OFFICIAL PLAN DECISIONS AFFECT THE TAX RATE

Even if a discussion of the Official Plan sounds as exciting as watching paint dry, we all have good reason to get involved. What is decided in the Official Plan will determine how much it costs to provide City services and how much we pay in taxes.

Depending on where development takes place, revenues from new housing units can be $1,000 higher than the cost of services and infrastructure or $500 less. Obviously having development take place where revenues are higher than costs is a lot better for taxpayers.

In 2007, the most recent year for which figures are available, there were 6,218 housing starts in Ottawa. That is just one year so it is easy to see how costs can add up.

I will be working to ensure we have an official plan that keeps the cost of growth as low as possible, while protecting what we value most about our neighbourhoods. What can make a difference, however, is when the voices of residents are heard.

KANATA GROUP RECOGNIZED IN CLEANING THE CAPITAL

The Hewlett Packard Group from Kanata was recognized for their efforts in the 2008 Cleaning the Capital. In the 2008 Spring and Fall Cleaning the Capital over 67,000 volunteers collected over 100,000 kilograms of litter. It was the most successful Spring and Fall Cleaning the Capital in the 15 year history of the event.

Thank you to everyone from Kanata South and other wards who volunteered. Based on comments I hear about the appearance of our community, your efforts are very much appreciated.

ACTION TO DEAL WITH DAMAGED BRIDGES IN RAVINE CREEK PARK

Recently one pedestrian bridge in Ravine Creek Park had to be closed and restrictions on another pedestrian bridge mean the snow ploughs usually used to clear pathways can’t be used. The bridges are part of a pathway link that people rely on.

Both bridges were scheduled for replacement, but it was not expected that the work could be done this year. Infrastructure Services are now looking at how to ensure the bridges are replaced this year. As an interim measure, Infrastructure Services are looking at a temporary pathway to by-pass the heavily damaged bridge.

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR 2009 COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS GRANTS

Applications are now being accepted under the Community Environmental Projects Grants Program for 2009. The deadline is Friday, March 27, 2009.

Grants help community groups fund environmental projects in their neighbourhoods. For the City, these projects provide a cost-effective way to make progress in areas like water efficiency, solid-waste diversion, or air quality. Examples of previous projects have included: data collection on conditions along the Carp River so we can address potential problems; landscaping of a public space and the distribution of rain barrels by a community association to encourage water efficiency.

Information can be found on the City’s website by going to www.ottawa.ca/residents/funding/ and selecting Community Environmental Projects Grants Program.

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