KANATA NORTH NEWS Marianne Wilkinson Councillor, Kanata North TRAFFIC ISSUES

One of the most common concerns raised is with respect to traffic issues. Residents on Statewood who attended the Open House on Terry Fox Drive were concerned that their street would connect to Terry Fox. Im not sure why this was included on the plan of subdivision for the area as it was developed before I was on Council. I have asked that it be re-evaluated. One problem is that there is no space to install a cul-de-sac. If the connection is made there will be a barrier to ensure it is only used for right in and out turns. Second Line Road will be built through and will have a traffic light where left turns can be made more safely. Staff are providing details on the building of Terry Fox to the federal government so that approval can be obtained to construct the part of Terry Fox by Morgans Grant and the part from Kanata Ave. to the Richardson Side Road so both can proceed this year. During the summer, many cyclists and pedestrians will be using our sidewalks and pathways. Cyclists are reminded that sidewalks are for pedestrians, strollers and small children on bikes. Pathways through the parks are dual purpose but cyclists must give way to pedestrians. The safety of all is of prime importance. The City has just produced a Pedestrian Plan similar to last years completed Cycling Plan. Implementation of the recommendations will take some years with the objective of making Ottawa safer for both pedestrians and cyclists. Both plans can be viewed on the Citys website. I have been working to speed up the provision of traffic signals at Klondike and March as well as Maxwell Bridge and March. Work will start soon to move utilities in advance of major construction to widen March Road from Morgans Grant/Shirleys Brook to Maxwell Bridge/Old Carp Road. That work will start this fall commencing with the east side where half the road will be built while traffic remains on the existing road. Once completed, traffic will use the new lanes and reconstruction of the existing lanes will commence. While the first lanes are under construction it is not possible to put in traffic lights that meet provincial requirements due to the type of construction at the site. I now have a commitment to install them as soon as the first side is completed, about a year before the original time, which was to be when all construction was completed. This is not ideal but seems to be the best that can be done. With construction underway, traffic will move more slowly and homeowners are encouraged to go to intersections with traffic signals until the new ones are installed.

KANATA NORTH 3rd ANNUAL PICNIC JULY 28

Arrangements for our ward-wide community picnic are well underway. Mark Tuesday, July 28, from 4 - 8 pm at Sandwell Green, on your calendar for a free barbeque, entertainment, childrens bouncies, exhibits and you get to talk with me! All costs are covered by sponsorships with any amount remaining being included in fund for the youth room at the Kanata North Recreation Centre.

ELECTRONIC RECYCLING
R D Long Computers Limited has announced their participation with the Ontario Electronics Stewardship (OES) Waste Electrical and Electronics Equipment (WEEE) program. As an authorized collection center in the OES WEEE program they can now accept some Electronics items without the need for charging a recycling fee. For more details call 613-821-2555

TRANSIT
The first public meeting on the environmental assessment for the transitway from Bayshore to Moodie was held in Crystal Beach last week. Residents packed the meeting with concerns about the effect of the transitway on their community. The preferred route is immediately next to the Queensway while residents would prefer to have it cross to the other side. This part of the transitway is an important link for Kanata and is included in the first phase of the Transit Master Plan, with construction anticipated to start within two years. A further Open House will be held in September.

Serving the residents and businesses in Kanata North

To receive the Kanata North Newsletter, to deal with a concern or make a suggestion contact me at 613-580-2474, email Marianne.Wilkinson@ottawa.ca or through www.mariannewilkinson.com.