PREVENTING FLOODING ON THE CARP RIVER

At the end of January it emerged that an error had been made in calculating the amount of water flowing into the Carp River between Hazeldean and the Queensway. As a result development close to the Carp River (this does not affect the Mattamy development) has been put on hold until an independent review can be conducted.

The developers whose plans are affected have suggested this can be cleared up “within a few days.” That would not allow enough time for a full independent review. Given the flooding problems that could result if mistakes have been made, the City has a responsibility to take the time to make sure plans for the area will work.

People who were affected by flooding on the Carp River in 1996 and 2002 know how disruptive flooding can be for those affected. Dealing with flooding problems after development has taken place is also expensive for taxpayers. Measures to prevent flooding in Glen Cairn have worked, but they cost several million dollars.

For the sake of both taxpayers and future residents, the City has a responsibility to get it right the first time in Kanata West – even if it takes more time than the developers would like.

MOST DOWNTOWN STREETS NOT AFFECTED BY PROPOSAL FOR EXTENDED PARKING HOURS

It is important that when we discuss issues affecting our city that people have accurate information. That has not been happening with the discussion of the proposals to extend the hours for parking on some downtown streets.

The impression that people have been given is that the extension of hours will cover all streets in the downtown or other neighbourhoods where there are parking meters. That is wrong.

Most streets will not be affected by the change in hours. A student going to the University of Ottawa on the weekend will not notice a difference on the streets near the campus. For someone going to a concert at Dominion Chalmers Church, the hours for parking on the streets surrounding the church will be unchanged. And these are just two examples.

Where hours will potentially be extended is streets like Elgin and Bank. This reflects the fact there is a high demand for parking on those streets.

When demand is high and there are no parking charges, on street spaces tend to be filled up by people parking for long periods of time. Parking charges mean that space is available for short term parking for people who are just needing to park for a few minutes to shop at a nearby store.

Since parking hours will be unchanged for most of the side streets off Bank and Elgin – where most of us are already parking because there is no space on Bank and Elgin – people staying for long periods of time will still have an option – and the walk is usually shorter than the walk through the parking lot at a big box outlet.

CLASS CHALLENGE SEEKS TO GET EVERY CHILD A LIBRARY CARD

The Class Challenge is intended to promote awareness of the benefits library services can provide for children. Participating classes are eligible for prizes ranging from a trip to the Museum of Nature to 50 free passes for a swim at a City of Ottawa pool. Information on the challenge can be found at http://www.biblioottawalibrary.ca/contest/class/class_e.html. The challenge runs until February 28, 2008.

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