POLICE PROVIDE INFORMATION ON MARIJUANA GROW OPS

Recently the police shut down two grow ops on the same street in Barrhaven. After the attention the shutting down of the grow ops received, the police provided information on the problems with grows ops and what to look for.

This is not a new problem. Over the last few years there have been regular reports of police shutting down grow ops, including in Kanata. The reason people should be thinking about the problem is that information from the public has been very helpful to the police in dealing with grow ops.

Based on information from the Ottawa Police Service, suburban or rural locations are more likely to provide what the organized crime groups who want them need. They want newer two or three-storey single-family homes with unfinished basements. Information on signs that may point to the presence of a grow op can be found on the Ottawa Police website at http://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/resources/publications/pdf/marihuana_operations.pdf.

Grow ops are a serious problem. Things like illegal wiring, illegally tapping into hydro lines and chemicals used in the grow op means the risk of fires and or explosions is increased. There are a large number of other concerns ranging from what is done with chemicals used in this process to mould that makes the building unusable. 

ROCH CARRIER SCHOOL FAMILY FUN NIGHT

On Friday, May 23, Roch Carrier Elementary School is hosting a Family Fun Night. Proceeds go to help a Kanata teen who needs a heart transplant.

It will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Roch Carrier Elementary School, 401 Stonehaven Drive. Activities include games, a bake sale, demonstrations by Kanata Rhythmic Gymnastics Club, Ultimate Cheer Ottawa, Tae E Lee Kanata Taekwondo, The Carleton University Raven Cheerleaders and Olympia Gymnastics, and refreshments. Admission is $5.00 with no charge for children under two.

STONEHAVEN AND RICHMOND INTERSECTION PROBLEMS

The additional turning lane from Stonehaven onto Richmond has improved traffic flow, but has led to concerns about how traffic merges after turning. Because the National Capital Commission will not permit additional road construction through Stony Swamp, widening Richmond is not an option. On the suggestion of the police, I have asked Traffic and Parking Operations to find ways to improve signage to make it easier for the police to take action against unsafe driving practises.

BRIDLEWOOD OFFICIALLY A TRUE SPORT COMMUNITY

It was great to be able to join members of the Bridlewood Community Association and  Kanata Soccer to officially declare Bridlewood a True Sport Community last week. True Sport recognizes the benefits that participation in sports provides for both individuals and the community as a whole and that when people have fun it encourages participation.

The declaration of Bridlewood as a True Sport Community was meant to recognize the importance of the core values of True Sport: fairness, excellence, inclusion and fun. What should also be acknowledged is the work hundreds of volunteers in different sports organizations in Kanata  have been doing to make sure those values are part of participating in sports in our community.

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