KANATA NORTH NEWS Marianne Wilkinson Councillor, Kanata North NEW PARKS FOR BRIARBROOK

Residents of Briarbrook, dont forget to attend the meeting to review the plans for two new parks in your area. The meeting is being held at the Chartwell Retirement residence, 20 Shirleys Brook Drive, on Wednesday, January 16th at 7:30 pm. The parks are located on Sandhill and Klondike Roads.

POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD FROM HRV SYSTEMS

If you have a heat recovery ventilation system manufactured by Venmar Ventilation Inc. there may be a risk of fire. These have many brand names, including Carrier, York, NuTone etc. Those installed between 1991 and 2001 and 2006-7 are affected. Check your brand (a list is on the City website in a media advisory dated December 28) and if you have a unit immediately turn it off and unplug it. I have one and we have unplugged it. Then contact Venmar at 1866-441-4645 or at www.venmar.ca. If you are experiencing strong electric or burning smells and /or smoke, call 911 to have the fire department respond to confirm the source of the smells or smoke. Also remember to have working smoke alarms on every floor of your home.

TAILGATING AND STOP SIGN RUNNING ENFORCEMENT

In January, the Citys selective traffic enforcement program is focusing on drivers that follow the vehicle ahead too closely and do not obey stop signs. Tailgaters were responsible for 4,364 collisions in 2006 with 1,407 injuries and two deaths. Another 1,605 collisions occurred for failing to stop for stop signs with 537 injuries and three deaths. Take that extra few seconds to stop at stop signs and stay back from the vehicle ahead. It will make Ottawa safer for everyone.

WINTER ISSUES
With the record snowfall received in December and early January followed by the thaw this week, it has been very difficult to keep roads and sewers open, clear pathways and bus stops, and lower snowbanks. Visibility when backing out of your driveway and at corners has been severely reduced. Please exercise extreme caution, slow down on local streets in particular, and watch for pedestrians.

Winter parking regulations are now in effect. You can sign up for an e-alert at www.ottawa.ca/winterparking that will let you know when parking on the street is prohibited due to snow or clearing activities as well as when the ban is lifted. During such times vehicles may not be parked on any City street between 1 am and 7 am. Vehicles on the street when a restriction is in effect will be ticketed. On most Kanata streets, snow will be blown back onto our lawns to reduce snowbanks. In those cases where snow is trucked away, temporary signs are posted and parking is prohibited at that time. With all the freezing and thawing, Ottawas nemesis potholes are developing everywhere. These can develop very quickly. If you see a pothole please call or email 311 to report it so that it will be filled in as soon as possible. Some residents have had damage done to their tires and cars from larger potholes and fast reporting will reduce potential damage to your or your neighbours vehicle. With this heavy snowfall it is also important to check your gas meter equipment to ensure there is no build-up of ice or snow and that air intake vents and discharge exhaust vents are kept open. If they get plugged a pressure switch will automatically shut down your furnace resulting in loss of heat. Report any concerns with snow removal operations by calling 311 or emailing 311@ottawa.ca

ANNUAL REPORT
This week my annual report has been mailed to all residences in Kanata North. Due to postal areas a few may also go to persons outside the ward. If you fail to receive a report you can pick one up at my Ward office in the Mlacak Centre on Wednesdays or Fridays from 10 am to 3 pm or in the Beaverbrook Library.

Coming Events
Jan 16 7:30 pm - Meeting re Briarbrook Parks, 20 Shirleys Brook Drive 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, deal with a concern or make a suggestion, contact me at 613-580-2474, email Marianne.Wilkinson@ottawa.ca or visit www.mariannewilkinson.com.