RADON GAS

More than 120 residents attended the public information meeting on Radon Gas last week.
Health Canada made it clear that every home in Canada has some radon in the air. High
amounts over an extended time period can lead to health problems, including lung cancer, so it
is important to test your home and do remediation if the level is high. Testing is done over a 3
month period to get average levels. If your levels are low you dont need to retest unless you
make major changes to your home. Follow links on my website to Health Canada for more
information.

PROGRESS ON SIDEWALKS OVER THE 417

Last week I had a meeting with representatives from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation
(MTO) as well as Councillor Hubley and City staff. We dealt with the 3 objectives I reported on
last week, and all were addressed. MTO agreed to work with City staff to come up with changes
to the sidewalk on the west side of the bridge that would include ramps at the end for
accessibility and be wide enough for snow equipment. Work required would be done before
next winter. City staff indicated that sidewalks at both ends of the bridge were planned for 2017
and they are looking for ways to find funds to permit the work to occur in 2015. Residents can
help by raising this at the budget meeting in Kanata. The third matter was removing snow this
year. Ive asked that staff find a way to remove snow after major snowfalls and Ill report on the
solution as soon as I hear back.
The meeting was very positive and also led to an agreement for the City and MTO to work more
closely on MTO projects to ensure that safe crossings are available for pedestrians and cyclists
as well as for vehicles.

CITY BUDGET MEETING IN KANATA, Feb. 10, 7:309:30 pm,

Cafetorium, Holy Trinity Catholic High School, 180 Katimavik Road
Come and speak directly to the Mayor and to the West End City Councillors on your ideas for
the budget both savings and needs (such as sidewalks to the Eagleson/March Bridge). Youll
also get a brief presentation to help you understand the constraints under which the City
operates and how priorities are determined. If you cant attend, please send your ideas to
budget2015@ottawa.ca and cc Marianne.wilkinson@ottawa.ca; Ill put them forward for you.

FAMILY DAY SKATING Im co-sponsoring, together with MPP Jack MacLaren,

free skating at the Mlacak Arena on Family Day, Feb. 16, from 13 pm. Free hot
chocolate and cookies will be provided and, if you havent yet filled a time capsule for
the Richcraft Recreation Complex Kanata, you can get one for free.

DID YOU KNOW? That your life can be changed by three little words? My next story is
about what led me to my first municipal election and now Im in my 26th year in office! Send
me your story about Kanata, maybe something that has affected your life or those around you,
to be part of the Social History Collection in Kanata. On request it can be anonymous.

HEAD START EVENT FOR YOUNG WOMEN Clare Morris will host a public
speaking and debate workshop for up to 20 young women on Feb. 14 th at City Hall.
RSVP to headstartinottawa@gmail.com to reserve your spot. This is a network for
young women that offers an opportunity to have fun, build confidence and develop
useful career skills. Join the conversation @HeadStartOttawa on Twitter or Like them
on Facebook at Head Start for Young Women.

COMING EVENTS
Feb 3 14, Kanata Theatres performance of NIGHT SKY, Ron Maslin Playhouse
Feb 8 16, Beaverbrook Winter Carnival
Feb 10, 7:30 9:30 pm, City Budget Public Meeting, Holy Trinity Cafetorium
Feb 14, 9:30 11:30 am, Young Women Public Speaking Workshop with Clare Morris, City Hall
Feb 16, 1-3 pm, Free Family Day Public Skating & hot chocolate at the Mlacak Arena