KANATA NORTH NEWS Marianne Wilkinson Councillor, Kanata North INTERPROVINCIAL TRANSIT

To better integrate transit services and promote ridership, the National Capital Commission has launched the Interprovincial Transit Strategy in partnership with Gatineau and Ottawa. The aim of the Strategy is to explore and deal with the commuting needs and preferences of residents in the National Capital Region. The consultation will target both transit users and non-users and will solicit their views on future changes to the existing integrated transit system. You are invited to attend an Open House, featuring small group discussions, on Thursday May 14 from 3:30 to 9:00 pm at Ottawa City Hall. Group sessions, for pre-registered participants, are scheduled for 5:00 to 6:30 pm and 7:00 to 8:30 pm. To register for these sessions or to learn more about the Interprovincial Transit Strategy please visit: www.interprovincial-transit-strategy.ca.

TRANSIT DAY PASSES & the TULIP FESTIVAL

The OC Transpo Family DayPass will now be valid on Saturdays, in addition to Sundays and holidays. The price of the DayPass will also be reduced from $7.25 to $7, seven days a week. A DayPass is valid for one person Monday through Friday and for families on weekends and statutory holidays. A family can include up to six people, with a maximum of two who are 12 or older. The DayPass can only be purchased on the bus (exact fare required). During the Tulip Festival, the OC Transpo Tulip shuttle will run along the scenic canal route between Dows Lake and downtown Ottawa on the first three weekends in May, from 10 am until 6 pm. Hundreds of free parking spaces will be available at OC Transpo Park & Ride lots, which have frequent Transitway service to downtown where transfers can be made to the shuttle. The Tulip Shuttle requires a regular fare of $3, or two bus tickets ($1 each), or $7 for a Family DayPass. Transit passes, transfers, O-Train tickets and Smart cards are also accepted. Children ages 5 and under ride free.

CLEANING THE CAPITAL

Thanks to all who have participated in spring cleaning in Kanata North and for helping keep Kanata clean. It is not too late to sign up. Register by May 15 on

the Citys website, clean your area by May 31 and send in a brief report to be eligible for prizes.

CARP RIVER REPORT

The Planning Committee is holding a special meeting on Monday, May 11 at 1:30 pm in Council Chambers at City Hall to receive the independent review of the Carp River and hear from the public. The report is available on the City website and the accompanying staff report can be found in the agenda for the meeting (on the website under Council and Committee meetings).

EMERAL ASH BORER

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), an invasive beetle that kills ash trees, was discovered in Ottawa in July 2008. EAB presents a serious problem for the City of Ottawa since ash trees make up 25 per cent of the urban and rural forest cover. The management strategy implements procedures to contain the infestation, to dispose of infested material, and preserve and renew our urban and rural forests. Moving firewood is the major way that the beetle moves from one area to another. As a result you are now not permitted to move firewood out of urban Ottawa. An EAB taskforce, with representation from provincial and federal government agencies, other municipalities, and forestry and environmental stakeholders, is being spearheaded by the City to ensure efforts across eastern Ontario and the City of Gatineau work in concert to reduce the impact of the EAB. Further details can be found on the Citys website.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

May 9, 8 am noon, Kanata Seniors Centre Garage & Bake Sale May 11, 1:30 pm, Carp River report at Committee, City Hall May 14, 3:30 9 pm, Open House, Interprovincial Transit Strategy, City Hall May 20, 7 pm, Kanata Grandmothers Together Fashion Show and Dessert Party May 25, 7 9 pm, Kanata North Ward Council meeting May 30, 8 am noon, Yard Sales throughout Kanata North May 31, 1st Annual Breast Stroke Golf Tournament at Manderley on the Green June 6 & 7, Give Away Weekend June 19, Relay for Life for cancer research

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.