KANATA NORTH NEWS Marianne Wilkinson Councillor, Kanata North FLOODING ISSUES
On Sept. 2, City Council will hear the results of the evaluation of the causes of the flooding throughout the west end of Ottawa. Staff have indicated there are 27-28 different areas involved with differing causes. The public can attend, tune in to cable 22 or watch the webcast from the Citys website. The meeting starts at 10 am. At that meeting I will be asking Council to provide a grant to those who have had multiple sewer backups and to increase the funding available to install protective devices on the sewer line of those whove had a backup of sewage into their home. Please support those whove suffered from these backups by giving a donation through any Scotiabank in Ottawa and the vicinity or at a Client Service Centre. Donations of over $10 will receive a tax deductible receipt. A number of fundraisers are also being planned for next weekend and will be listed on my website once details are known. Im also investigating other potential sources of aid. One offer Ive received is from a company that has been doing the cleanups for insurance companies. They are willing to help persons with no insurance, at no cost, to complete the clean up of their basement. If you need this service please contact me and Ill put you in touch with them.
ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPALITIES OF ONTARIO (AMO)
This week I attended the annual meeting of AMO in Ottawa. There were 1600 delegates from all parts of the province. Attending such events is very beneficial to the City of Ottawa as I learn a great deal from the experiences from other municipalities. In addition, I was able to attend five sessions with provincial cabinet ministers with respect to transportation, child-care, the environment and more. I was President of AMO in 1985 and its great to see how much the organization has developed in representing municipalities in dealings with the province. Prior to the start of the conference, I attended the meeting of large city mayors on behalf of Mayor OBrien who wasnt able to attend. Both John Baird and Jim Watson attended this meeting to discuss infrastructure projects and presentations were made on a number of items of current concern to municipalities, from labour negotiations to implementation of the Provincial-
Municipal Fiscal and Service Delivery on uploading costs to the province. The meeting was chaired by Hazel McCallion, the 88 year-old Mayor of Mississauga, who is one dynamic politician.
PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLING SAFETY
In August the police have been concentrating on safety for and by pedestrians and cyclists. With the recent serious cycling accidents and a growing concern over conflicts between cyclists and pedestrians on pathways, this is a good time to ensure that safe actions are taken. Cyclists are reminded that bicycles are vehicles and they must follow the rules of the road, including stopping at red lights and stop signs. Each bike must have a bell and it should be used in advance to warn pedestrians if you are approaching from their rear. Pedestrians need to stay to one side so cyclists can pass safely. Cyclists are not permitted on sidewalks (although young children are normally allowed). I will be pushing for the implementation of some of the cycling master plan, which can be viewed on the Citys website. Many people now cycle to work throughout the year and we need to provide for them to do so safely.
GOOD NEWS FOR A CHANGE
With all the difficulties this summer affecting the City it was great to get some wonderful personal news. This week my oldest son and his wife completed the adoption of 14 month old identical twin girls, doubling the number of our granddaughters! Unfortunately they live in Toronto so Ill be visiting that city more often.
COMING EVENTS
Aug 25, 9:30 am - Planning Committee, City Hall re: development Kanata Ave at Terry Fox and other items Sept 2, 10 am - City Council briefing on the flooding on July 24. Watch on cable 22 or webcast from City website or come to City Hall. Sept 25, 1-3 pm - Expo 55+ at the Mlacak Centre
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.
