SPEEDING IS NOT JUST AN URBAN PROBLEM

Following the recent discussion around speed limits in urban areas, I heard from a number of residents of rural Kanata about speeding problems. In some cases residents would like to see the speed limit lowered. Many would be satisfied if the current speed limit was respected.

On most rural roads, the speed limit is 80 kilometres per hour.

Whether it is in urban or rural areas, many of us are in a hurry. Those of us who have lived in Kanata for a long time can remember being able to get most places in Ottawa in not much more than 20 minutes. It is tempting to put our foot down a bit further on the gas and save some time.

However, there are people living on rural roads. They are trying to get in and out for their driveways. Like people in urban Kanata they may be out cycling or walking.

Most of us make sure we are doing the speed limit when going down residential streets in urban areas. The houses may be a bit further apart in rural areas and the speed limit is a bit higher, but we owe our rural neighbours the same courtesy as our urban ones.

MAPS AND SCHEDULES FOR CHANGES TO KANATA BUS ROUTES AVAILABLE

Maps and schedules for routes that are being changed in September are now on the OC Transpo website.

Changes include the D96 service which will provide a faster service between Kanata and downtown during rush hour and having the route 96 between Kanata and Stittsville will serve Castlefrank between Katimavik and Hazeldean every half hour.

THE COST OF LITTER

One of the improvements we have seen this year is the restoration of litter pickup on arterial roads. Along with the efforts of thousands of volunteers in Spring Cleaning the Capital and Adopt a Park or Adopt a Road programs this has made a difference to our community’s appearance.

However, it is worth reflecting on the cost of litter.

Litter pick-up along arterial and collector roads costs $1.062 million a year. The value of volunteer labour that is donated for neighbourhood clean-up programs is many times that.

People who volunteer their time for Spring Cleaning the Capital or Adopt a Road programs do a tremendous job. Having joined volunteers for Spring Cleaning the Capital, I am still amazed at the number of garbage bags that get filled.

Relatively few people litter. But with the amount of wrapping and packaging that comes with the average fast food meal or other items we buy, a few individuals can generate a lot of litter.

WORKING FULL-TIME FOR KANATA

I appreciate the chance to hear from you about issues affecting our community. You can reach me at 580-2474 (office), 580-2514 (fax), or peggy.feltmate@ottawa.ca