TERRIBLE TRAIN/BUS ACCIDENT

Last week all of us in Ottawa, and across the nation, were shocked and saddened when an OC Transpo bus slammed into the engine of a VIA train, killing 6 and injuring more than 30, some seriously. It will be some time before all of the investigations are completed and we will learn the probable cause of this tragedy. At this time my condolences go out to the survivors, their families and particularly to the families of those who died. As a member of both the Transit Commission and the Transportation Committee I know that attention will be paid to any recommendations that come out of the investigation, including implementing them as soon as possible. This accident has raised questions about railway crossings in Kanata North which have no protective devices. These include the Goulbourn Forced Road crossing and the Klondike Road crossing. The line coming from Ottawa that runs through the Business Park and adjacent to homes in Briarbrook and Brookside is owned by CNR. That company has applied to abandon the line and remove the rails, with those in Renfrew County already removed. The Pontiac area of Quebec would like to retain the line as an important rail corridor for their forestry industries. Further removal is on hold until that is resolved. In the meantime there are some trains using that line and everyone should stop at the unmarked crossing to ensure that their safety. The second line runs next to Carling Ave, goes through Kanata Lakes, crosses the Goulbourn Forced Road (GFR), which is unprotected, and continues to Arnprior. There are 2 trains per week on this track one going to Arnprior and the other returning. This usually happens on Thursday. The track is maintained to minimal standards so the speed through Kanata North is limited to 15 kph. The train actually stops before proceeding across Herzberg or the Goulbourn Forced Road. I had requested stop signs at the GFR but was told they could not be placed there since there is no cross street. I am asking again to have that done. Drivers using the GFR should stop or slow down sufficiently to ensure the way is clear before crossing.

PIPELINE CONVERSION MEETING

An application has been made by Trans Canada to convert a natural gas pipeline to carry oil from Northern Alberta to the Maritimes. This pipeline crosses Ottawa just south of Stittsville. A public Open House Meeting is being held on Oct 10th from 4 8 pm at the Johnny Leroux Stittsville Community Arena, 10 Warner Colpitts Lane in Stittsville. For more information go to http://www.energyeastpipeline.com/stakeholder and submit your comments to them.

TERRY FOX RUN KANATA

Congratulations to the volunteer organizers of the Terry Fox Run in Kanata. I was pleased to be able to say a few words at the start of the run as my mother died of the same bone cancer that took Terry. It has been a great comfort to know that his

incredible feat has raised so much for cancer research, saving and extending so many lives. The many participants this year are commended for adding to those funds.

EXPO 55+ - This years Expo 55+ was a great success thanks to the more than 50
organizations that provided information and advice and to my staff, particularly Linda Leinan, who organized the event.

LIBRARY COMEDY FUNDRAISER is on Oct 2nd, 5:30 7:30 outside City Hall.
Tickets at $40 are available from my office.

CARP LANDFILL I am working with Councillors El-Chantiry and Qadri to

determine the next steps to be taken in dealing with the huge landfill recently approved by the province. I will report back once we have an action plan.

CARP FAIR is this weekend Ill see you there.