KANATA NORTH NEWS Marianne Wilkinson Councillor, Kanata North BEAVERBROOK LIBRARY EXPANSION Public Meeting, Thurs. Dec.

15, 7-8 pm, Mlacak Centre

Would you like to contribute to the planning of the new Beaverbrook Library? Be in at the ground floor and come to the Pre-design public consultation as the Beaverbrook Branch transitions to become the West District Library. The Ottawa Public Library (OPL) has approved a two-storey addition to the existing library and selected the award winning architect team of Moriyama & Teshima to design the building. Prior to developing a number of concepts for discussion by the public, the architects want to know what the public would like to see in this library. So they are holding a public consultation, at which you can share your dreams and ideas on your library of the future. Participants will attend a presentation, and then take part in their choice of roundtable workshops. Themes will include services for children, teens and seniors, functional elements, sustainability, Kanatas personality and the ideal library to serve the residents of West Carleton, Goulbourn and Kanata. Advance registration is appreciated in order to prepare for the event but is not required. Registration: RSVP@BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca or 613-580-2424 x14382 For more information, e-mail WestDistrict@BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca.

2 THE PARKWAY Public Meeting, Mon. Dec. 12th, 7:30-10 pm, Mlacak Centre
Take this opportunity to find out more about the proposal to build a 16-storey apartment building on the site of the former post office. An application has been received requesting this change. The City is presently consulting with formal agencies and the public before making a recommendation to the Planning Committee. Approval for this change has not yet been made. At the meeting there will be a full presentation on the proposal, including an architectural presentation. The owner will be available to answer your inquiries. City staff will be present to answer questions about the procedures that must be followed under the Planning Act for all submissions and I will be there to listen.

For more information, or to submit your comments, contact Marc Magierowicz at Marc.Magierowicz@ottawa.ca, tel. 613-580-2424 ext 27820, fax 613-560-6006. The report on this request, which may recommend changes from the requested zoning, will go to Planning Committee in a few months. At that time, members of the public can make further submissions directly to the Committee, which can make further changes. The final decision will be made by full City Council.

BUDGET
City Council has approved the budget for 2012 with a tax increase of 2.39%, the lowest in 5 years. The budget includes funds for much needed upgrades to our infrastructure, including roads, sidewalks, bridges, and cycling routes. The goal is to get our transportation network improved before construction for the light rail system begins and in time for Canadas 150th anniversary in 2017. There is also an increase in the transit budget to deal with overcrowding and schedule problems. Ive met with OC Transpo on the problems with bus service in Kanata North, which is the result of the changes in service and a 10% increase in ridership in Kanata. Changes in January will include more 96 buses, more articulated buses on the 60 route and extending the 93 to serve Innovation Dr. Further changes will occur in April. I will be getting more information on the specifics of these service changes by next week and will report them in a future column. Ottawa is in good financial shape, with the lowest debt per capita among the big Canadian cities. By accelerating our investment in capital projects at interest rates below 3%, it is estimated the City will save $12.9 million. This is because the cost of building and maintaining infrastructure is increasing at a rate of about 5% annually. Additional information on the budget can be seen on my website.

COMMUNITY INFORMATION
Construction of the sewers on Leacock Dr. has been completed, with work such as landscaping to be finalized next spring. There was an unfortunate construction incident last week which resulted in debris entering the sewer system and causing a backup in 5 homes. I have met with City staff and the contractor about this, in order to see that the homeowners are properly compensated. The Goulbourn Forced Road closure has been extended until Dec.16th while paving is completed. The connection from Statewood Dr to Terry Fox Dr will be open once traffic calming measures are in place.

The sod turning for the Kanata North Recreation Complex is expected to be scheduled during the week of Dec. 12th. Council is expected to approve naming the complex the Richcraft Recreation Complex, Kanata on Dec. 14th for a 15 year term as part of community fundraising

DATES TO REMEMBER
Fri. Dec. 9, AccessAbility Day, City Hall Sat. Dec. 10, 2-6 pm, Mayors Christmas Celebration, Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park Mon. Dec. 12, 7:30 pm, Official Meeting re Zoning, 2 The Parkway, Mlacak Centre Halls A & B Thurs. Dec. 15, 7-9 pm, Pre-design consultation on expansion of the Beaverbrook Library, Mlacak Centre. Contact me at 613-580-2474, email Marianne.Wilkinson@ottawa.ca, or visit www.mariannewilkinson.com to keep up to date on community matters.