Newsletter
Photo Gallery
2009
Jan 23, 2009
Jan 16, 2009
Jan 9, 2009
Jan 2, 2009
2008
Dec 19, 2008
Dec 12, 2008
Dec 5, 2008
Nov 28, 2008
Nov 21, 2008
Nov 14, 2008
Nov 7, 2008
Oct 31, 2008
Oct 24, 2008
Oct 17, 2008
Oct 10, 2008
Oct 3, 2008
Sep 26, 2008
Sep 19, 2008
Sep 12, 2008
Sep 5, 2008
Aug 29, 2008b
Aug 29, 2008
Aug 22, 2008
Aug 15, 2008
Aug 8, 2008
Aug 1, 2008
Jul 25, 2008
Jul 18, 2008
Jul 11, 2008
Jul 4, 2008
Jun 27, 2008
Jun 20, 2008
Jun 13, 2008
Jun 6, 2008
May 30, 2008
May 23b, 2008
May 23, 2008
May 16, 2008
May 9, 2008
May 2, 2008
Apr 25, 2008
Apr 18, 2008
Apr 11, 2008
Apr 4, 2008
Mar 28, 2008
Mar 21, 2008
Mar 14, 2008
Mar 7, 2008
Feb 29, 2008
Feb 22, 2008
Feb 15, 2008
Feb 8, 2008
Feb 1, 2008
Jan 25, 2008
Jan 18, 2008
Jan 11, 2008
Peggy's Newsletters
(also appearing in the Kanata Kourier-Standard and EMC Kanata)
 

END TO STRIKE REQUIRES FOCUS ON ISSUES TO BE RESOLVED

As I write this, it is not clear when the City and the Amalgamated Transit Union will be back at the negotiating table. I also know that the strike is taking an enormous toll on many people in our community whether it is much longer travel times or losing your ability to get around.

The City has made it clear it is willing to go back to the negotiating table. Last week the City made changes to its offer to attempt to find a way to reach an agreement, while ensuring issues that affect the financial sustainability and operation of transit service are addressed.

One thing that adds to the frustration level is that often the responses people are getting from councillors, including myself, do not provide as much detail as either the councillor sending the message or the person receiving the response would like. This reflects the fact that councillors do have to be careful about what they say in a strike situation. There are some comments that will get headlines, but also make it harder to reach an agreement and end the strike. 

HOW TO GET HELP OR TO OFFER HELP DURING THE TRANSIT STRIKE

There are people in our community who are having trouble getting groceries or to appointments as a result of the transit strike. As well, a number of people have asked how they can help.

In Kanata, the Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre has been designated as the organization to co-ordinate assistance for people needing help with rides or other problems arising from the strike. If you need help or would like to help, you can call the Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre at 613-591-3686.

The very cold weather we have been having makes it important that if you need help please don’t hesitate before calling. I also know that the entire community is concerned about the well being of people who are not able to get to appointments or do errands.

As well additional measures have been announced to help commuters. Details can be found on my website at www.feltmateforkanata.com. 

AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY AND UNION AVOIDS PARATRANSPO DELAYS

The possibility that ParaTranspo service might be picketed received a lot of attention last week. What did not receive as much attention is that it was possible for the City and the ATU to reach an agreement that addressed concerns in a reasonable way and ensured ParaTranspo services will not be delayed by picketing.

CITY SUBMITS PROJECTS FOR FEDERAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING

Last week the City submitted a list of infrastructure projects where construction is ready to begin to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, which is lobbying for federal infrastructure funding. Most of these projects have also been submitted to local Members of Parliament who are also interested in funding municipal infrastructure projects as a way to reduce the impact of the economic downtown.

Among the projects on the list are the completion of the northern extension of Terry Fox Drive which will provide a second route between south Kanata and the Kanata North Business Park.

LIONS WINTER CARNIVAL

The Kanata-Hazeldean Lions Club will be holding its annual Winter Carnival on Saturday, Feburary 7. It will be at the Lions Den in Pump House Park (170 Castlefrank Road) and in the Park.

Activities get underway at 8:00 a.m. and will include a pancake breakfast, sleigh rides, and crafts for kids.

CAMERON SMITH FRIENDSHIP TOURNAMENT

This year’s Cameron Smith Friendship Tournament will take place between February 6th - 8th at the Jack Charron Arena. The tournament raises money to help disadvantaged, bantam-aged, male and female players who would not otherwise be able to afford it play hockey.

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