$4 MILLION IN RATE BUDGET TO START FLOOD PREVENTION WORK

The 2010 Rate Budget includes $4 million for the first phase of work to prevent further flooding in Kanata and Stittsville. While the investigation is still ongoing, some measures to address the causes of the flooding have already been identified.

Half the funds will go towards measures to stop storm water getting into the sanitary sewer system. These measures include installation of inlet control devices and sealing of maintenance hole covers.

The report on Phases 1 & 2 of the investigation identified storm water getting into the sanitary sewer system as the reason for sanitary sewers backing up and flooding basements. One factor was water getting into the sanitary sewer system through submerged maintenance hole covers. Sealing those covers will prevent a reoccurrence.

Inlet control devices help address the problem of the basement flooding due to the storm water drainage system being overwhelmed. That in turn helps address another cause of storm water getting into the sanitary sewer system.

Funds will also be going to fix problems with the Monahan Drain. The culvert under the Trans Canada Trail is meant to take water south from Glen Cairn to the Monahan Drain. It is still being investigated, but it appears that on July 24, 2009 the Monahan Drain was overwhelmed and water was flowing the wrong way and adding to problems in Glen Cairn.

Possible problems with the Monahan Drain that were identified in the report on Phases 1 & 2 of the investigation underline why implementing interim measures was not seen as helping reduce the risk of flooding. One of the interim measures suggested was an additional culvert under the Trans Canada Trail. If water was flowing north during the July 24, 2009 storm, a second culvert would have added to problems in Glen Cairn.

These measures are a small part of what is needed. It is expected that the investigation will identify a number of other solutions that are needed. Including the $4 million in this year’s Rate Budget, it is estimated that the total cost will be roughly $20 million.

This is a lot of money, but after three serious floods in 14 years, we can’t afford not to implement all of the measures identified in the investigation.

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR 2010 CIVIC APPRECIATION AWARDS

Each year the City of Ottawa recognizes people who make a significant contribution to the community through the Civic Appreciation Awards. These awards include Citizen of the Year, as well as awards to recognize volunteer efforts in a variety of areas ranging from sports to the environment.

The deadline for nominations for the 2010 awards is March 26. To get more information you can go to ottawa.ca/volunteering or call 311.

2010 DUE DATES FOR TAXES

The first instalment of property taxes will be due on March 18, 2010 and the final instalment will be due on June 17, 2010. This does not apply to people who pay monthly through pre-authorized payment.

Information about options for paying taxes can be found at http://www.ottawa.ca/residents/proptaxes/tax_bills_options/payment_options_en.html.

CONSTRUCTION WORK ON WIDENING HAZELDEAN ROAD BETWEEN TERRY FOX DRIVE AND CARP ROAD

During the month of February, work on the widening of Hazeldean Road between Terry Fox Drive and Carp Road will include moving utilities to accommodate the wider road and a detour over the Carp River. Because work where Hazeldean Road crosses the Carp River is taking place near people’s homes, I have asked that efforts be made to minimize the impact of construction on nearby residents.

WORKING FULL-TIME FOR KANATA SOUTH

I appreciate the chance to hear from you about issues affecting our community. You can reach me at 580-2752 (office), 580-2762 (fax), www.feltmateforkanata.com or peggy.feltmate@ottawa.ca