KANATA NORTH NEWS Marianne Wilkinson Councillor, Kanata North CHRISTMAS EVENTS
The Mayors annual Christmas Celebration is on Friday, December 14 from 5:30 to 9:00 pm at City Hall. The celebration includes the lighting of the Christmas tree, a visit with Santa, horse-drawn sleigh rides, hot chocolate, beavertails, entertainment and more. Admission is free. A donation to the Ottawa Food Bank will make you eligible to win a prize package. Here in Kanata you can enjoy two events at the Pinheys Point Historic Site on the Ottawa River off the Sixth Line Road. Pioneer Christmas on December 8 shows how pioneer children celebrated the season through crafts, games, stories and snacks. Victorian Christmas on December 15 shows how families celebrated and children can make traditional ornaments and treats. Both events are from 10 am to 1 pm and cost $3 per child. Pre-registration is required through ottawa.ca/museums or call 613-247-4830
MORE ON THE BUDGET
This week we are hearing from the public on the budget and starting next Monday we will be debating and finally approving a budget for 2008. I will be considering a number of options to reduce the financial impact on the tax bill but will not vote to cut services or to deny a cost of living increase to the many agencies that provide services to the community on behalf of the City. This budget is doubly difficult, as weve been informed there will be a small deficit in 2007 that must first be covered, rather than the sizable surplus we had last year. We also used up many reserves and cannot duplicate that this year. With a 9% increase in the Police Services Board budget (a 1.44% tax increase) and a 2% levy to begin repairing our infrastructure, we start out with a 3.44% increase without any change to the main operating budget. Even with a 1.4% increase, there will need to be more than $45 million in efficiencies and cuts. Thats the challenge. We are looking for more and more efficiencies and changes in operations but these take time to implement so the main benefit will be in future years. Once the budget is approved, Ill provide you with the highlights, particularly as they affect Kanata North.
KANATA FOOD CUPBOARD
On Saturday December 8th the annual OC Transpo food drive will take place at 3 Kanata food stores. At 6:00 pm the buses will drive to the Kanata Food Cupboard Christmas site in the annex at the Hazeldean Mall. Volunteers are invited to a holiday celebration at 5 pm, followed by joining into a human chain to unload the buses. Its a lot of fun and youre helping others at the same time.
SNOW AND COLD
Winter has come early and the Medical Officer of Health urges everyone to take precautions this winter to avoid hypothermia, falls and vehicle accidents. On cold days dress warmly in layers to avoid frostbite and cover up your face. Slipping and falling incidents rise as temperatures fall, so be careful walking and ensure your footwear has good traction. This is particularly important for seniors since one in three seniors has a fall each year. If youre driving, slow down on icy days and avoid splashing pedestrians when there is a thaw. Watch for winter parking alerts when there is a forecast of 7 cm or more of snow and move your car off the road at night until the alert is lifted. For more winter tips check out the City of Ottawa website at http://www.ottawa.ca/residents/health/environments/issues/cold/index_en.html
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 or visit my office in the Mlacak Centre Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 am to 3 pm or at other times by appointment.
