KANATA NORTH NEWS Marianne Wilkinson Councillor, Kanata North NEW PROVINCIAL PARLIAMENT
The voters have spoken and a new group of 107 members have been elected to the provincial parliament. Congratulations to Jack MacLaren on being elected in Carleton-Mississippi Mills. Some of the many issues in Kanata that need attention include the strength of technology businesses, schools, health care, transit, environmental lands and waste disposal. I will ask for a meeting with MPP-elect MacLaren to review these issues, so that the needs of our residents can be prioritized. Congratulations also to Premier McGuinty on forming the next government. I have found the Premier to be an individual who is strongly dedicated to providing the best possible governance for the people of Ontario. This government has committed to continuing the uploading of social programs to the province, freeing up resources for the municipality, and enabling Ottawa to keep tax increases under 2.5%. Thank you to the candidates who put their names forward for election. Each candidate provided a different perspective and offered a real choice to the electorate. I would particularly like to thank Megan Cornell, who, despite heckling and name-calling, clearly spelled out how she would have focussed on our needs and Im pleased that she has indicated that she will continue to work for our community in other ways. .
CITY LIBRARIAN RETIRES
Barbara Clubb, who has been the City Librarian since the formation of the new City of Ottawa, has announced that she will be retiring in December. Barbara has done an incredible job of bringing the local libraries from the former 11 local municipalities together, to form the present Ottawa Public Library. During the past 10 years, there has been a 60% increase in circulation, and the library system and its employees have won many prizes and awards. Also, two new branches have been opened, and 10 branches received significant renovations. Ms Clubb is presently reviewing 12 submissions, by architects, for the design of the expansion of the Beaverbrook Library. She told me that she regrets that she will not have an ongoing role in the development of the Beaverbrook Branch into a District Library. Ms Clubb has been a great help in making it a priority.
The Library Board, of which I am a Trustee, is presently creating at Strategic Plan for the period 2012-2015. To gain the input of residents, OPL is doing a 15minute, random telephone survey during the month of October. Please provide your input, if you are one of the residents contacted for this survey. OPL is the largest bilingual library system in North America. Serving over 900,000 residents, the Library helps build a strong, vibrant and sustainable community by supporting literacy and life-long learning, fostering inspiration and enjoyment, and connecting people to each other and the world.
DOGS AND PLAY GROUNDS
The City has a number of by-laws that apply across the City but are not highlighted on signs in impacted areas. One such bylaw is in relation to dogs and childrens play areas in our parks. Dogs are not permitted near any play structure, so please ensure your pets are walked elsewhere. Under a former City of Kanata bylaw, which is still in effect, dogs are to be on a leash at all times. City staff is still evaluating the input on specific locations for dogs to run off-leash. Once that is completed, I will inform the community of the results through my website.
LEACOCK/TERON SEWER CONSTRUCTION
Construction has started on the new sanitary sewers to serve the Leacock area, and to improve storm-water drainage. This will result in delays on Beaverbrook and Teron Roads, and in the closure of Leacock Drive to Leacock Way until Dec. 2. Provision has been made for school buses going to Leacock Public School and for access to private homes. Parents driving their children to school should access Leacock at the east end. Their children will have a short walk along the path from Leacock Way.
WARD COUNCIL OCT. 24
Mark your calendar for the next Ward Council meeting on Oct. 24th. I hope to have an OC Tranpso representative at this meeting to address the concerns that have been raised with the changes to the bus system. .
DATES TO REMEMBER
Thurs. Oct 13, Open House on Environmental Assessment for the transitway from Terry Fox Station to Fernbank, Goulbourn Rec Centre, 6-9 pm. Presentation at 7 pm.
Sun Oct 16, MADD Dash, Earl of March, 10k begins at 10 am. Tues. Oct 18, noon to 1 pm, Celebrate Persons Day by having tea at the Famous Five Statue on Parliament Hill Mon. Oct 24, Ward Council, Program Room, Kanata Seniors 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.
