KANATA NORTH NEWS Marianne Wilkinson Councillor, Kanata North KANATA NORTH WARD COUNCIL

Keep informed on what is happening in Kanata North and the City of Ottawa by attending this months Ward Council meeting at All Saints High School on Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 7 pm. The agenda includes comments from community members, my report on activities over the summer months, including reports on municipal meetings, Kanata West, Ottawa River sewage overflows, local issues with fencing and traffic, the new transportation options, the new property assessments, the new budget process, status of needed road projects and more. I would like to hear your views on these matters and any other issues that you may wish to raise. We will also have a presentation from the Ottawa Police on the new west end building to be constructed on Huntmar Road as well as an update on police issues in Kanata. Finally, as well as an update on development now underway, there will be a presentation by Brian Hobin on a proposed development consisting of town homes and an apartment building at the end of Steacie Drive, near Lismer and Kimmins Court. For a complete agenda go to my website, or email me and ask to receive my electronic newsletter.

FEDERAL ELECTION ISSUES

Ive just returned from meetings with the Board of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) where national issues facing municipalities were discussed. Across Canada communities are faced with more than $123 billion needed in repairs and upgrading to infrastructure from roads, bridges and sewers to buildings and public housing. Municipalities share of tax revenue is only 8%. Im writing this in the airport on my return but by the time you see this, Ottawa will have developed the key issues to address during the campaign. Watch my website for up-to-date information and help by asking key questions of all candidates in the election.

NEW PROPERTY ASSESSMENTS

Shortly property owners will receive a new assessment notice from MPAC, the provincial agency that determines the value of your property. The value of your home is now updated every 4 years. The province has decided that anyone who has a decrease in value will get the total decrease starting in 2009 for taxation

purposes. Anyone with an increase will have it phased in over 4 years. The notice will show the phased in assessed amount for each of the 4 years. Please note that this is not a tax bill. If your assessed value increases it will only result in an additional property tax increase in 2009 if your increase is higher than the average increase in Ottawa. For example if your increase is 4% and the average increase is 5% you will actually get a reduction in your share of property taxes next year since your increase is less than the average. The form provides details on how to ask for a reconsideration if you disagree with the value given. Please read all the information on the form to ensure that you understand the impact on you. I will be available to answer questions at my Ward Council meeting next week and at community meetings. For seniors, the province is providing a rebate of property taxes through the income tax form which needs to be filed for credits even if you dont have to pay any income tax. The rebate is $250 and will increase to $500 in future years. The City also has a program for low-income seniors and disabled persons that permits property owners with no mortgage on their property to defer all of their property taxes until they decide to sell. I am looking into whether those who defer their taxes will be eligible for the provincial rebate.

KANATA ENVIRONMENTAL NETWORK MEETING

If youd like to find out more about solar energy plan to attend the Kanata Environmental Network Meeting on Sept. 17 for an interesting presentation and discussion. The meeting is at Holy Trinity starting at 7 pm.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Sept 13 2 pm, Dedication of the Garden, Old Town Hall, March Road Sept 15 7 pm, AGM for the Community Resource Centre, Kanata Baptist Sept 15-Oct 15 Fall Cleaning the Capital, sign up at ottawa.ca Sept 16 7 pm, Kanata North Ward Council, All Saints High School Sept 17 7 pm, Kanata Environmental Network on Solar Energy, Holy Trinity Sept 17 Public Meeting on new West End Police Station, Kanata Rec Centre Sept 18 Transportation Master Plan Public Consultation, Glen Cairn CC Sept 19 Expo 55+, 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.