KANATA NORTH NEWS Marianne Wilkinson Councillor, Kanata North REMINDER: RADON GAS PUBLIC MEETING TONIGHT Thursday,

Feb. 16th, Mlacak Centre, 7 to 9 pm

Come to the Mlacak Centre to hear from Health Canada about Radon, why it is important to test for it, and what you can do if the levels in your home exceed the recommended level. Representatives from the Citys building code services will be present to answer questions and a representative from the Tarion Warranty Corporation has been invited. Rob Mahoney from Radon Works has also agreed to come to provide information on remedial measures.

FAMILY DAY ACTIVITIES

You are invited to a free afternoon of public skating at the Mlacak Centre, in an event that I am hosting on Monday, Feb 20 from 1 pm to 3 pm. Check my website, mariannewilkinson.com, closer to Family Day for more details. If you are downtown on Family Day, join Mayor Jim Watson from 11 am to 2 pm at a free skating party on the Rink of Dreams at Ottawa City Hall. For information about the Rink of Dreams visit ottawa.ca/rinkofdreams

WATER METER READING DEVICES UPGRADES

The City of Ottawa has been implementing a new water meter system throughout the City. Ive been informed that this Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) upgrade is currently taking place within Kanata North. The Automated Meter Renewal program is based upon Radio Frequency technology, which will automatically transmit water usage data from Ottawa businesses and residences directly into the Citys water billing system rather than having them read manually. The installation of endpoints at the homes of residences will be conducted by Itron Canada, on behalf of the City of Ottawa. At most homes access is not required, but if it is needed you will receive written notification from the City and will need to schedule an appointment. The update is compulsory but there is no cost to you for the new meter reading device. If you have any question or concerns go to the City of Ottawa AMI information site at: http://ottawa.ca/en/env_water/water_sewer/billing/understanding/meters/ami/

MAYOR COMING TO KANATA NORTH

Mayor Jim Watson will be attending the Kanata North Ward Council meeting at the Mlacak Centre on Monday February 27, from 7 to 8 pm. After his opening remarks residents can make suggestions, ask questions and comment on City issues. Following the session with the Mayor the police report will be given and I will report on issues in Kanata North including the status of zoning applications.

BUS ACCIDENT
I was concerned to hear about the accident on the Transitway last week involving a full 61 bus en route to the Ealgleson Park and Ride and Kanata South. As a transit commissioner I would be interested in hearing from residents who were on that bus about what happened and from those on other buses who used Scott Street as a detour. The Transportation Committee will be dealing with routes to be followed when the Transitway is closed for conversion to light rail and your comments will be helpful information when we deal with alternative routes, including Scott Street, for the buses to follow at that time.

LANSDOWN PARK
The design plans for Lansdown Park were unveiled last week and this week we will be dealing with updated reports on the Partnership Plan, Air Rights, Soil Remediation, and Traffic, Transit and Parking issues. The site plan and design features will create a place that is attractive, features a lot of green space and is sure to become an Ottawa jewel.

COMMUNITY NOTICES
Feb 16, 7 pm - Information Meeting on Radon Gas, Mlacak Centre Feb 18, 3 pm - Kanata Choral Society 25th Anniversary Concert, St. Pauls, 20 Young Road Feb 20, 11 am to 2 pm - Skate with the Mayor on the Rink of Dreams at City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave W Feb 20, 1 to 3 pm Family Day Free Public Skating at Mlacak Centre Feb 22, 7 pm, Kanata Beaverbrook Community Association AGM Feb 23, Kanata Chambers Peoples Choice Business Awards Feb 27, 7 pm, Mayor Watson will speak at the Kanata North Ward Council and respond to your questions, Mlacak Centre Contact me at 613-580-2474, email Marianne.Wilkinson@ottawa.ca, or visit www.mariannewilkinson.com to keep up to date on community matters.