THE WEEK IN REVIEW

This past week started with a presentation by Ottawa area MPPs on the provincial budget.
It includes funding for infrastructure that, combined with announcements in the federal
budget, encouraged me to ask for support to move light rail to Kanata. Working with the
other West end Councillors I expect that we will have a firm proposal in short order, which
Ill share with you through this column.
That evening I attended the Awesome Authors Event at Centrepoint Theatre, an event
sponsored by the Friends of the Ottawa Public Library. It was an evening filled with talented
children from 9 to 17 who shared their poems and short stories with the guests in both
official languages. There were many awards given to students from the Earl of March middle
school, Jack Donohue and cole lmentaire Publique Kanata. Each year the winning poems
and stories are published in Pot-Pourri, encouraging our young authors to continue their
writing.
The next morning I was fascinated to hear about the coming of the driverless car
(widespread by 2020 according to those present) at the Autonomous Vehicles Ecosystem
Breakfast. Speakers included one from Kanatas QNX. A panel described what was
happening in the field and what to expect in the future. These changes will dramatically
impact everyone, from job losses for truck and taxi drivers to increased mobility for the
blind, to changes in how our cities develop. Our businesses need to become involved to
ensure developing industries and jobs locate here.
That afternoon I attended a planning meeting on how to improve medical facilities in our
growing area, attended the wake for a long time resident and in the evening participated
with more than 200 residents at the last community consultation meeting on the expansion
lands along March Road. The plans are being finalized along with documents that will outline
how the area will be developed. These should be on the City website soon with a further 30
day comment period before a report is sent to Planning Committee and Council for final
approval. Development will include 3,000 homes (8,000 residents), retail areas, schools,
parks, firehall and park and ride.
On Thursday, after an interesting IT Committee meeting where we discussed making Ottawa
a smart city, I attended the 2nd annual TEDxKanata at the Brookstreet. Nearly 300 were
present to hear from 8 speakers on the theme of Breaking Barriers. Go to tedxkanata.com/
to find out about the fabulous speakers this year and watch last years presentations. Videos
of each 2016 presentation will be available there shortly at 18 minutes each youll find
them worth watching.
ONTARIO ELECTRICTY SUPPORT PROGRAM
This is a program provided from the Ontario Energy Board for low income households. It
provides a monthly electricity credit based on income and household size. In Ottawa, the
intake agency is OTTAWA ACORN. Registration and clinics are held Fridays at their office,
494 McArthur. If you have a low income, check your eligibility at ontarioelectricitysupport.ca.
For assistance, book a time by calling 613-746-5999 or e-mail ottawafo@acroncanada.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS
April 9, Kanata Seniors Pancake Breakfast, 8-10am, Mlacak; Spring Yard Sale, St. Johns

Anglican Church, 9-10:30am; Beaverbrook Guides Spring Tea & Craft sale, noon-4pm,
Kanata United Church
April 12, Wildlife Speaker Series: Engaging Citizens in Science, 6-8pm, Ben Franklin
Place, 101 Centrepointe Dr. Free event to increase your knowledge and appreciation of
wildlife.
April 14, Brainstorming Launch for Sustain Kanata North, 7pm, Beaverbrook Library
April 16, 6:30 9:30 pm, St. Johns Church Hall, F.R.O.G. Concert to benefit a Syrian
refugee family. Music, club atmosphere, trivia challenge, prizes, snacks, cash bar, Call 613
592-4747 for tickets ($20 each).