KANATA NORTH NEWS Marianne Wilkinson Councillor, Kanata North CHILDCARE SERVICES IN KANATA NORTH

Kanata North has a large number of young families so the need for childcare is high. More than 12% of the children waiting for licensed care in the next six months are from Kanata North. Our Childcare Committee is working to find solutions to fill the gap. Unfortunately neither the federal nor the provincial budget offered any new funding for childcare so new providers have to carry 100% of the costs, which means those needing subsidies wont be able to get them. We will have a new centre in the Briarbrook School for up to 50 children, primarily from the kindergarten classes. The School Board is looking for an operator and expects to have one soon. Two others are looking at setting up a centre but are having difficulties finding a suitable location. We need to have the City assist with getting centres in the growth areas to ensure that adequate services are available and change from funding agencies for subsidized spaces by funding those in most need.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT and GOVERNANCE

The City is finally beginning to be more serious on economic development. Ive met with staff about this and made suggestions on what can be done to support our technology businesses during this time of severe loss of tech jobs, particularly from Nortel. Ive also discussed this with Terry Matthews and will be working on a proposal to expand his very successful system of assisting start up companies to become successful. Council will soon start discussions on governance, looking at Council Committees, their roles and responsibilities and where improvements can be made. I am in support of setting up a Finance and Audit Committee that can work with staff and Council throughout the year to determine financing requirements for the services we provide and lead to the development of a budget that is more realistic and cost efficient. I also support and hope to be a part of a Technology Committee that will work with departments to determine the most effective way of providing services and then support adding the necessary technology to improve efficiencies in providing those services. Council needs to make the work of Committees more streamlined and to delegate minor items to staff and individual Councillors so that Council can concentrate on key policy issues such as the Official Plan and developing an effective transit system.

BATTERY RECYCLING
I am pleased that the Beaverbrook Library will soon be part of a pilot program to recycle batteries. Residents can dispose of their small batteries, including those in cell phones and blackberries, at the library. Details on what can be recycled will be posted directly on the drop bin, as well as handling instructions. When full they will be collected by the City and brought to a central battery depot.

GOOD FRIDAY WALK OF THE CROSS

This Friday the annual Walk of the Cross will take place starting at noon from the Kanata Community Christian Reform Church, 46 Castlefrank Road (beside the Hazeldean Library). This is an opportunity for Christians from all denominations to walk together through the community.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

April 15 May 15 Cleaning the Capital. Sign up now. April 18 10 am 5 pm, Eco-Stewardship Fair, RA Centre April 20 6 pm, Public Library Board meets at the Mlacak Centre April 25 9 am noon, Electronics Recycling Depot, Waste Management April 25 Annual Briarbrook & Morgans Grant Clean Up Day April 27 7-9 pm, Kanata North Ward Council May 2 9:30 am, Annual Beaverbrook Clean Up Day with BBQ, Kids Crafts May 30 8 am to 12 pm, Beaverbrook & Morgans Grant Yard Sale

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.