MAKE SURE YOUR VOICE IS HEARD IN TRANSIT AND ROAD CONSULTATIONS

Unless people speak out, we are in danger of repeating the mistakes of the 2006 north-south light rail project.

In the spring, when the proposed rapid transit network was approved, the clear message we got from both city staff and the Peer Review Panel of international experts was that for light rail to work it needed to go to where there is the population density to support it. Now it is being suggested we support a phasing schedule for light rail that make building a line to an area with only 9,000 people the top priority. Under this scenario, light rail to the west end of the city, with several hundred thousand people, will not be built until phase two.

Light rail has enormous potential to help us control transit operating costs and improve transit service, but only if we build it where there is the ridership to make it work. Public pressure played an important role in defeating the 2006 north-south light rail project. I would encourage everyone to participate in the consultations to make sure councillors and staff know how people in the City feel.

The Transportation Master Plan also includes a number of road projects that are important to Kanata residents. My concern is that, given the traffic problems in Bridlewood, the solutions need to be in phase one of the plan.

Information on how to participate can be found on my website at www.feltmateforkanata.com or www.ottawa.ca/tmp.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT THE CITY ONLINE

Whether it is helping bring history alive at the Pinhey’s Point Historic Site in Kanata or helping with recreation programs, there are many ways in which volunteers contribute to the services our City provides. To make it easier for people to volunteer, volunteer opportunities are now advertised on MyVolunteerPage.com. This means people wanting to volunteer can now look at all the opportunities available to them and see what they find interesting.

BEAVERBROOK LIBRARY BRANCH CLOSED OCTOBER 3 AND 4

On October 3 and 4, the Beaverbrook Branch of the library will be closed so that the front desk can be remodelled to allow for self check-out. The branch will reopen on October 6.

APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR CANADA-ONTARIO HOME OWNERSHIP DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Under the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program people with low and moderate incomes are eligible to receive help with down payments for purchasing homes.

Income limits are a gross income of $62,600 for one person and a gross income of $75,800 for two or more. People applying must be currently renting. Homes must cost less than $285,778 and be within the City of Ottawa.

The program is funded by the federal and provincial governments, but administered by the City of Ottawa. To get additional information you can go to http://www.ottawa.ca/residents/housing/investing/affordablehousing_en.html, call 613-580-2424, ext 43136, or e-mail homeownership@ottawa.ca.

HOW TO REDUCE WHAT YOU PAY THE CITY - LEGALLY

As I mentioned last week, the City has put considerable resources into enforcing traffic safety rules. The eight deaths in 2007 as a result of collisions at stop signs is a clear reminder of why this is needed.

Between January 2007 and June 2008, 679 tickets were handed out in Bridlewood alone. That’s a lot. For people who received the tickets I am sure it is an expense they can do without. Based on the calls and e-mails I receive people living in the community can do without the driving behaviour that leads to people getting tickets.

It is also revenue the City would rather not receive. Without speeding, running stop signs and other traffic violations, our community would be a much safer place and that is worth more than any loss in revenue.

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