TRANSITWAY DOWNTOWN GETTING CLOSER TO CAPACITY

The maximum number of buses that OC Transpo can operate through Downtown on the streets used by transitway routes in the afternoon rush hour is 180 an hour each way. We have now reached that figure for routes serving the west end.

OC Transpo tried to run more than 180 buses an hour a few years ago for routes serving the east end, which has been at the 180 an hour maximum for several years, and the result was serious delays and problems with reliability.

Because only Albert and Slater provide connections to the transitway at both ends of Downtown, transitway routes are limited to those two streets. There are still ways to accommodate more transit users on Albert and Slater, but it will now have to be done with higher capacity buses or consolidating bus routes to make full use of capacity.

Even with these measures we will reach the point where it is not possible to accommodate more transit users on Albert and Slater. This is not expected to happen for several years – 2017 is the estimate for people commuting to the east end – but why council is moving ahead on the light rail plan to deal with overcrowding on transit to downtown.

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED IN A TASTE FOR LIFE

I wanted to thank everyone who participated in a Taste for Life on April 29. At The Glen and Lapointe’s in Kanata $4,000 was raised. I would also like to thank The Glen for hosting people in Kanata South.

As you know, Marianne Wilkinson and I had a challenge to see who could raise more money. Kanata North was ahead by slightly less than $200, but when $4,000 is raised to help men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS we all win.

COMMUNITY YARD SALE IN ARBOUR GLENN

The Arbour Glenn Community Association is organizing a community yard sale between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon on Saturday, June 13. The rain date will be Saturday, June 20. Arbour Glenn is Hearst Way and the streets running off it.

EAGLESON REPAVING SCHEDULED FOR JUNE AND JULY

This summer, Eagleson Road between Hazeldean and Campeau will be repaved. The level of work is an “asphaltic overlay.” Work is tentatively scheduled to start on June 15.

GIVE AWAY WEEKEND TOMORROW AND SUNDAY

Give Away Weekend helps reduce what goes into our landfills. It is a chance to get rid of what you don’t need without having it end up in a landfill.

To participate, on Saturday June 6 and/or Sunday June 7, place items you don’t need at the curb on the morning of each day, and put a sticker on sign on them saying, “Free.” At the end of each day bring uncollected items back into your home or garage. Make sure items you don’t want to give away are not near those you have put out.

More information can be found on the City of Ottawa website at http://www.ottawa.ca/residents/recycling_garbage/giveaway/index_en.html. A second Give Away Weekend is scheduled for October 24 and 25.

GROUNDWATER STUDY RELEASED

For people who rely on well water the quality of groundwater is critical. Recently a draft study on groundwater in our area was completed by the City of Ottawa and the Mississippi-Rideau Source Protection Committee. An open house will be held on Monday, June 8 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Carp Fairgrounds in the Village of Carp. People can also contact the project manager, Sommer Casgrain-Robertson, at sommer.robertson@mrsourcewater.ca or at 613-692-3571 or 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1147.

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