COUNCILLOR WILKINSON KANATA NORTH DOGS IN THE PARKS

A final review, to determine where dogs will be permitted in parks and whether or not they need to be on a leash or permitted to run freely, is underway with signs to be posted soon. In natural environments, such as the South March Highlands, wildlife is present and there are province-wide laws about dogs chasing wildlife. In every area, dog owners are required by law to pick up the feces from their dog and return it to their home for disposal (dump down the toilet or put it in your garbage). I have heard of many incidents where bags containing feces have been thrown at the side of a road, along the hydro corridor, or in the woods. None of that is legal. Because of the number of complaints I have asked City Bylaw officers to cover areas where this is happening and take action. Help keep our lands clean, respect your neighbours and look after your dog(s) responsibly.

BIKE MONTH
May is Bike Month. The City is holding bike safety sessions and workshops at Bike to Work workplaces and a Bike Buddies program that matches new cyclists with experienced riders to give them confidence. See the City website for various cycling training courses. Remember that children under 18 must wear a helmet and I strongly recommend that everyone else wears one as well. I do! The City has cycling maps for many cycling pathways. Pathways through parks in Kanata North are duel use make sure you give way to pedestrians use your bell (it is compulsory to have one) and go around where possible. Riding on sidewalks (any path alongside a road) is prohibited except for very young children. I have had numerous complaints about cyclists, sometimes riding abreast, using the sidewalk along Campeau where there is a cycling lane along the road. A number of senior citizens have been hit or fallen jumping out of the way. Bicycles are vehicles use the road safely and drivers given them room. Police have been asked to monitor this situation and tickets could be issued.
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GIVE AWAY WEEKEND

June 1-2 is Give Away Weekend. This event started in the former City of Kanata and has now spread City wide. Garage sales are primarily held in May and then you can put out any other item you no longer want at the curb on Give Away Weekend, together with a sign (just hand write) saying Free and others will find that what you no longer want is perfect for them. Help reduce waste in this way.

HOUSING OPENS DOORS

I learned much about how to ensure everyone has safe and affordable housing at the Congress on Housing & Homelessness held last week in Ottawa. You can find out more by attending an event that shows that providing affordable housing is an investment (not a cost). Housing Opens Doors tells the story of how affordable housing helps families to succeed, improves health and education, creates jobs and helps build a stronger economy. Visit the Travelling Doors event in the Byward Market (George at Sussex) on May 25. Starting at noon, you can ring the doorbell on 16 message doors. Find out more at www.housingopensdoors.ca

CONGRATULATIONS: to Lucinda Howell, the only rhythmic gymnast from Ottawa competing at the senior
national level of the 2013 Canadian Gymnastics Championships taking place at Carleton University to Xixi Jin, from All Saints who was a winner of Photovoice, where students documented issues through photography. to all of the winners of Young at Art in Kanata for their wonderful submissions.

COMMUNITY NOTICES
KANATA SENIORS GARAGE SALE May 10, 8:00 am noon, Kanata Seniors Centre TANGER OUTLET MALL SOD TURNING EVENT - on site, Palladium Drive near Huntmar Drive, May 15, 11:00 am. BMGCA MEETING re MACDONALDS PLANS - May 15, 7:30 pm, Old Town Hall DEADLINE FOR COMMUNITY RECOGNITION AWARDS SUBMISSION forms are on my website SENIORS INFO SESSION ON FRAUD & SCAMS - May 22, 10:30 am, Kanata Legion, 70 Hines Rd.