KANATA NORTH NEWS

Marianne Wilkinson Councillor, Kanata North WINTER IS HERE

The first major storm this winter, bringing snow and freezing rain, came on December 10. Clean up cost the City $1.1 million, with 200 ploughs to clear roads and 85 to clear sidewalks. The City used 2200 tonnes of salt for our 5650 km of paved roads, 640 km of gravel roads, 2095 km of sidewalks, 15 Park & Ride lots with 7965 spaces and more than 6000 bus stops, and a special salt solution on 211 km of Transitway & Highway 174. We often forget the size of the City and magnitude of the job required to clear our streets and sidewalks. I applaud the staff in Surface Operations who, despite challenging weather conditions, keep our City moving no matter the weather.

PLANNING AND ZONING ISSUES

Thank you to the residents who have come out to the meetings on various zoning and planning issues in Kanata North. Your questions, comments and suggestions have an impact and are resulting in better decisions for development in your communities. Determined efforts by residents of Beaverbrook have resulted in the developer submitting a revised zoning for 2 The Parkway that will limit the building height to seven storeys. The report to Planning Committee is now scheduled for January 14. The efforts of a resident group on the zoning in the Kanata Central Business District south of Campeau Drive have resulted in a setback and a three storey limit along Campeau Drive. That zoning will on the Planning Committee agenda for the January 14 meeting or in February. Residents of the Marsh Village are working to minimize the impact of construction of Farrar Road and a large business development. The contribution of the community in dealing with such issues is very important and it does make a difference.

HAPPY AND SAFE CHRISTMAS TIME

Enjoying time with family and friends at Christmas time gives all of us an opportunity to take a break from our busy lives and focus on what really matters our families. Ill be spending time with my children and grandchildren, relaxing and recharging my batteries to deal with issues in Kanata North for the upcoming New Year. Bob and I wish everyone a Happy Holiday and the peace and joy during the Christmas season.

AROUND THE COMMUNITY

It has been a pleasure to visit local businesses and take part is the many special events at this time of year. When I attended March Spas Open House, I was impressed with the way in which the business has been incorporated into the historic March House. On December 11, I attended a consultation with Para Transpo riders and heard many suggestions to improve both service and vehicles. On December 13, as one of the Old Grey Mayors from the former municipalities that became part of the City of Ottawa, I sang carols at the Beacon Heights Retirement Residence. The Kanata Seniors Christmas lunch also included singing (better than the Old Grey Mayors) and tasty food. On December 12, I was honoured to meet with local Jewish residents and to light the first lamp in their menorah. At the Open House at Exploriem, I met some of the entrepreneurs who have their start-ups located there. On December 15, I was grateful to receive your empties at the Signature Centre Beer Store in support of the Christmas Exchange. I also provided a filled stocking to the Kanata Food Cupboard and assisted in their distribution to families. This week, I am judging residents Christmas lights in Morgans Grant, attending a tea at Walden Village, a party with Chinese Seniors and a Kanata Chamber of Commerce event. These activities are enjoyable and a way to connect with members of the community. I am so privileged to have an opportunity to spend time with so many wonderful people.

NEWS Remember to have the Kanata Seniors Council beautifully wrap your gifts at
the Hazeldean Mall up to Monday, 24 December from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Bell has finally removed its line from the poles along Kanata Ave. Hydro Ottawa has indicated that they will remove the poles about mid-January.