Public budget consultation meetings begin in earnest

Continued from page 1 the recreation subsidies for low-income families. Just what those options are will be unveiled in the draft budget.

Ottawa’s new mayor also promised $25 million in new annual funding for existing roads, sidewalks and cycling paths – without depleting reserves; a new $4 million annual investment for community service agencies to support people struggling with substance use and mental illness; and 25 additional jobs at the Ottawa Police Service.

Whether or not the Mayor will be able to fulfill those promises during his first year in office will be a challenge, especially when the proposed tax increase has already been capped at 2.5 per cent.

The city’s capital budget will likely be impacted by Bill 23, an Act passed by the provincial legislature entitled “More Homes Built Faster”.

According to the City’s financial staff, the Act cost the city millions of dollars in development charges which are traditionally used to provide infrastructure to support growth and fund affordable housing.

How those losses will impact the capital budget remains to be seen.

The final budget and tax increase will be passed in early March.