URBAN BOUNDARY EXPANSION COMES AT A COST

When the Official Plan review is discussed at the Joint Agriculture and Rural Affairs and Planning and Environment Committee on May 11, 12 and 14, one of the most controversial issues will be whether or not to expand the urban boundary.

For taxpayers, expanding the urban boundary comes at a cost. Every housing unit built in the urban area outside the Greenbelt is a net cost of $70 a year to the City’s operating budget (development in rural areas is far more costly). In contrast each housing unit inside the Greenbelt generates $1,035 a year more in revenue that it costs to service.

With growth taking place in our City these revenues or costs can add up quickly. The difference between these costs is why the City has been trying to encourage intensification.

In the Official Plan review, there is a proposal to add 800 hectares to the urban area. The concern is that adding this land to the urban area will undermine efforts to encourage intensification.

As with any City of Ottawa committee meeting you can present for up to five minutes to the committee. Presentations will be heard on May 12. You can also send comments to the committee co-ordinator and ask that they be circulated. To arrange to speak to the committee or to provide comments for the committee, please contact Robert Tremblay at Rob.Tremblay@ottawa.ca or 613-580-2424, ext. 28828.

A link to the report going to the committee can be found on my website at www.feltmateforkanata.com.

INFORMATION ON HUMAN SWINE FLU VIRUS ON CITY WEBSITE

With a situation like the Human Swine Flu virus one of the biggest problems is getting accurate information about symptoms and what we can do to slow the spread. Information on the Human Swine Flu virus is now available on the City website at http://www.ottawa.ca/residents/health/conditions/swine_influenza_en.html.

PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS ON INTERPROVINCIAL TRANSIT STRATEGY

Because Ottawa and Gatineau are in different provinces co-ordinating transit services across the Ottawa River is a challenge. To look for ways to better integrate service, Ottawa, Gatineau and the National Capital Commission (NCC) are preparing an Interprovincial Transit Strategy.

People can be have input into the plans at the public consultations – in Ottawa on May 14 and in Gatineau on May 19.

Details of the consultations in Ottawa are:

Thursday May 14
3:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Jean Piggott Hall, Ottawa City Hall
110 Laurier Avenue West

If you are not able to attend the consultations, a website is being set up at www.interprovincial-transit-strategy.ca.

FARMER FOR WHOM DEEVY PINES PARK NAMED PASSES AWAY

Last month Russell Deevy, for whom Deevy Pines Park is named, passed away. In his obituary it made special mention of Deevy Pines Park. Mr. Deevy and his family farmed in Bridlewood.

Deevy Pines Park was dedicated in 2001 and is in the process of being expanded with the purchase of the wooded area beside Deevy Pines Park, on the same side of Stonehaven.

C4 GALLERY LOOKING FOR SUBMISSIONS

The C4 Gallery (C4 is Contemporary, Conceptual, Compartmental, Community) is a pilot project involving the Community and Public Art programs. It is intended to be accessible for people in all parts of the City of Ottawa by having displays in neighbourhood community centres rather than operating out of a formal art gallery.

Submissions must be received by 3:00 p.m. on Friday June 19. If you have more questions, please contact Kristina Frangione at Kristina.Frangione@ottawa.ca or 613-244-3745.

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