WHAT YOU SAID CHANGED THE LIGHT RAIL PLAN

The change to the proposal for light rail in the Transportation Master Plan is a reminder that when people speak out they can make a difference.

Originally the first light rail route was supposed to be south to east. In the revised plan, east-west is a priority.

East-west makes sense for two reasons. It will do the most to reduce congestion downtown and improve reliability. Because one train can replace six or seven buses, east-west light rail will also do the most to slow the increase in transit operating costs.

The route recommended for east-west light rail will address many of the problems with reliability and overcrowding. In the long term, it is the first step to getting light rail to Kanata.

Plans for extending the Western Transitway to allow buses to by-pass congestion on the Queensway are still part of the plan. Bayshore to Moodie is in phase one and Bayshore to Pinecrest is already under construction.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE BUDGET CONSULTATIONS

I would like to thank everyone who came out to the Kanata budget consultation meetings or who e-mailed me. It is still possible to have your feedback included in the City’s consultation process by filling in the online form or e-mailing budget@ottawa.ca. The budget is on line at http://www.ottawa.ca/city_hall/budget/budget_2009/index_en.html.

2009 CAPITAL PROJECT INCLUDES WORK IN KANATA SOUTH

One of the goals in the 2009 capital budget is to reduce the backlog of work required to ensure city buildings are in good condition. This year work on the capital budget in Kanata South includes retrofitting the roof at the Jack Charron Arena and replacing doors and windows. Funding to protect urban natural feature lands in Kanata South is also in the draft budget.

KANATA STUDENT WINS BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION

I would like to congratulate Balmeet Toor, a Holy Trinity Catholic High School student, and his family on his success in the Ontario Secondary School Business Plan Competition. Balmeet won the local competition and represented Ottawa in the provincial competition.

MAINTAINING LAWN LIGHTS A REQUIREMENT FOR MANY HOMEOWNERS   

One issue I hear about is how dark streets get when people don’t maintain their lawn lights. On some streets in Kanata South the plan for street lighting included lawn lights. This means that when lawn lights are not working, the street is not as well lit as it should be.  On those streets covenants attached to the property at the time the area was developed require homeowners to maintain lawn lights on their property.

RESIDENTS SHOW COMMUNITY SPIRIT AT SANTA CLAUS PARADE

I would like to thank the volunteers who ensured that the Kanata Santa Claus Parade was a success. Many people along the route were handing out cookies, which were very much appreciated. Their community spirit is what helps make events like the Kanata Santa Claus Parade special.

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