COUNCIL APPROVES PURCHASE OF FORESTED AREA BESIDE DEEVY PINES PARK

The approval by council of the purchase of the forested area beside Deevy Pines Park (Bridlewood Core Park) is the final step towards protecting the land from development. Because of its environmental significance, the land will be kept in a natural state.

Long before most of us moved to Kanata, almost all the land within Bridlewood was designated for development, including the land beside Deevy Pines Park. This means the final price will be considerably more than what would normally be paid for land that will not be developed. In fact, because the owner of the land did not agree with the City’s estimate, the purchase took place under the provisions of the Expropriations Act, which means a final decision on the price could be made by the OMB.

What the City has to pay for land that has already been designated for development limits the City’s ability to protect land containing urban natural features. It also illustrates why great care needs to be taken before expanding the urban boundary. Once land is designated for development, the only way to reverse the decision is by purchasing the land.  

INTERIM TAX BILL DUE MARCH 30

The first property tax payment, for people who don’t pay monthly, is due March 30. This is a change from both the original date and the date adopted by council in late January.

BUS MAINTENANCE IMPROVEMENTS INTENDED TO SAVE MONEY AND IMPROVE RELIABILITY

At the last council meeting, funds were approved for changes to the bus maintenance system to improve bus availability. Currently an average of 81% of buses are available during peak hours on any given day. The goal is to increase the figure to 90%. The need for improvements to bus maintenance has also been identified by the Auditor General.

Increasing bus availability to 90% will increase the number of available buses by 70. This is expected to save $50 million in the purchase of new buses. Improving bus availability has also been identified as a way of addressing the problem of cancelled trips.

FINANCIAL HELP FOR COMMUNITY GROUP WORK AVAILABLE

Community groups needing help with their work can apply for funds from the 2009 Community Project Funding and Crime Prevention Ottawa. April 9 is the deadline for applications for both programs.

Community Project Funding is available for work that helps bring the community together whether it is changing how we deliver services, promoting equality, or encouraging greater participation. Crime prevention funding is available for work to tackle specific crime issues or risk factors.

Four information sessions will be held on these programs and how people can apply. To get more information on these programs or the information sessions, you can go to http://www.ottawa.ca/residents/funding/community/non_renewable/index_en.html.

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