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2008 - 11 - 28 - Column

The document summarizes the discussions and decisions from a recent transportation committee meeting regarding Ottawa's Transportation Master Plan (TMP). It outlines Councillor Marianne Wilkinson's views on proposals for improving transit connections to Kanata, budget cuts facing the city, and several upcoming community events. The TMP was approved after lengthy debate and includes starting environmental assessments for an east-west rail line and priorities for road construction over the next several years. The city now must find $45 million in budget cuts to achieve a 4.9% tax increase.

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Councillor Marianne Wilkinson
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36 views

2008 - 11 - 28 - Column

The document summarizes the discussions and decisions from a recent transportation committee meeting regarding Ottawa's Transportation Master Plan (TMP). It outlines Councillor Marianne Wilkinson's views on proposals for improving transit connections to Kanata, budget cuts facing the city, and several upcoming community events. The TMP was approved after lengthy debate and includes starting environmental assessments for an east-west rail line and priorities for road construction over the next several years. The city now must find $45 million in budget cuts to achieve a 4.9% tax increase.

Uploaded by

Councillor Marianne Wilkinson
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© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
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KANATA NORTH NEWS Marianne Wilkinson Councillor, Kanata North TRANSIT, TRANSPORTATION AND DISCORD

Im writing this before our Council meeting on Nov. 26 so the results of that meeting may be out before you read this column, which outlines my view on these important issues. On Wednesday Nov. 19, the joint Transportation and Transit Committee met to deliberate on the Transportation Master Plan (TMP). This Plan lays out the road, transit, cycling and pedestrian plans for the next 20 years. This meeting was a nightmare, running from 9:30 am until midnight! Public delegations were given 5 minutes for their presentations, which were thoughtful and expressed the speakers ideas and concerns. A lot more time was Councillors asking questions, often duplicating what had already been presented or trying to get the speaker to support their viewpoint, so it was late afternoon when we finally started to deal with the TMP. We first had a presentation from Councillors Doucet and Leadman on their transit proposal. At first glance this plan looks good as it suggests a faster rail connection to Kanata. On closer inspection serious problems arise. The plan is really a reinstatement of the north-south line that was rejected in 2006 as that part would have to be built first, since their location for a maintenance facility was near Riverside South. That was not surprising considering the consultant who put forward this Carling plan was paid by Urbandale, who own much land in Riverside South. Using Carling to go west is much more costly than using either the Parkway or Byron Avenue and would be considerably slower. The biggest problem is that serving the core would come later in the process so there would be no direct route to downtown or Tunneys Pasture for many years. They seem to think that their initial $3.5 billion would be available immediately. However, the provincial and federal governments who will be paying for 2/3 of the cost have made it clear that their initial provision will be about $400 million so the first phase needs to be in the range of $1.2 billion. Im not interested in another N-S line having priority so I wont be supporting this plan. Following motion after motion to postpone building roads (most of which are development charge roads funded by new construction in places like Kanata) we were able to deal with the staff recommendations, with some minor modifications. I supported the proposals since it is a start to an east-west rail system, deals with some missing transitways to the west and elsewhere, adds more park and rides and puts a priority on fixing the congestion in central Ottawa. We approved an immediate start on the environmental assessment (EA) for the western extension from Tunneys Pasture and extended the EA for the tunnel to include a rail line to the east and west and the location for the maintenance yard. At committee, one

vote was a huge surprise as the Chair, Maria McRae, who supported all other parts of the plan, voted against the one that set the priorities for development, which lost on a 5-5 tie. All other parts of the plan were approved. The TMP now goes to full Council next Wednesday where I expect all of it to be approved, including the priorities for development. The approval included the plan for road construction, which, in the period 20092015, includes completing Terry Fox, extending Campeau to Huntmar, finishing Kanata Ave. and building the new Goulbourn Forced Road. It also includes the Cycling Plan approved earlier this year. A Pedestrian Plan is to be completed early in 2009. The TMP is reviewed every 5 years so it can be modified to fit changes in development patterns and transit ridership.

BUDGET 2009
Due to a removal of a $10 million dollar grant Council must now find $45 million in cuts just to reach a 4.9% tax increase. In my view that cant include cutting outdoor rinks, having huge increases in user fees for childrens sports groups or cutting out cultural activities. Im working with other Councillors to find alternative savings which will be brought out at the budget. Members of the public can make a presentation to all of Council on Dec. 1 to 3. On Dec. 2 we will sit until 9 pm to enable those who cant come during the day to participate. Council will debate the budget immediately following the public sessions from Dec. 3 to 5.

GRANDMOTHERS TO GRANDMOTHERS
There are a number of groups of Grannies in Kanata that are raising funds to support African Grandmothers raising their grandchildren who have been orphaned due to Aids. The Kilimanjaro grannies are collecting used cell phones, ink cartridges and laser cartridges which they send for recycling. Contact Barbara Carriere 613-592-8358 or [email protected] The Kanata Grandmothers Together are holding a tea & luncheon at St. Johns Anglican Church, 325 Sandhill (off Shirleys Brook) on Nov. 29 from 11 am to 2 pm. Apple Pies, crafts and African jewelry will be available.

COMING EVENTS:
Nov 30 3 pm, Kanata Choral Society with Brass, St. Pauls Church, 20 Young Road, Kanata Dec 1 Deadline for comments on Shirleys Brook Storm Water Management Plan Dec 1 Cash in Lieu of Parking meeting, Honeywell Room, City Hall 7-9 pm Dec 1-3 all day. You can speak to Council on the budget for 5 minutes. Call 613-580-2424, ext. 12487 to book a time.

Dec 4 Flu Shots, Holy Trinity High School, 180 Katimavik Rd., 3:30 to 8:30 pm

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 [email protected] or through www.mariannewilkinson.com.

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