POLICE AND BY-LAW SERVICES DOING PATROLS OF PARKS

To deal with problems like noise and vandalism, the police and By-law Services have been doing late night patrols of parks. Instead of just moving people along tickets are being handed out and charges laid.

When youth are caught, parents are notified. The intent is to ensure parents find out when their children are engaged in activity that is against the law. Where there have been problems, police will be looking to parents to enforce curfews and ensure there is restitution for damage caused.

The City also has a Youth on the Move Program that goes to parks and other places where youth gather to encourage youth participation in recreation programs, as well as other measures, to prevent problems before they start.

Police, By-law Services, and Youth on the Move identify priorities based on complaints that are received so it is important to report problems. Problems can be reported to By-law Services by calling 311 and the police number to call for things like alcohol or drug use in parks is 613-230-6211.

CYCLING PLAN ADDRESSES SAFETY CONCERNS FOR KANATA CYCLISTS

Proposals in the draft Ottawa Cycling Plan would improve safety for people cycling in Kanata.

Over the years, bike lanes, bike paths and paved shoulders have been put in a number of locations to make it safer for cyclists. However, there are gaps. The lack of paved shoulders on Richmond between Stonehaven and Hunt Club is a probably the most serious.

On major roads where there are gaps cyclists have to share space with cars that are going much faster than them. Cyclists often feel unsafe and responsible motorists have to slow down. Putting in paved shoulders or other measures to separate bikes and cars benefits everyone.

A second part of the plan is improved signage so cyclists know which roads connect to bike paths. As an example, there is a relatively direct route for cyclists from Bridlewood to the Kanata North Business Park using only bike paths and residential streets, but it is hard to find if you are using it for the first time.

The costs for new bicycle routes range from $55,000 per kilometre for paved shoulders to $100,000 per kilometre for bike lanes. As a comparison, one lane of road costs between $900,000 and $2 million per kilometre.

The Ottawa Cycling Plan (OCP) with proposed routes can be found on the City of Ottawa website at ottawa.ca/onthemove.

NEW DOGS IN PARK RULES RELEASED

By-law Services have released the revised rules for dogs in parks in Kanata South. Considerable changes were made to the proposals after feedback from Kanata South residents. A list with the rules for each park can be found on my website at www.feltmateforkanata.com.

PLANNING MEETINGS ON HAZELDEAN MALL AND 20 AIRD PLACE

Two upcoming meetings provide residents with a chance to look at plans for their neighbourhood and provide feedback.

Plans for 20 Aird Place will be discussed at the Katimavik – Hazeldean Community Association Meeting on July 3 at 7:00 p.m.. The meeting will be held at the Katimavik Public School at 64 Chimo Drive.

On July 7 at 7:00 p.m. there will be a community meeting to discuss plans for Hazeldean Mall. The meeting will be held in the Hazeldean Mall Annex.

HAVE A GREAT CANADA DAY!

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a happy Canada Day. Whether we are at Walter Baker Park for the Canada Day in Kanata celebration, on Parliament Hill or just spending time with family and friends, I know all of us will be thinking about what an incredible country we have.

There will also be a Senior’s Breakfast on Canada Day between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. at Walter Baker Park.

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