KANATA NORTH NEWS

Marianne Wilkinson Councillor, Kanata North PUBLIC MEETING ON TOWN CENTRE ZONING
A group of residents have been meeting on the zoning in the Central Business District south of Campeau Drive. They have been developing recommendations that both meet the official plan and minimize impact on residents living north of Campeau. They have met with a representative of the Hilton group which plans to build a resident hotel (long term) in the area and found that the company was open to their suggestions on location and scale of the building. On December, 13 at 7:00 p.m. in Hall C, at the Mlacak Centre, 2500 Campeau Rd. there will be a final public meeting on this zoning. It is your opportunity to hear from the local group, the lead planner, myself and the developer, to raise questions and suggestions and help to come up with a plan that best meets the needs of all involved. It is anticipated that the staff report on the zoning will go to the Planning Committee on January 14 for approval. Those who have submitted comments will receive a copy of the report to the Committee in advance of the meeting.

HEALTHY HINTS FOR SENIORS

With winter weather upon us the Citys Public Health Department has made recommendations to help seniors stay healthy and avoid falls (they are also good tips for younger adults as well). As a senior I do most of these but need to add more exercise sessions. Key recommendations are:

An annual check up including a physical, a review of medications, and an eye exam Aerobic physical activity for at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) each week Strength and balance activities such as lifting weights and Tai Chi at least twice a week Three daily servings of foods high in calcium A daily vitamin D supplement of 400 IU if over 50 Making your home safe by keeping it well lit, removing trip hazards, installing secure grab bars in bathrooms and sturdy hand rails on both sides of stairs.

OTTAWAS LIGHT RAIL IS ON TRACK

View the plans on Ottawa.ca. Council will be giving approval to the consortium which will finalize the design, construct the line and maintenance yard, provide the trains, provide interim funding and maintain the system for 30 years.

KANATA NORTH SCHOOL COUNCILS

Ive been pleased to meet with 4 School Councils recently W. Erskine Johnston, Jack Donohue, cole lmentaire publique Kanata and Stephen Leacock. In 2013, I plan to meet with all of the other schools in the Ward. These Councils do a great job enhancing the services provided by our schools, raising funds to support school activities and connecting with the community. At each meeting I hear of concerns, such as speeding and the need for sidewalks, and provide information to the Council on what is happening in their area. Thank you to all of the volunteers who serve on these Councils and add so much to our communities.

DECEMBER 6 VIGIL IN KANATA

I was pleased to read Nelson Mandelas poem Our Deepest Fear at the vigil in Kanata for the 14 women who lost their lives at cole Polytechique in Montreal in 1989. Thank you WOCRC for organizing this annual event and Mayor Watson for participating also. Violence against women still occurs and everyone needs to work together to stop it.

GIFT IDEA
Think of giving someone you love the gift of an active and creative lifestyle. You can purchase Recreation and Culture Gift Certificates, which are redeemable for any City class, activity or membership, at any City of Ottawa recreation or culture facility.

NEWS - The Kanata Seniors Council will beautifully wrap your gifts at the Hazeldean
Mall from Saturday 15 December, to Monday, 24 December from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Im happy to participate, as the funds collected by the volunteer wrappers provide services to benefit seniors in our community. On Saturday, December 15, Running On Empties will be at the Terry Fox Beer Store asking for donations of empty bottles to help needy families through the Christmas Exchange Program. I will be there assisting at 11:00 a.m.