KANATA NORTH NEWS Marianne Wilkinson Councillor, Kanata North PARKLAND DEDICATION POLICY

The City has undertaken to create a uniform policy on dedication of lands for parkland and cash-in-lieu of land in built up areas. Parkland is required to be provided in plans of subdivision, redevelopment and other developments. Generally, 5% of land is required for residential development and 2% for commercial and industrial lands. There can also be provision for lands based on the population of the development. In Kanata, lands were obtained far in excess of those required under the Planning Act. As a result we have more open space and natural environment lands than most urban areas in Ottawa. Having a uniform policy may impact on our ability to obtain extra parklands although there may be situations where such lands can be gifted to the municipality. Check out the information on the proposed policy at Ottawa.ca/residents/public_consult/parkland_dedication/ and submit your comments to bruce.finlay@ottawa.ca or by phone 580-2424 x21850 by Oct. 17.

POLICE ADD AUXILIARY POLICE

The Ottawa Police Service is looking for 15 applicants for a two-year pilot project using Auxiliary Police Volunteers. These new volunteer members must commit for a minimum of 160 hours of voluntary service per year for two years plus training time. If you are interested in a career in policing this is a good way to find out if it is the job for you. The Auxiliary Police will be under the supervision of a police officer and will assist with patrols, searching for missing persons and community crime prevention programs. To apply, you must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident, at least 18 with a high school diploma and reside in Ottawa. Application forms can be downloaded from the police website (ottawapolice.ca). Applications will be accepted until Nov. 3, 2008.

TRAFFIC ISSUES
At this time of year the days are getting shorter so we need to be more vigilant in our driving. Kanata has many young children and many school buses. Please drive within the speed limits to make our streets safer for them and stop from either direction when a school bus has its lights flashing. If you drive your child to school, be particularly careful. There have been many near misses near the schools and the police are ticketing those who drive unsafely. Consider walking

with your children to school its good exercise and will reduce the traffic congestion around the schools. You are also urged to watch for deer on the roads at this time of the year, particularly at dusk. There are many deer in our community, particularly near the Goulbourn Forced Road and roads passing through the Greenbelt. A collision with a deer can cause serious injuries and a lot of damage to your vehicle. Cyclists must follow the rules of the road. Although cyclists are permitted on the pathways through the parks, provided they give way to pedestrians, they are not permitted on sidewalks. Ensure you and your children know the rules of the road and ride safely.

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.