KANATA NORTH NEWS Marianne Wilkinson Councillor, Kanata North TRANSIT CHANGES

As part on an ongoing review of city operations, changes have been approved by the City Manager to make OC Transpo operations more efficient. Previously the City was organized under centres of expertise. For example, all vehicles were purchased and maintained under a division looking after all fleet vehicles, including buses. The result was that OC Transpo operations did not have control on the purchase of buses or their maintenance. With this change, all fleet management, material management (including buses and parts) and transit financial services will be moved to the Transit Department. This change is designed to improve service by having the operators of the bus system in charge of their own bus fleet. It forms a part of the program reviews underway to increase efficiencies and reduce costs.

OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW

Every five years the City is required to review the official plan that determines land use, transportation networks, other infrastructure requirements and intensification targets for the City for a 20-year timeframe. The review will consider any change to the urban boundary as well as how development will occur in the rural areas. The official plan determines our future development and those interested in how Kanata will change in the future and when infrastructure, such as the completion of Terry Fox Drive, will be built should attend an information meeting on the Official Plan Review at the Mlacak Centre on June 16 starting at 7 pm.

OTTAWA RIVER CROSSING

The next stage of the study on crossings of the Ottawa River is now available on the study website, www.ncrcrossings.ca/en/. There are now three options connecting to Riddell Drive which include an interchange at March Road which would require the destruction of a number of existing homes. One of the options is a tunnel. All three options would eliminate the Kanata Sailing Club and have a major impact on the Y Camp, the Canoe Club and the wildlife reserve in that area. Although the need for an east end bridge is more urgent it appears that there will also be a recommendation for one in the west end to be built at a later date. If you are interested in this study and its impact on Kanata visit the website and send your comments in by July 2. You can also attend a public meeting being

held on June 17 at Ottawa City Hall with an open house from 5 to 7 pm followed by a presentation and responses to questions.

VANDALISM
With school coming to a close, vandalism has been accelerating. Targets have included smashing the glass at bus shelters, painting graffiti and slashing tires. The police have announced a zero tolerance for end of year events that include illegal activities. Parents can also be required to pay for any damages. Vandalism is a large expense with the cost of repairs coming from your property taxes. Please report any suspicious activities to the police (call 911 for a crime in progress or 613-230-6211 for other emergencies) and help to stop this destruction in our community.

Coming Events
June 16 Official Plan Review presentation, Mlacak Centre 7-9pm June 17 Ottawa River Bridge Crossing Meeting, City Hall, Open House 5-7pm followed by a presentation and questions June 19 Property tax payment deadline June 20 Relay for Life at Sacred Heart High School, Stittsville June 21 Briarbrook/Morgans Grant Multicultural Day, noon-4pm June 21 Kanata Day at the Carp Market June 21 CFUW/Kanatas House & Garden Tour June 24 Ward Council, Mlacak Centre, 7-9pm July 1 Canada Day in Kanata

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.