KANATA NORTH NEWS Marianne Wilkinson Councillor, Kanata North WARD COUNCIL, Monday Jan.

19 at 7 pm Mlacak Centre, Kanata Seniors Program Room

Ward Council is an opportunity for residents to find out what is happening in the city as a whole as well as in our local communities. Everyone is welcome to attend while organizations are encouraged to send a representative. The first meeting of 2009 will focus on the transit strike and its aftermath. I will also report on the meetings Ive held with staff on moving construction of Kanata Ave. and part of the Goulbourn Forced Road forward, funding and planned construction on March Road and Klondike Road at Morgans Grant, zoning request and site plan on March Road at the March House site, progress on the Kanata North Recreation Complex, request for funding for Terry Fox Drive, projected development this year under the Transportation Master Plan, status of development in the Kanata Town Centre, the upcoming meeting on the management plan for our natural environment areas and development of a communications plan for the lands around the Beaverpond. Constable Strotmann will be present to report on police activities. Ill also be kicking off the contest for a name for the Goulbourn Forced Road (for its new location) and for themes and names of streets in new developments. There will be ample opportunity to ask questions and make suggestions on any of these items or on any other matter that is of interest or concern to you.

TRANSIT STRIKE
The City has expanded assistance to those with critical needs during the strike. This includes extending Para-transpo service, aid to people who have lost their job, providing additional parking areas, opening the transitway to some vehicles and more. You can view these on ottawa.ca. Refunds are now available for December bus passes at the Citys client service centres. The 211 social service hotline can be used for a limited number of ride referrals. This is limited to seniors for medical appointments and those with special needs or who are disabled. For rides go the Ride Share on the city website. The Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre, 613-591-3686 may be able to help and is always looking for volunteer drivers. I am writing this before the City and Union meet with the mediator and before this weeks Council meeting, so check the city website and local media for updates on the situation. Please be very careful and bundle up well if walking in the severe cold that we are now having. I will be doing what I can to resolve the

differences and end the strike without sacrificing safety and reliability of service in needed scheduling changes.

MORGANS GRANT GETS A NEW STORE

The first new store in the shopping centre at Klondike Road, Shoppers Drug Mart, opened for business last week. I was impressed to find that not only does the manager, Ghada Gabr, live in Briarbrook but also most of the 40 employees are from local communities. Over the next few months more businesses will open and once the road widening and traffic lights are in place, there are plans for two food stores in the area. Find out more by attending the Ward Council meeting.

ACTING MAYOR
For the next two months I will be having my turn as Acting Mayor. This involves taking the chair when the Mayor is not available and helping out on some special events.

COMING EVENTS
Jan 19, 7 pm - Ward Council, Program Room, Kanata Seniors Centre Jan 21, 7:30 pm - Kanata Lakes Community Association meeting, with Tega Developments Jan 21, 7:00 pm - Briarbrook Morgans Grant Community Association meeting, Old March Town Hall Feb 1, 1-3 pm - Briarbrook Morgans Grant Community Association Family Fun Day, Klondike Road Park, 1367 Halton Terrace (between Newcastle and Piekoff)

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.