KANATA NORTH NEWS Marianne Wilkinson Councillor, Kanata North New zoning change on the way for Kanata

Avenue
City staff are submitting a zoning change for the land within the Centrum Shopping Centre that fronts onto Kanata Avenue from Lord Byng Way to Earl Grey Drive. This land is currently used as a temporary parking area. The reason for the zoning change is to make the specific zone requirements conform to the Official Plan for the area and to implement the vision for the Kanata Town Centre. The provisions of the zoning bylaw may include clarifying the minimum building height, the maximum setback from Kanata Ave, clarifying the finished building grade, describing the relationship to the Main Street Extension roadway midway along that section, and ensuring design factors are implemented. The effect of the proposed amendment would be to achieve a built-form along Kanata Avenue that better reflects council's current vision, goals and objectives for the development of the Kanata Town Centre, including the subject Regional Shopping Centre lands. Details will be provided to community groups and will soon be on the Citys website. I will have this as an item on a future Ward Council agenda, as well.

Park Development
I am very concerned over all of the delays in getting the parks in our new areas developed as soon as possible. I have met with the new park planner for our area and briefed her on the status of the parks and the need for action and spoken with staff who deal with developers in the field. Richcraft has sent me an email saying that they would not to building the Keyrock Park as weve been discussing, but Im hoping that they will reconsider that so that the park can be built as soon as possible. If not, staff have told me theyd move forward quickly to tender the work and get it done. Discussions are ongoing on the Briarbrook and Sandhill parks as there is some work remaining to be done by the developers under their subdivision agreements. As soon as they finish, the City can tender the park development itself. Once I have detailed timelines, Ill include them in my column.

Save yourself from break-ins and door-to-door deceptive practices

The police have told me they continue to have reports of thefts from vehicles, both in shopping centre parking lots and in individual driveways. Please ensure that valuables are not left in plain sight on your car seat and that doors are locked, even when youre home. Report any incident to the police. Ive been informed that some door-to-door sales people have been providing misleading information to residents. These include indicating they represent a certain company when they dont and failing to provide all information on the terms and conditions of their offer. Do not let someone into your home if they say they are a company representative unless you have a scheduled appointment with them. Be careful about any contract you sign to ensure you understand all terms and have the means to end the contract without huge fees. When in doubt, check with the Better Business Bureau or the Ministry of Consumer Services toll-free at 1-800-889-9768 or email consumer@ontario.ca regarding your rights.

Spring Cleaning is here!

The snow has melted, spring is in the air and much debris has emerged along our streets and parks. Now is the time to get your team together for the annual Spring Cleaning the Capital Campaignand to re-claim our title as the Ward Champion! Kanata is a beautiful place where we all enjoy natural surroundings. We are also residents who know how to take care of our environment and to do it as a community. There is no better way to get out and meet your neighbours and make new acquaintances as you participate in this years Spring Cleaning the Capital event. This years spring event takes place from April 15 to May 15. You can register online at www.ottawa.ca and be eligible for great prizes. Last year, I challenged the other councillors to take over as the ward with the greatest participation of its residents which Kanata North had won four consecutive times. Well, StittsvilleKanata West won the first round, and I presented a special trophy (Oscar the Grouch and his garbage can) to Councillor Qadri. Now I need everyone to register and participate so we can win it back!

Coming events
March 26. Deadline for nominations for Civic Appreciation Awards. March 31. Deadline for applying for Community Environmental Initiatives Grant. April 9. Deadline for applications for funding for murals to combat graffiti.

April 19. Ward Council, 7 p.m., in the Program Room of the Kanata Seniors Centre.

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.