Councillor sets record straight on OC Transpo garage
Posted Feb 26, 2010 By Marianne Wilkinson
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Tweet ThisEMC News - There has been a great deal of misunderstanding concerning the bus garage that is presently under construction. A Citizen editorial entitled 'The bumpy bus ride' was particularly misleading as it stated that "The projected cost of the new OC Transpo garage has risen from about $60 million to $97 million, thanks to faulty administration and unforeseen costs." The situation is actually the opposite, as the changes made will result in millions of dollars in savings to the municipality and more efficient operations.
When all bus operations were transferred to OC Transpo management in mid- 2008, a review of the bus garage was undertaken in order to move maintenance of articulated buses to one location, increase the number of buses that could be located there, and identify the equipment and IT requirements. The result was that by spending an additional $37 million for such changes, the City would reduce vehicle maintenance costs and would not need to build a projected second $70 million garage, nor to budget for the equipment and IT through other City budgets. Costs did not increase due to faulty administration or unforeseen costs but rather through positive cost-effective management actions. This is an example of moving to total cost budgeting for a project rather than having costs spread amongst five different departments - a procedure which I have supported - and which will make decision-making and financing more transparent for future capital expenditures.
MARCH ROAD SIDEWALK DEVELOPMENT
The City included sidewalk development within the Economic Stimulus Fund program last year. As approved by council in June 2009, staff have been moving forward with the implementation of sidewalks at various priority locations, funded under the program. At this time, there is sufficient funding to implement additional sidewalk projects and these are to be priority sidewalk segments in accordance with the Pedestrian Plan. Staff have informed me that a sidewalk along the west side of March Road between Teron and Carling meets this criteria as it has portions of sidewalks with missing sections. Provided that no problems are found, this sidewalk will be installed this summer.
MARCH BREAK AT THE LIBRARY
There are many programs for children aged four to 12 at the Beaverbrook Library during Winter Break (March 15-20). Programs include the art of collage, dancing, puppetry, acting poetry and more will provide lots of fun for them. View the complete list at www.BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca and register online or at the library.
CHINESE NEW YEAR
The Chinese New Year was celebrated for the first time in Kanata last Sunday. Several hundred Kanata residents of Chinese ancestry attended and I enjoyed a Chinese lunch, entertainment and music. It was a wonderful family event.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE ORGANIZERS AND TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED.
This is the year of the Tiger, and guess what? I am a Tiger! In looking at the Internet, I find that I'm in the group called 'The Earth Tiger', which means I'm a realist and tend not to get caught up by my own enthusiasm and excitement. I also have a sincere sense of responsibility and have success through continued effort. I'm warned not to take life too seriously. I'm curious as to how my fortune cookie will work out as it stated, "you will be awarded some great honour"!
COMING EVENTS
Feb. 27 - Women in Politics Campaign School, from 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., City Hall. For more information, call my office at 613-580-2474 or email me.
March 22 - Ward Council, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Program Room, Kanata Senior's Centre.
March 26 - Deadline for nominations for Civic Appreciation Awards
March 31 - Deadline for applying for Community Environmental Initiatives Grant
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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