SPEEDED UP BUS SERVICE COMING IN SEPTEMBER

In September, buses will start using the West Transitway between Bayshore and Pinecrest. This will allow buses to by-pass traffic on the Queensway during the rush hour.

Getting the project started took a lot of work. Construction was originally supposed to start in 1998, but the former Regional Council cancelled it. For several years it was a “future plan” that kept getting moved back.

When I was first elected I heard from many people who were frustrated at the time buses spent stuck in traffic on the Queensway. Working with my council colleague Janet Stavinga, I worked to get work started on the West Transitway. In 2006, funding was approved.

The opening of the West Transitway between Bayshore and Pinecrest is only the first step. In the budget forecast, funding for the transitway between Bayshore and Moodie is scheduled for the 2011 budget. I will be working to make sure it does not get bumped back.

CITY TRAFFIC ENGINEERS PROVIDE DETAILS OF ALTERNATIVES FOR RICHMOND ROAD

At the June meeting of the Bridlewood Community Association City of Ottawa traffic engineers provided details of the options for Richmond Road. Much of the problem with traffic in Bridlewood is because it is hard to turn left from Stonehaven onto Richmond in the morning.

Because land on either side of Richmond Road is part of the Greenbelt and is owned by the National Capital Commission (NCC), it is not possible to obtain additional land. However, traffic engineers have identified options that work with the existing right of way.

No option is perfect. For example, the two options that provide higher capacity would both take a lot longer to implement. There is information on my website at www.feltmateforkanata.com on all three options. I would encourage you to take a look and provide feedback.

This is only part of solving Bridlewood’s traffic problems. Work on the environmental assessment for extending Hope Side Road and the monitoring of intersections to see if they meet provincial warrant levels for traffic signals is ongoing.

I would also like to thank the Bridlewood Community Association for hosting the consultation at short notice, everyone who has provided feedback and City staff for their work on options for fixing the problem.

BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY CANADA DAY

Next Wednesday we celebrate our county’s 142nd birthday. It is a chance to celebrate what we love about our country with others in the community. I look forward to seeing many of you at the Canada Day in Kanata celebrations. Regardless of where you are, I hope you have a chance to celebrate what being Canadian means for you.

SUMMER HOURS CHANGED FOR POLICE STATION IN KANATA

The Ottawa Police Service have announced that during the summer the Abbeyhill Police Station, by the Hazeldean Mall, will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Outside of those hours, the next closest police station is Greenbank Road, which is open in the evenings and on the weekend.

Work is underway on the new West Division Patrol Facility in Kanata West that will result in improved service for Kanata.

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.