Apr. 30th, to the tennis courts behind the Beaverbrook Mall, where supplies will be given out. Then participants will fan out into the community to collect trash, return with it and after, enjoy a free barbeque. Let me know about your events as well.

KANATA WEST MOVES AHEAD

The Minister of Environment issued his decision on March 30, 2011 on the Kanata West Environmental Assessment for the seven disputed projects, including the Carp River Restoration Project. The Ministers order will allow the projects to proceed subject to a number of conditions which were largely previously agreed to by the City and Kanata West Owners Group.

GET YOUR RAIN BARREL

The Kanata-March Horticultural Society is selling rain barrels for $55. To view these and to register your order, go to www.rainbarrel.ca/kanata-gardeners/ Orders must be received by May 10th and pick up is on May 21st.

COMING EVENTS
Apr 13 7:30 pm CFUW/Kanatas Kraft Dinner Domino event, Stonehaven Manor Apr. 18 7 pm Ward Council Meeting, Mlacak Centre

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.