KANATA NORTH NEWS Marianne Wilkinson Councillor, Kanata North
Ward Council to feature discussions on key issues in community
Get ready for another interesting Ward Council meeting on Monday, June 21. The Beaverpond development proposal, Waste Managements expansion plans, a new school, the Arcadia subdivision, hydro lines, and Lansdowne Park are all on the agenda for Ward Council this month. For the first hour, there will be a presentation of the new French Catholic School to be built on the land next to Walden Park, followed by updates and discussion on the status of development north of the Beaverpond, dealing with hydro lines, the revised plans for the Arcadia subdivision off Huntmar Drive, and Lansdowne Park. All of these are significant issues that currently affect our community and I look forward to your comments and questions on them. Cst. Strotmann will also give a brief update on police issues in the community. At about 8 p.m., a brief presentation on Waste Managements plans for expanding the landfill on Carp Road will be made followed by discussion on how we should respond to their plans. This is normally the last Ward Council meeting until the fall, but with so many major issues there will likely be a need for a summer meeting, so watch for one announced in this column or on my website. All residents and guests are welcome at Ward Council and encouraged to participate in the discussions and to pose questions.
Recreation Complex moving ahead
The final public meeting on the Kanata North Recreation Complex is on June 23 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Mlacak Centre. This is your last opportunity to comment on the plans for both the building and the grounds before it goes out for proposals on the final design and construction of this much needed facility that is scheduled to open in mid 2012. For more details visit my website.
Cathodic Protection Program
Many watermains in Kanata North will have cathodic protection a maintenance procedure that controls the rate at which corrosion takes place this summer. This involves drilling 1foot diameter holes every 24 ft., attaching magnesium blocks (anodes) to the watermain and inducing a small DC voltage (about the same as a 1.5 volt battery), which transfers metal corrosion from the watermain to the anode, protecting the watermain. The anode installation process takes a few minutes at each location and inconvenience to residents and motorists should be minor. Test stations will be set up at area hydrants to ensure the anodes have been installed properly. Cathodic protection works on the outside of the pipe and does not affect water quality. Once the work is completed the holes will be filled and the area completely reinstated.
Fog Testing
The City is presently undertaking fog testing in areas of Beaverbrook where flooding occurred last summer. The purpose of this test is to confirm there are no cross-connections between the storm and sanitary sewer systems. The test consists of blowing a harmless, odourless, coloured vapour into the sanitary manholes and observing the points where the fog exits. The fog is expected to exit from manholes and the sewer stack at the top of the house. This test will not cause sewer backups. Fog testing can help locate improper connections where unwanted water could be entering the sanitary sewers. If a problem is found, the City will take appropriate action
Lansdowne Park
I have now received about 400 pages of detailed information on the Lansdowne Park proposal and am in the process of reviewing them. This is a major proposal for the City and has created much discussion and controversy. I am impressed with the winning submission for what is called the Front Lawn, that part of the property next to the Canal. I have concerns over the amount of development proposed for the site as well as transportation difficulties. I am prepared to put forward suggestions on the plan to further improve the financial picture for the City and to deal with the level of development. Lansdowne does need a plan to take it from a parking lot to a positive functioning area. The massive amount of information can be viewed on the citys website. I appreciate receiving your views on this matter along with suggestions you have on dealing with the issues.
Coming events
June 19. Briarbrook-Morgans Grant Summer Festival, Bowes Park, from noon to 4 p.m. June 21. Ward Council, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Seniors Program Room, Mlacak Centre. June 22. Financial Sustainability Summit, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., City Hall. June 23. Kanata North Recreation Complex Meeting, Mlacak Centre, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. June 24 & 25 Public Presentations on Lansdowne Park, City Hall, 10 a.m. 7 p.m. June 26. Kids Day in the Park, Whalen Park, noon to 4 p.m. July 1. Canada Day in Kanata, Walter Baker Park, all day, ending with fireworks. (Visit www.canadadayinkanata.com) July 28. 4th Annual Ward Picnic, Sandwell Green, the Parkway, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
