KANATA NORTH NEWS

Marianne Wilkinson Councillor, Kanata North CHANGES IN MY COUNCIL RESPONSIBILITIES

At mid-term, City Council reviews the governance of the City, including Councillors positions on Committees, Committee Chairs and many administrative matters. At the request of the Mayor, I have agreed to become Ottawa Community Housing Chair (subject to approval by that Board). Housing is one of the Mayors priorities and he has told me that my experience in dealing with housing issues in the past (which includes working with the province to obtain the 40 units of housing on Penfield Drive, board duties for the Blue Heron Co-op, and speaking engagements on housing) made me the ideal candidate to move to this position, replacing Councillor Steve Desroches. This is a very busy position and will enable me to do whatever possible to ensure that those most vulnerable have shelter. My position as Chair of the Transportation Committee will be taken by Councillor Keith Egli, with Councillor Allan Hubley as Vice-Chair. I will continue to serve on the Transportation Committee, as well as on the Transit Commission, Library Board, Audit Committee, IT Committee and on committees for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities until the next Annual Meeting. The needs of Kanata North will continue to be a top priority, including completion of the Richcraft Recreation Complex - Kanata, expansion of the Beaverbrook Library, the Kanata North Business Improvement Area and dealing with the many zoning, site plan and subdivision applications in the Ward. This includes working with community groups from small to large on issues of concern in the community. The recent approval of zoning at 2 The Parkway is a good example of how, by working together, most of the community issues were able to be addressed. The present work on the zoning for the Town Centre lands is another. Save the date of February 25th and come to my next Ward Council to find out what is happening at City Hall and in Kanata North.

WINTERLUDE
Winterlude is now underway. For the next two weekends, Laurier Ave. from Nicolas to Elgin Street and the Queen Elizabeth Driveway to Somerset will be closed, so avoid those streets when you drive downtown. At City Hall, enjoy the Rink of Dreams with free public skating every day, except for times when skating shows will take place. Details and events are available at http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca/celebrate/winterlude or pick up a Winterlude pamphlet.

INCREASE IN RECYCLING & REDUCTION IN GARBAGE

From 2011 to 2012, total waste collected decreased by 2.8%; Organics (green bin and leaf and yard waste) increased by 1.8% to more than 65,000 tons. Since the change to biweekly garbage on October 29th, there has been a decrease of 19% of waste going to the landfill and a 17% increase of organics being processed. The overall waste diversion rate increased from 42.3% to 49.6%. Congratulations to all who are helping by increasing recycling and reducing waste.

KANATA FOOD CUPBOARD NEEDS

The Kanata Food Cupboard is really in need of items that can be used in children's lunches, including - juice boxes, granola bars, puddings, applesauce, fruits cups, cookies, cheese whiz, jams, and canned turkey and chicken. Deposit these in boxes in Kanata grocery stores.

COMMUNITY NOTICES
Sunday, February 10, 1 5 p.m. Chinese New Year Celebrations, Mlacak Centre, tickets $5. Monday, February 18 is Family Day. Together with MPP Jack MacLaren, I have booked the Mlacak arena for free skating from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, March 1 at 4 p.m. is the deadline to submit art for the Young at Art competition. For information on the Citys March Break Camps go to ottawa.ca