KANATA NORTH NEWS Marianne Wilkinson Councillor, Kanata North PARKING IN DOWNTOWN OTTAWA

Many people have expressed concern about the impact of Councils decision to extend the hours that payment is required at parking meters and to add meters in new areas. These changes were among the suggestions put forward by staff during the budget discussions to reduce the property tax increase. There was no analysis presented on the impact of these changes nor did the business or public react to the recommendation prior to the budget being discussed. My suggestion is to have payment at meters stop at 7pm and to keep parking free on Sundays. This would ensure that churchgoers on Sunday could park on the street and anyone going to dinner, concerts or other activities in the evening wouldnt have to keep feeding a meter. I will be asking the Transportation Committee this week to support this change.

THE MAYOR
Many residents have expressed concern about the charges that have been laid against the Mayor and the impact on the City of Ottawa. There is nothing in the municipal act that applies to such a situation and the City lawyer has told Council that it is a private matter with the Mayor and he has to decide how to deal with it. I did let the Mayor know, during a private meeting, that most residents who have contacted me would like him to step aside until the court makes a decision. I also told him that there were others who would like him to stay on. I confirmed that I would continue to work with him on city business as I have in the past if his decision is to stay. We are on good terms and over the next few months Ill be working directly with him as a member of the Long Range Financial Planning Committee on the review of administrative departments, looking for savings and starting to make any changes that will make the city more efficient. Part of the transformation process that started last year was to look at governance. In last weeks speech, the Mayor stated that ward-based priority setting should be included. Hes also asking for discussion on the creation of a parking commission and an independent transit commission. I would like to hear from you on these possibilities. I have a real concern about having public tax money spent without having your elected representatives controlling the budget.

PORTRAIT GALLERY
The federal government has cancelled the national portrait gallery that was to have been located on Wellington Street and has instead put out a proposal call for private developers from 9 cities across Canada to apply to construct and operate the gallery. Canada has one of the largest portrait collections in the world, stored in Gatineau in a warehouse and they should be exhibited This important national institution belongs in the nations capital, a natural extension to the family of museums located in Ottawa that explore and explain Canadian history to citizens and visitors alike. A prestigious asset for a community, it raises the profile of Ottawa as a cultural centre and attraction for all Canadians. If this is the beginning of moving federal government facilities out of Ottawa, it could be disastrous for our economy. Please let the government know that national institutions should be located in the national capital.

GREEN PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

The Green Partnership Pilot Program has been extended for an additional year. The goal of the community-based pilot program, implemented in 2006, is to encourage and support public involvement in keeping Ottawa clean and green through environmental and/or beautification benefits. The remaining available funding of $424,400 will be used for new community projects in 2008. The deadline for applications is April 15, 2008.

Coming Events
Jan 20 World Religion Day 2008, City Hall, 2-4 pm Jan 21 Martin Luther King Day, events at noon at City Hall and in the evening on Parliament Hill Jan 28 7 pm - Ward Council, Program Room, Kanata Seniors Centre, Mlacak Centre. Special guest is Police Chief White.

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.