GLEN CAIRN POOL REDEVELOPMENT CONSULTATION OCTOBER 2

Preliminary plans have been drawn up for redeveloping the Glen Cairn Pool. Under these plans, parts of the structure that are worn out will be replaced and facilities at the pool will be expanded.

Work being considered includes: modification and/or replacement of the existing pool basin and deck; addition of a deep pool basin; development of seasonal washroom and change room building off the pool deck; and the addition of 27 parking spaces to the existing parking lot serving the pool and tennis courts.

To give people a chance to see the proposals, ask questions and let City staff know whether changes are needed, an Open House is being held. The Open House will be:

Tuesday, October 2
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Lion Dick Brûlé Community Centre
170 Castlefrank Road

For the redevelopment to work, it must meet the needs of the community. This is where your input is important. If you are not able to attend the consultation, I will have information on the project on my website at www.feltmateforkanata.com.

CYCLING ON THE SIDEWALK IS NOT A SAFE OPTION

Cycling on sidewalks is dangerous –and not just for pedestrians. In 2006, over 10% of cyclists injured in collisions were cycling on sidewalks. In addition to the risk of running into pedestrians or things like bus stops, people coming out of driveways or laneways are less likely to notice cyclists on sidewalks.

It is also against the law to cycle on the sidewalk. Under the City’s traffic by-law, bicycles are considered vehicles and prohibited from using the sidewalk.

Because cyclists are required to use the street, it means that we have a responsibility to look out for people on bicycles and make room them when we are driving. When cyclists don’t feel safe on the road, we are more likely to see people cycling on the sidewalk.

EAGLESON ROAD WIDENING ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT APPROVED

The Environmental Assessment for widening Eagleson Road between the intersections of Cadence Gate/Cope Drive and Hope Side Road/Terry Fox Drive was approved this week at Transportation Committee. Hopefully by the time you read it, council will have approved it.
During the consultation, issues that were raised by residents were the need for a noise barrier and the impact of increased traffic on the intersection of Eagleson with the Trans Canada Trail. At my request, staff agreed to make it clear that a noise barrier wall will be built when the widening takes place in areas where people’s back yards are adjacent to Eagleson. Staff will also follow up on the suggestion that the intersection of Eagleson and the Trans Canada Trail get traffic signals.

One issue people should think about is the suggestion that was made by one of my council colleagues that roundabout be used instead of traffic signals at the intersection of Eagleson with Terry Fox Drive/Hope Side Road and Emerald Meadows Drive/Romina Street. The relatively compact roundabouts that are being used on Ottawa streets do not allow traffic to go through at much more than 30 kilometres an hour. That is half the speed limit on Eagleson. There are roundabout designs that allow traffic to travel at higher speeds, but they take up a lot more space than traffic lights.

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