KANATA NORTH NEWS Marianne Wilkinson Councillor, Kanata North LAURIER SEGREGATED BIKE LANES OPEN

Last Sunday, as Chair of the Transportation Committee together with Mayor Watson, I was pleased to open the Laurier Ave segregated bike lanes. These lanes are physically separated from motor vehicles by curbs and planter boxes. They are a first in Ontario but have been successfully used in Vancouver, Montreal and Portland. These lanes will provide people who are not comfortable riding their bike in traffic with a safe cycling lane. Segregated bike lanes are intended to increase the number of people who get out and use their bikes, encouraging a healthier and more active population. Cycling even moderate distances on a regular basis can help reduce obesity rates and associated medical costs. Getting more people out of their cars and onto bikes also reduces CO2 emissions, improving air quality to the benefit of all residents. Providing dedicated lanes for cyclists also reduces road congestion. Getting even a few people out of their cars and onto their bikes means that car drivers and other road users are able to get to their destinations more efficiently. Roadways can accommodate more users if travelers are on bicycles rather than in cars. To meet concerns that have been expressed, equivalent parking spots have been made available on Laurier and adjacent streets, 24 hours per day, with some spots being free. Ive met with the Chair of the Citys Accessibility Committee and have staff working with her to meet the needs of those with accessibility concerns. I have pamphlets on the new lanes and the changed traffic rules, including the first launch pads to help cyclists turn left across traffic. This is a 2 year pilot project so comments and suggestions are welcomed. Information and a video are available at: http://ottawa.ca/residents/public_consult/bikelane/index_en.html.

UPDATE ON LIGHT RAIL TUNNEL

This week Council will be making a decision on a revision to the downtown tunnel to have it follow a route under Queen St. at a much shallower depth. This will decrease costs, provide easier access for the public and can be done within the $2.1 billion budget, including inflation costs. The changes are the result of the value engineering evaluation, with increased information from borings done throughout the downtown over the past year; following a motion I put forward in

2010 to undertake such an analysis, inquiries by other Councillors and much involvement by the Mayor. It is truly a win-win for the City and taxpayers.

5TH ANNUAL KANATA NORTH PICNIC

Plan to attend this years picnic on Wed. July 27th from 4 - 8 pm at Sandwell Green Park along the Parkway and across from the Earl of March High School. This year along with a free barbeque, bouncies, petting zoo and entertainment you will be able to get information about our new recreation centre that will be under construction this fall and the proposed addition to the Beaverbrook Library.

EVENTS
Congratulations to the organizers of Canada Day 2011 at Walter Baker Park. This entirely volunteer group did a fantastic job for us. As I was part of the Committee prior to being elected in 2006, I know the work that goes into both raising the funds and the organization and implementation required to put on this great party. Please consider joining them to help out in future years. Pinheys Point is a great place this summer. Check the Citys website for details on the Junior Naturalist Club, the Green Thumbs Club, Wonderkids preschool program, campfires and storytelling this July. Its also a beautiful place for a picnic and to explore the historic Pinhey home. Contact me at 613-580-2474, email Marianne.Wilkinson@ottawa.ca, or visit www.mariannewilkinson.com to keep up to date on community matters.