KANATA NORTH NEWS Marianne Wilkinson Councillor, Kanata North LANDS NORTH OF THE BEAVER POND
Time is running out for the land north of the Beaver Pond. Residents and Chiefs of the Algonquin First Nation have gathered at the edge of the forest over the past weeks in hopes of stopping development. City staff has cleared KNL to cut the trees on those parts of the Beaver Pond lands that will be developed. The City will retain the land and trees along the Pond, as well as the rocky outcrop adjacent to Kimmins Court, land along Shirleys Brook and an 80 metreconnecting link to Trillium Woods. Once construction starts it will be very dangerous to cross the fences due to heavy equipment on site. Like many of you, I am heartsick that this forest will be felled; particularly at this time of the year when animals are hibernating and will have no chance of survival when cutting begins. It is strange that cutting is not permitted from May 1 to mid July when birds are nesting and the young unable to fly but its okay in winter when animals are in their burrows and sources of food will be destroyed. The City has undertaken to produce a wildlife strategy that would deal with issues like this but it will not be complete for some months. I am also in contact with the Ministry of Natural Resources to see what protection they can offer once construction begins. I was moved by the ceremonies of the Algonquin Chiefs who have come to the site. In particular Warrior Daniel Amikwabe Bernard lit a sacred fire (an altar of prayer) adjacent to the woods and stayed with it for almost a week, tending the fire and sleeping in the cold. Local residents provided food, firewood and support during that time. Concern over these lands has brought many together and increased our need to understand and maintain such important areas of our ecosystem. On Sunday I attended a Celebration of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity where two churches came together to worship. The story of that church was movingly told through hymns and readings connected to the 8 large stained glass windows there. One window pictures the history of our area and reminded me of our responsibility for the natural environment around us. In the Litany it stated When we work for justice and solidarity, when we move from fear to confidence, it will bring healing to the world. That is my wish for the lands by the Beaver Pond.
CITY BUDGET
Council Committees will start their review of the budget next week. Go to http://www.ottawa.ca/city_hall/budget/budget_2011/index_en.html to view budget documents and for information on meetings where you can discuss it. The City is holding 5 regional consultations meetings with one in our area, on Wednesday Feb. 23rd at Holy Trinity High School. The Library Board budget will be part of that meeting. The Police Services Board (PSB) will hear delegations on the budget on Monday Feb. 28th starting at 4 pm at City Hall. As well, PSB will be at the regional consultations. Additional consultations on transit route changes will be held in March. I am aware that property tax increases are particularly difficult for those on fixed incomes and will do what I can to minimize tax increase. The Mayor is holding a special session on March 1st at 7 pm at City Hall for individuals to make specific recommendations for cost savings and I will be attending to listen to those suggestions. You may also forward ideas to me directly at any time.
WINTER WEST
Go to www.winterwest.ca and take part in the fun winter activities in Kanata. New events are being added each day.
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.
