SPRING CLEANING THE CAPITAL STARTS APRIL 15

Every year thousands of volunteers spread out across the city to clean up their communities. In 2007, over 60,000 volunteers completed nearly 1050 registered cleanup projects.

Kanata residents have always participated in large numbers. We take pride in the appearance of our community and that commitment is reflected in the number of people who volunteer.

Anyone can participate as an individual or as part of a group. In the past groups participating in Spring Cleaning the Capital have ranged from schools to community associations to a family or a few friends. 

To register or get more information people can go to www.ottawa.ca/clean or call 311.

Cleanup starter kits are available to registrants upon request while quantities last and include disposable vinyl gloves, garbage bags, leaf-and-yard waste bags and tips to assist your cleanup project. Participants are also eligible for prizes, donated by Spring Cleaning the Capital sponsors, if they register on or before Monday, April 14 or submit the completed cleanup report by Saturday, May 31.

WEATHER WILL AFFECT TIMING OF LEAF AND YARD WASTE PICKUP

Leaf and yard waste collection is scheduled to start on the week of April 14. In a normal year people are usually out doing work in their yards by that time and have yard waste that needs to be picked up. Depending on how quickly the snow melts, this year that may not be the case.

It does not make sense to send trucks round for leaf and yard waste pickup if there is nothing for them to pick up. The City is monitoring weather conditions and an announcement on whether leaf and yard waste pick-up will take place on the week of April 14 will be made prior to when this column comes out. The information will be on my website at www.feltmateforkanata.com.

SENIORS RIDE FOR FREE ON SUMMER WEDNESDAYS

Every Wednesday during June, July and August, seniors will be able to use OC Transpo free of charge. This is similar to what was done last summer. The only difference is that seniors will now be able to use OC Transpo free of charge on Wednesdays in June.

Allowing seniors to use OC Transpo free of charge on Wednesdays during the summer is intended to provide people with a chance to try out transit. For seniors who use transit frequently, OC Transpo is planning to introduce an annual pass. This will mean people will not have to worry about getting a new pass each month.

Flyers with more information about these plans and other measures to make it easier for seniors to use transit will be provided to seniors’ centres in May and June. There will also be information on the web.

DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS ON BUS ROUTE CHANGES APRIL 14

While no changes to bus routes in Kanata South are proposed, I know some people will be affected by changes to routes elsewhere. For instance, the proposal to split the number 2 will help Kanata residents who work along Rideau Street or Montreal Road.

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