KANATA NORTH NEWS Marianne Wilkinson Councillor, Kanata North NEW SEWERS FOR LEACOCK AREA

Following the sewer backups that affected homes in Beaverbrook, the City has done a major analysis of the causes and prepared plans to rectify the problems that were identified. At a meeting last week, City Staff showed the location of replacement sanitary sewers along Leacock Way and a portion of Leacock Drive and a new sewer along Beaverbrook Road. The sewer connecting to Kingsford Ave. from Leacock Drive is being sealed off with the flow diverted to the new sewer on Beaverbrook Road. Construction of these sewers, together with a connecting water main link, will take place starting in September. Staff has been asked to expedite the procurement process so that work can start as soon as possible. The construction will create congestion on those roads. Consideration is being given to find a safe way for people accessing Stephen Leacock Public School and Kanata United Church. The work is planned to be completed by the end of the year. Inhibitors on catch basins to control surface runoff entering the storm sewer, together with a new section of storm sewer and unblocking storm sewers that take the water to Watts creek, will help to control storm water. Residents expressed concern that this may not solve the problem of storm water entering homes and have asked for a full evaluation of drainage in the area. I have met with the City manager in charge and he has agreed to have his staff review overland drainage. Once they have done a preliminary analysis I will arrange for a meeting with residents, who have local knowledge, to finalize the review and then have a full public meeting on the results likely early in the fall. I am also looking into the problems individuals are having with their insurance coverage. I will report on this once I have more information on how the works being undertaken could be taken into account in reinstating sewer backup coverage. I would appreciate feedback on problems being encountered with insurance so that I can cover all situations.

PROGRESS ON KANATA AVE. AND GOULBOURN FORCED ROAD

Kanata Ave. paving is scheduled for early August to prepare the roadway for reopening. All work, including landscaping; installation of the roundabout at the Stitkine/Keyrock intersection and traffic signals at the Goulbourn Force Road is scheduled to be completed this fall. Staff is checking with Hydro Ottawa to confirm their schedule for moving the hydro lines underground.

Changes are also being made at the Kanata Ave/Terry Fox intersection to create better turn lanes and locate a left turn lane into the commercial site at that intersection. Ive also been informed that a left turn lane and traffic signals will be installed at the Huntsville Drive intersection. The construction schedule for the Goulbourn Forced Road is not set yet, as it depends on the timing of reopening Kanata Ave at which time it will be closed for blasting. The general approach is to complete all the work up to base asphalt this season, and return next spring for any remaining work and landscaping. The work includes a roundabout at Badgeley and sidewalks on both sides of the road.

KANATA NORTH PICNIC FUN FOR ALL

Many thanks to the volunteers who helped at the picnic, to my staff who did an awesome job of organizing the event and to the sponsors who provided all of the funds for the event! For the fifth year we had fine weather and a huge turnout. It was wonderful to see young children having a good time and families enjoying the sunshine. Thanks, also, to those who entertained during the event. There is a lot of talent in Kanata and this was an opportunity to showcase some of it to the community.

LANSDOWNE COURT DECISION UPHOLDS CITY POSITION

The Superior Court of Ontario has dismissed the application put forward by Friends of Lansdowne in its entirety. The City can now proceed with finalizing the plans so that construction can commence on restoring the stadium. The rulilng showed that Council acted with good faith and that staff acted with professionalism and integrity. I know that some are not happy with the plans and are taking steps to delay construction. With this legal ruling, I hope that rather than undertaking more costly legal challenges everyone can work together to improve and implement the restoration of this important City site. .

NOTES OF INTEREST
Somerset St. is closed between Breezehill Ave. North and City Centre Ave. from Aug 2 to Sept. 8 Bank St. remains closed but the intersection at Pretoria is now open to traffic. Councillor Chernushenko has asked those who use Bank St. businesses to continue to do so during the reconstruction of the street. Rare restaurant in the Centrum has applied for a liquor license.

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