KANATA NORTH NEWS Marianne Wilkinson Councillor, Kanata North MASTER TRANSPORTATION PLAN APPROVED

Council has now approved the first phase of the transit plan to be constructed as well as new roads to be built over the next 6 years. After two intensive days and more than 30 separate votes Council came together, approving the transit plan on a 19-5 vote and the road plan 20-4. Most of the funding for the new roads will come from development charges but the transit plan requires significant assistance from the federal and provincial governments. During the debate Council agreed to consider the budget for 2009, capital projects for transit for 2009 as well as directing staff to meet with the other levels of government and report back early in the new year on funding availability over the next 8-10 years. The first phase is estimated to cost $1.7 billion if built today so the final price could reach $2.1 billion at an annual increase in cost of 3%. Hence, the sooner the work is undertaken the lower the cost and the earlier the congestion problem in central Ottawa will be resolved. The tunnel environmental assessment is to be completed at the end of 2009 following which bids will be sought for the construction of a light rail line from Blair to Tunneys Pasture and a maintenance facility. Some transitways will be built while that work is progressing, particularly Bayshore to Moodie, as well as construction work at the Baseline Station where Algonquin College will be building over the transit station. There will be much more discussion as this project progresses but we can now move forward on a light rail line starting in an east-west direction.

BUDGET 2009
Ive been working with a group of Councillors on what can be done to reduce the budget without having a major impact on services. We have been holding discussions with the public and during this week will have heard from over 200 people who will make presentations on their concerns and suggestions. Since 4 days are already booked to hear from the public it is likely that the budget will not be finished until next week so there is still time for you to submit your suggestions.

MAYORS CHRISTMAS PARTY

On Saturday, Dec. 6th make your way to Lansdowne Park for a fun time. This year it will all take place indoors. From 2 to 6 pm children can visit Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Aberdeen Pavilion, decorate gingerbread cookies and enjoy

free hot chocolate, beaver tails, crafts, live music and entertainment. You are asked to bring a non-perishable food donation for the Ottawa Food Bank. From 6-7 pm the whole family can skate with members of the Ottawa 67s hockey team and continue skating to Christmas music until 10 pm. Children, 11 and under accompanied by a fare-paying adult can ride free on OC Transpo routes to and from Lansdowne Park from 1 to 10 pm.

THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

At this time of year many activities and support is geared towards helping those in need. Consider donating to the Kanata Food Cupboard or Community Resource Centre, help out at one of the downtown shelters and/or support the snowsuit fund or many other charities. One business, Lenscrafters, is offering free glasses to low -income residents with each of their stores serving a minimum of 30 people. The Loblaws food drive is this Saturday, so consider coming to 150 Katimavik to the Kanata Food Cupboards Christmas site at 5:30 for a Family Celebration and then help unload the buses as they arrive.

COMING EVENTS:
Dec. 6 5:15 pm, Vigil for Women Victims of Violence, Resource Centre, 2 MacNeil Court Dec. 6 5:30 pm, Kanata Food Cupboard Christmas Site, 150 Katimavik Dec 6 2 to 5 pm, Mayors Christmas Party, Lansdowne Park, Aberdeen Pavilion

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.