LIGHT RAIL - Last weeks editorial in this paper was entitled: Stretch the Light Rail

Plans but they clearly had the wrong stretch. To expand light rail further into
Orleans and ignore the fact that there is no expansion into Kanata is wrong. The
facts, as I sent them to Councillor Hubley for his letter to the editor, clearly show
that the need is greater and the ridership would increase more in Kanata than
going further into Orleans.
The fact that it is even being discussed is bad enough, but to have our local paper
enthusiastically support the Orleans extension over providing service to a larger
population is discouraging. The Editor has obviously never been in the rush
hour traffic on the Queensway, which is worse than traffic coming from Orleans.
Nor have they sat on a bus caught in that Queesnway traffic because there is
no transitway to Kanata (there is one to Orleans and one to the Barrhaven Town
Centre) shows a lack of knowledge of the reality we face here in Kanata.
Im also disturbed that the Mayor has sent a letter to the provincial and federal
governments asking them to fund the expansion to Trim Road in Orleans and to
the Airport. At least the Mayor supported the request to expedite getting rail to
Kanata and he should now confirm that this will happen before any further
expansion in Orleans. As well as the information I provided to Councillor Hubley,
Ive sent my own letter expanding upon reasons for the urgency in bringing rail
to Kanata and will be meeting with West End Councillors to develop the strategy
to make that happen.

EXPANSION LANDS PLANNING COMMITTEE are in on-going discussions

regarding a series of public meetings to take place over the next few months to iron out
buffers between the new developments and existing communities and finalize locations
for schools, parks, storm water ponds, a park and ride, commercial areas and natural
environment lands. The date for the meeting with residents of Brookside is tentatively
set for September 25th Ill provide details once available. It is expected that a
recommended plan will be sent to the Planning Committee before the end of the year.

EASY GLIDER The Richcraft Recreation Complex Kanata (RRCK) now has an
Easy Glider machine that enables wheelchair users to stand and do exercises
that help them maintain their health. Thank you to Christine who met with me
and RRCK staff to demonstrate the need, and to Chantal at RRCK for making it
a priority.

Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF) provides grants and capacity-building support

to local groups who work with young people who face multiple barriers. If you are an
interested group, review the YOF Program Guidelines and then register your group
online (if not previously registered). You must register by 5 pm Wed. Sept 9 th to be
eligible and submit an Expression of Interest by 5 pm Wed. Sept. 23 rd for 2015 - 2016
grants.

ARCHEOLOGY DIG AT PINHEYS POINT is your opportunity to Sift through

History. On Sat. Aug 22 and Sun. Aug 23 from 10 am to noon and 1 to 3 pm you can
participate in a public dig to uncover new archaeological secrets under the direction of
an archaeologist at this Free event.

BAT WATCH is an organization working to conserve bat species. Bats are

threatened with a disease, White-Nose Syndrome. Bats play a crucial ecological role by
eating night-flying insects (like mosquitoes). Visit the Neighbourhood Batwatch website
(www.batwatch.ca) to report a colony. For more information, go to www.batwatch.ca or
email batwatch@outlook.com.
FREE SESSION for seniors to keep their minds active and improve brain health.
Available from 2 3pm August 18: Generosity and August 26: Cooperation at 20
Shirleys Brook Drive, Chartwell Retirement Home, Kanata.