KANATA NORTH NEWS Marianne Wilkinson Councillor, Kanata North Councillor thanks all for a wonderful celebration
On the first Monday in December in 1969, I won my first municipal election as councillor in the Township of March. On the first Monday in December in 2009, another highlight occurred as Marianne, a Celebration was held at the Brookstreet Hotel. It was a magical evening for me. From being chauffeured by limousine to the event where a jazz ensemble was playing, to being led, with my family by a pied piper to a table up front where the Western Ottawa Childrens Choir sang a special song for me, to tributes (and roasting) from Alex Munter, John Mlacak, Jenny Haynes, Bill Teron and Mayor Larry OBrien, to being trotted up on stage to play Juliet in a very funny Romeo and Juliet in 3 Minutes Flat play, to a video with greetings and stories of the past, to a fiddler and dancer telling my story, to locally renowned musician and personality Wayne Rostad as MC and much more, the evening was an event to remember. I would like to thank the organizing committee, the Brookstreet Hotel, the Ottawa Archives, the volunteers, the participants, and to all who attended. We raised more than $28,000 for youth facilities in the future Kanata North Recreation Complex, and more than $2,200 for Gardens of Hope, which will be composed of pink tulips to be planted at CHEO and the recreation centre. Ive been so fortunate in having had the opportunity to be involved in the development of Kanata from a budding community to a complete city. Along the way Ive worked with hundreds of residents and together weve built the Garden City that was envisaged by Bill Teron as a place where you can live, work, go to school, shop, play and enjoy our natural environment.
New fire chief
There has been some controversy over the hiring of John de Hooge as Ottawas new fire chief because he is not bilingual. Ottawas policy is for practical bilingualism, which allows for hiring the best person for the job. In this case there was no question that he was the person we needed and I supported the decision. He will be studying French and has bilingual deputies so that all residents can receive the service they need.
Road construction updates
Work is now underway on the project to widen March Road to the Maxwell Bridge/Old Carp Road intersection. Hydro lines are being moved and underground services have started being installed. The lanes on the east side
will be built first, leaving the existing lanes for traffic. Next fall, work will start on the western lanes and traffic signals will be installed at Klondike and Maxwell Bridge. Until then, please ensure to drive with care through this construction zone. A tender has been let for the first part of the Terry Fox project, from Flamborough to the Second Line. Permits are being obtained and work is expected to start by March with a summer completion of that portion. The rest of the road requires a number of environmental permits, which are presently under review by government agencies. Ill let you know when approvals are obtained for this important route for the community. Work on Kanata Avenue and part of the Goulbourn Forced Road will start in February with rock excavation. This will involve blasting and some periods when Kanata Avenue will be closed. Traffic flow on the Goulbourn Forced Road will be maintained. Ive been asked about the work that has been underway in the field across from All Saints. The owners have told me that this is for a geotechnical study that provides detailed information on soil and rock conditions. They do not have a proposal for that land at this time. Any development project will be discussed with the community at a Ward Council meeting.
My best wishes to all for this Christmas and holiday season. Please drive responsibly, considering the weather conditions, enjoy the festivities and stay safe. 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.
