KANATA NORTH NEWS Marianne Wilkinson Councillor, Kanata North PRESTO CARD

OC Transpo is changing how fares are collected. Effective July 1, the Presto Card will replace all monthly and annual pass cards. This card is easy to use. I have one for the pilot project and I simply tap it on the reader when I get on the bus. To transfer, tap it again and there is no additional charge for 90 minutes during the day. The reader will tell you when your transfer expires. OC Transpo is holding information sessions about the Presto card and providing free cards. Such a session is being held at the Kanata Seniors Centre. I strongly recommend that you go to the OC Transpo website and click on the Presto link on the main page. Also, watch for more information leading up to the launch on July 1. Current Ecopass users have expressed concern about the cancellation of the Ecopass. You will have new benefits with the Presto Card, and if used effectively, you can keep the cost down. With a Presto card, you can automatically renew a monthly pass. You can suspend your monthly pass when on vacation or business trips and pay by use. Also, you will be eligible for the federal public transit tax credit. More details are on the Presto link on the OC Transpo website. OC Transpo will be visiting all participating companies and Federal Departments for an exchange session between August and October. Customers will be provided with a free Presto card in exchange for their Ecopass and will be able to register their card then.

CONCERT BAND FOR KANATA

Dan Yau is one of the members who are starting The Concert Band in Kanata. The goal of this band is for members of the community to return to their roots and rekindle their love for playing music. They welcome members of all skill levels and hope to develop a sense of community and appreciation of music. The director is currently the grade 7-8 music teacher at Holy Trinity HS, where practices will be held every Monday night during the school year. They are looking for support to help get started. Im looking into what may be available from the City but they will also need community support. Contact me and I will forward any message to Dan.

LIGHT RAIL TO ORLEANS?

Recent media reports have suggested that light rail will be going to Orleans soon. The present Master Transportation Plan (MTP) has the next stage, after completion of the Blair to Tunneys section, as the route to Baseline. The City is just starting the required 5-yearly review of the MTP. That will include any update to the priority for construction. Light Rail to Orleans (or Kanata or Barrhaven) is a long way off, since we will also need funding support from both the federal and provincial governments to proceed. There will be ample opportunities for the public to participate in the MTP review, which will determine road projects, transit routes, cycling routes and pedestrian ways including priority for work that needs to be done.

INFORMATION ITEMS
Work will soon start on repairing the retaining walls along March Road. Adopt a Park Program is a good way to ensure your local park is cared for. Congratulations to the Kanata-Hazeldean Lions Club for 35 years of service to the community.

PUBLIC MEETINGS & EVENTS

Sat June 9, 8:30 am noon, Greenwoods Academy Garage & Bake Sale 1056 Klondike Rd, in support of Families Global Outreach, Sat June 9, 9 am 12 pm Open House, Tiny Hoppers (50 Colchester Sq.) Tues June 12, 3 9 pm, Open House, Interprovincial Bridge Study, Shenkman Centre Wed June 13, 5-8 pm, Downtown Moves Discussion, Colonel By Room, City Hall Fri June 15th, Relay for Life at Walter Baker Park, starts at 7 pm Sat June 16, 11am 2 pm, Briarbrook/Morgans Grant Barbeque, W.C. Bowes Park Sat June 16, 4 6:30 pm, Lawn Supper, St. Johns, 325 Sandhill Mon June 18, 7 pm, Ward Council