Councillor reflects on a challenging, yet positive, year
Posted Jan 1, 2010 By Marianne Wilkinson
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Tweet ThisEMC News - Although 2009 was in many ways a difficult year on council, as it draws to a close, I can reflect on the positive areas where progress was made and look forward to doing even more in 2010. My job involves both ensuring the needs of Kanata North are met and that I provide a positive contribution to citywide issues.
During 2009, council passed a new official plan to guide develop for the future, including land use, servicing, transportation (roads, transit, cycling and pedestrian), we approved a new development charges bylaw that will provide funding in newly developing areas, we moved forward on detailed planning for the first phase of the rapid transit rail network and have now received funding support from the province for it, on July 24th we had serious flooding in Kanata, for which remedial measures to ensure no reoccurrence are now being developed, and we have moved forward on a revised plan for Lansdowne Park.
I would like to give a special thanks to my staff - Jessica, Linda, Sabine and Linda (and formerly Jon) on the work they do in responding to the concerns raised by residents. Within the ward, my job is to look after local issues, including approval of all site plan applications for development, and it would not be possible without the help of my staff and the professional staff at City Hall.
In 2010, my wish is to have council work more as a team to bring in a budget with a reasonable tax increase without loss of services. I would also like to see us move forward to finalize the designs and start construction on the Kanata North Recreation Complex and the District Library, to have the road work that is just starting on March Road partially completed so that traffic lights can be installed and to have construction completed on Kanata Avenue and the Goulbourn Forced Road and to have construction of Terry Fox well underway. Finally, we may have a plan to properly deal with the Carp River, so projects like the youth centre at The Bridge can be underway, and finally see completion of long awaited parks - Keyrock, Sandhill and Briarbrook - with children enjoying them.
I will continue to keep you informed on local issues through these columns, monthly Ward Council meetings (mark Jan. 18th on your calendar for the first of the new year), special meetings (budget meetings are on Jan. 9 and 12), my email newsletter and website, and individual or local meetings as required. I appreciate your contributions on issues and suggestions for improvements and look forward to hearing more in 2010.
Enjoy your New Year's festivities, drive safely, and have a wonderful time with your families.
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.
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