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Ensure safety for pedestrians when driving in winter

Posted Jan 8, 2010 By Marianne Wilkinson

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EMC News - At this time of year, it gets dark early, meaning snow and ice make walking more difficult. I'm concerned to have heard from residents attempting to cross a street at a three or four-way stop that drivers are not paying attention to them, making it difficult to cross and presenting a severe danger to them. At a stop sign, if a pedestrian is waiting to cross, wave them forward to let them know you've seen them and remain stopped until they have reached the other side of the road. They have the right of way.

BUDGET MEETINGS

West-end councillors will be holding two meetings for you to learn about the 2010 budget and provide your input. City staff will be available to answer questions as well. The meetings are on Saturday, Jan. 9 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mlacak Centre and Tuesday, Jan 12 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic High School. Unfortunately, due to a family death, I will be unable to attend on Jan. 9, but will have a staff member take notes of all discussion and suggestions.

You can also contact me, preferably by email, and can make a five-minute delegation to all of council starting on Jan. 25. Council is expected to approve the budget by Jan. 29.

MOURNING CONST. ERIC CZAPNIK

The stabbing death of Const. Eric Czapnik on Dec. 29 sent shock waves throughout the city. The dedicated police officer, doing his duty, was stabbed solely because he was a police officer. This senseless killing could and should have been prevented. Along with many others, I have signed the condolence book at our new west end police station, have prayed for his family, and will be attending the funeral. This event reminds us that so many of those who serve the public - not only police, fire and paramedics, but also bus drivers, snow plough operators and many others - face danger in their daily duties. Take time to thank them and to remember those, like Cst. Czapnik, who have dedicated their lives to ensuring the public's safety.

Green bins and electronic waste

This week, like many others in our community, I put my green bin out for collection. There have been many comments on the benefit of the program, particularly for those who compost. It is a beneficial program. Ottawa's is based on successful programs in places like Halifax rather than Toronto where problems have occurred because of including articles like plastic bags and diapers, which result in a poor compost product. Check the list to see what can be included - from soiled paper napkins to bones to that pizza box with food stuck to it. I've heard from some who at first said it was useless who have found that they did indeed have a lot to put into it. The city is required to move to a 60 per cent diversion rate - that is, only 40 per cent of waste going to a landfill. For years, Kanata residents were leaders in recycling, and I urge you to show the way by minimizing what goes to the landfill.

The province, which has established a program to recycle electronics, has also set up locations for reuse and recycling e-waste - televisions, desktop and laptop computers, monitors, fax machines, CD-ROM drives, disk drives, keyboards and computer mice - with more coming in the spring. The City will no longer pick e-waste up with your garbage. There is no charge for taking these to one of the locations in the city, which you can find at dowhatyoucan.ca/electronics or call 311.

COMING EVENTS

Jan. 9, 2 to 4 p.m., Budget Meeting, Mlacak Centre, 2500 Campeau Dr.

Jan. 12, 6 to 9 p.m., Budget Meeting, Holy Trinity, 180 Katimavik

Jan. 18, 7 to 9 p.m., Ward Council, Program Room, Kanata Seniors Centre

Jan. 20, 7 p.m., Helmsdale Site Plan and OC Transpo at the BMGCA meeting at Chartwell Retirement Residence, 20 Shirley's Brook Dr.

SERVING THE RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES IN KANATA NORTH

To receive the Kanata North Newsletter, to deal with a concern or make a suggestion, please feel free to contact me at 613-580-2474, email Marianne.Wilkinson@ottawa.ca or through www.mariannewilkinson.com.