Many of us have been concerned about the condition of the gateway features at the two intersections of Palomino and Eagleson. In addition to the negative impact on the appearance of our community, the condition of the walls led to safety concerns.

For several months I have been working with residents and staff to get a solution to the problem. What has complicated matters is that the gateway features were on private property and the City no longer funds the maintenance of gateway features. This meant issues around the work to be done and the impact on people living nearby were more complex than normal.

Late last week, the walls were removed by City staff. Now residents of Palomino and the streets leading off it have to decide what comes next.

Originally the plan was for the Bridlewood Community Association to plant shrubs on the site to provide a different type of gateway feature. However, at the last meeting of the Bridlewood Community Association a proposal was made that a new gateway feature be put up and that it be funded through a Special Services Area Charge. This charge will not go ahead unless over 50% of property owners sign a petition agreeing to it.

The cost and how people would be asked to pay through the Special Services Area Charge are being worked out. Once that information is available it will be sent to residents who will be able to decide whether or not they wish to sign the petition agreeing to it.

The next Coffee with Peggy will be Friday October 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Food Court of the Hazeldean Mall. It is a chance to drop by and chat informally about issues of concern.

CLUB OPTIMISTE KANATA - A WELCOME ADDITION TO OUR COMMUNITY

On Saturday, September 22, I had the pleasure of attending the charter ceremony for the   Club Optimiste Kanata. Club Optimiste Kanata is a very welcome addition to our community. Their focus is on working with youth and children.

The work done by service clubs in our community over the years has helped add to the quality of life, and the recreation facilities and opportunities. As our community grows it is good to see a new service club working for the good of our community.

The chartering of Club Optimiste is also a reminder of the vibrancy of the Francophone community in Kanata. As of the last census over 5% of Kanata’s population is Francophone. The growth of the Francophone community is a sign that the vision for Kanata as a place that includes people from all backgrounds is alive and well. Congratulations to Danielle Dubé, the Charter President of the Club and to the new members.

After the positive reviews for the City of Ottawa’s “Giveaway Day in June, a second Giveaway Day has been scheduled for Saturday, October 13. The rain date will be Sunday, October 14.

On Giveaway Days people can put unwanted household goods at the curb for other City residents to pick up for free.

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