OFFICIAL PLAN AFFECTS EVERYTHING FROM TAXES TO TRAFFIC

What gets decided as part of the Official Plan review will affect almost every other discussion within the City.

If the urban boundary is expanded and significantly more roads and sewers are needed, then it will push up the cost of city services. Intensification that uses existing services will allow us to make better use of existing infrastructure.

Designating more land for development in areas where there is already traffic congestion or overcrowded recreation facilities will make those problems worse. Encouraging development along rapid transit corridors reduces the impact of growth on traffic congestion – and makes our transit system more cost effective.

However, intensification needs to be done in ways that keep the impact on existing neighbourhoods to a minimum. Intensification makes more sense in some places, such as in the core and along rapid transit routes, than others.  A project that fits in with existing development downtown may be out of place in Glen Cairn.

Because of the impact on how much we pay in taxes, the appearance of our neighbourhoods, and how long its takes us to get to work, it is worth being part of the discussion of the Official Plan.

On Monday, June 16 a Public Meeting will be held in Kanata on the Official Plan proposals. It will be from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Mlacak Centre at 2500 Campeau. I hope to see you there.

COFFEE WITH PEGGY JUNE 20

The next “Coffee with Peggy” will be on Friday June 20 between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. at Hazeldean Mall. It is a chance to chat informally about problems or issues.

REMINDER TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON QUEENSWAY WIDENING

Whether the widening of the Queensway between Eagleson and Highway 7 includes things like sound barriers will make a big difference to people living nearby. If you weren’t able to get to the public consultation on Tuesday it is still possible to get information at the website for the environmental assessment at http://www.highway417expansion.com/. There are also e-mail addresses where you can send comments.

CONSULTATION ON PROPOSED INTER-PROVINCIAL BRIDGE

There is considerable concern about the proposal for an additional inter-provincial bridge in the west end. Among the concerns that have been raised are disruption of existing communities and the cost of road links.

On Tuesday, June 17, there will be a public consultation on the environmental assessment for additional bridges across the Ottawa River at Ottawa City Hall. The schedule is as follows:

5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Open House
7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Presentation
7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Questions and Comments

People can also get information or provide feedback by going to the website at www.ncrcrossings.ca.

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