KANATA NORTH NEWS Marianne Wilkinson Councillor, Kanata North KANATA RACE DAY

On Sunday, September 11th join me at the Kanata Legion on Hines Road for the 2nd annual Sports4 Kanata Race Day. This event has been organized on my behalf by a dedicated group of volunteers who are committed to increasing awareness of the wonderful recreation complex that we will soon be enjoying and to raising the funds we need to enhance the facility. You can take part in the 5K race that starts at 9 am and goes through the site of the complex and into Trillium Woods where you can enjoy the natural area that is being preserved. Or bring the family, young and old, and do the 1K route that takes you past the site. After the race enjoy a massage and other special healthy living items in the RBC Rec Zone. Online registration ended on Sept 7th but you can also register on site. Registration for the 5K is $15 for those over 60 or 12 and under and $20 for all others. The 1K is $5 for each person. You can also download a sponsorship sheet and get others to sponsor your race. Donations of $10 or more will receive a taxable donation receipt from the City of Ottawa. Please ensure that full information is provided if a receipt is required. Volunteers are still needed. Go to the contact page at KanataRaceDay.com and send an email to the Race Director Sarah Muldoon to volunteer. For High School students this is a great way to get community hours. Thank you so much to the organizing team who have put this together for me and for the community and to the sponsors and businesses who have provided funds and in kind donations. The race is a wonderful example of our community working together to support facilities for all.

BUDGET IDEAS
The City budget for 2012 is to be tabled with Council on October 26th and then taken to Committees for public input and discussion. Council has endorsed a budget strategy that sets the increase in the municipal portion of the tax bill to a maximum of 2.5% during this term of Council. In order to keep taxes at that level, the budget will need to undergo detailed scrutiny. Your suggestions on priorities for spending and areas where savings could be made will help achieve that goal. For example, if you are concerned

with potholes you may want to have more priority given to asphalt overlays on our roads and less on some other City service. Budget2012@ottawa.ca is a special email address to send your comments and suggestions to the Mayor, who is involved in drafting the budget. Copy me as well at Marianne.wilkinson@ottawa.ca so I can follow up with your suggestions when the budget is debated.

NEW ROUNDABOUT
A roundabout is being completed on Kanata Ave at the Stikine/Keyrock intersection. Information signs are being placed there for you to become familiar with the way a round-about works. Remember to yield to vehicles in the circle and to stop for pedestrians at the marked pedestrian crossings. Following those simple procedures will make this a safe and convenient intersection.

NEXT BUS ARRIVALTEXTING

Want to know when your bus is arriving or if its been cancelled or delayed. Now you can send an SMS text message to 560560 followed by your bus stop number. You will get the real-time bus location 24/7. To receive alerts a onetime sign up is available at octranspo.com. There is no charge from OC Transpo but you should check your phone service provider to get your text service fee. Real-time service is not yet available by phone. Full data online that can be used to develop apps is anticipated by the end of the year.

BUS ROUTE CHANGES

Major changes to bus routes occurred last Sunday. If you have not yet done so, go to www.checkyourroute.ca to find out how to get to your destination. For assistance call 613-741-4390. You can also get schedules 24 hours a day, up to 6 days in advance by calling 613-560-1000 plus your four-digit bus stop number. Please let me know what you like about the new services and of any concerns that you have. The next time changes can be made is in January but in the meantime I will be working on getting approval for improvements in the system.

DATES TO REMEMBER
Sept. 11, Kanata Race Day, 5k at 9 am, 1k fun run at 10 am, Kanata Legion, Hines Road. Sept. 15 Oct 15, Help Clean the Capital. Register on ottawa.ca Friday Sept 16, 1-3:30 pm, Expo 55+, Mlacak Centre Sept 17 10 am 5 pm, Eco Fair, Carleton University Fieldhouse, Bronson & Sunnyside Monday, Sept 19, 7-9 pm, Ward Council, Kanata Seniors Centre

Contact me at 613-580-2474, email Marianne.Wilkinson@ottawa.ca, or visit www.mariannewilkinson.com to keep up to date on community matters.