SPEAKING OUT ON THE TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN - YOUR ROUTE TO A SHORTER COMMUTE

What goes into the Transportation Master Plan will determine how long it takes us to get to work or school in the morning. For Kanata residents who spend a lot of time commuting – and that’s most of us – what is in the Transportation Master Plan and when the work is supposed to take place is important.

I heard very clearly during the debate on light rail that plans for rapid transit in the last Transportation Master Plan did not meet Kanata’s needs. People supported light rail, but had problems with the proposed routes.

The consultations on the phase II Transportation Master Plan that will be held between March 3 and March 6 are your chance to help ensure we get it right this time. This session will include looking at the plans for transit in the downtown and what the transit network will look like. Downtown is one of two major bottlenecks for people travelling by transit from Kanata to Downtown so it is important we have a plan that works for people in all parts of the City.

On Wednesday March 5 between 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. there will be an Open House on phase II of the Transportation Master Plan at Earl of March High School at 4 The Parkway. At 7:00 p.m. there will be a discussion group. People can drop by for the Open House, but need to register for the discussion group.

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION AWARDS DEADLINE MARCH 28

Every year the City of Ottawa recognizes volunteers who make a difference in our community through the Civic Appreciation Awards. In Kanata we have always had a strong tradition of volunteerism and that has been reflected in the number of awards that have gone to Kanata residents.

If you know of someone whose efforts have made a difference in our community, nominating them is a way to have their efforts recognized. To get more information on the Civic Appreciation Awards you can go to ottawa.ca/volunteering or pick up a brochure at a library or the Client Service Centre at 580 Terry Fox.

The deadline for nominations is March 28.

COFFEE WITH PEGGY – FEBRUARY 29

The next Coffee with Peggy will be Friday, February 29 between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. in the Food Court at the Hazeldean Mall. If you have something you would like to discuss informally, please don’t hesitate to stop by.

SPEEDING ON PINE HILL

At the Bridlewood Community Association meeting on February 19 many residents expressed concern about speeding on Pine Hill Drive. Whether it is seniors or parents with young children, there are often pedestrians needing to cross Pine Hill. There is also a point where a sharp turn means you cannot see that far ahead. Both of these are great reasons to respect the speed limit.

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