KANATA NORTH NEWS Marianne Wilkinson Councillor, Kanata North A DIFFICULT WEEK
Last week, we were all very saddened to hear of the death of Jamie Hubley, the son of Allan and Wendy Hubley. Jamie was a young man with a future that has been cut-off far too soon. Along with my colleagues and local residents, I have passed on my condolences to the family, and offered to support and help Councillor Hubley as he deals with this terrible situation. During this time, I have included Councillor Hubley, his family and friends in my prayers. Give your children an extra hug and support actions to stop bullying everywhere. .
DOWNTOWN MOVES
Downtown Moves is an urban design and transportation study in central Ottawa that will identify ways to create vibrant, safe and accessible streets for pedestrians, cyclists and transit riders. The study is being done in advance of the construction of the Light Rail system (LRT), so that pedestrian and cycling routes can be in place once the LRT opens. Next week there will be two evening lectures, open to the public, at 7 pm at City Hall. As seating is limited, register at ottawa.ca/downtownmoves by Friday, Oct. 28th. On Nov. 2, Gil Penalosa, Executive Director of 8-80 Cities will speak on The Role of Walking, Cycling, Transit and Cars. On Nov. 3, Ken Greenberg will speak on Walking Home: The Life and Lessons of a City Builder. Further information is available on the website. Any questions? Email the project team at downtownmoves@ottawa.ca
BEAVERBROOK LIBRARY EXPANSION
The Ottawa Public Library (OPL) Board has approved hiring Moriyama and Teshima Architects to prepare the design of a two storey addition and renovations to the existing Beaverbrook branch to expand it to 25,000 sq. ft. This newly expanded and renovated branch will then be the District Library in West Ottawa. The contract is for $562,231.50, including HST and reimbursable expenses. A total of 12 proposals were received. Moriyama & Teshima Architects is an integrated design firm, with over 40 years of design experience. They utilize a
collaborative, integrated and holistic design approach that facilitates fast track, phased, on-time and on-budget project delivery. This firms recent public library work includes the current $30M renewal, renovation and expansion of the Toronto Reference Library, and a multi-phase renovation to the North York Reference Library. Projects they have been involved in locally include the Canadian War Museum, the University of Ottawa Desmarais Building and Ottawa City Hall. Further public meetings on the design of the library will be held later this year. At these meetings, public input the process will be welcome. The new library is expected to be open late in 2013.
CITY BUDGET
The overall City Budget was tabled at Council on Oct 26th. Prior to approving the budget at the end of November, there are opportunities for public input at meetings across the City, and at meetings of the Standing Committees. Dates for all meetings are on the City website. The public meeting for our area is on Wednesday, November 2 at Holy Trinity High School, 180 Katimavik Rd. from 7:30 9:30 pm. At that time, feel free to question any expenditure and provide your suggestions on expenditures, income and service standards (e.g. bus routes, road repairs). Senior staff members will be present, as well as representatives of OC Transpo, the Ottawa Public Library and the west end Councillors. I appreciate the input you make at meetings like this or through direct contact with my office.
GREENING BROOKSIDE
Many thanks go to Sarah Dehler and the group of volunteers, who donated their Saturday to planting 200 trees along Shirleys Brook, near Marconi Drive. They have changed an open area into a landscaped area, that will only improve as the trees and shrubs grow. I appreciate the many volunteers who do so much to improve and maintain our communities. You are welcome to help out through the Citys adopt a park and adopt a street program. Details of these programs are on the City website.
REMINDERS for Sat. Oct 29th
Remember to get your family to the free flu shot clinic at Holy Trinity from 8:30 am 3:30 pm, From 8 am until noon visit the Waste and Recycling Fair at the Stittsville Community Centre, 10 Warner Colpitts and enjoy the free pancake breakfast.
In the afternoon from 5 to 7:30 pm dress up and take your family to the Mayors Halloween Event at City Hall and watch out for Goblins!
DATES TO REMEMBER
Wed. Nov. 2, 7:30 9:30 p.m. Public meeting on the 2012 budget, Holy Trinity High School, Katimavik Road Mon. Nov. 7, 6:00 p.m. Opening of the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame, City Hall Wed. Nov 9, 4-8 p.m. Waste Management Open House, Kanata Recreation Complex Contact me at 613-580-2474, email Marianne.Wilkinson@ottawa.ca, or visit www.mariannewilkinson.com to keep up to date on community matters.
