Marathon Budget Committee Meetings
This week featured further committee discussions on the 2025 Draft Budget.
Having covered the Environment and Climate Change Committee (ECCC), Planning and Housing Committee, and Emergency Preparedness and Protective Services Committee (EPPSC) last week [link: Message from the Councillor – Bay Ward Bulletin] this week’s focus shifted to Transit, Community Services, and Transportation.
The Transit Commission meeting drew 38 delegations, reinforcing that Ottawa residents care deeply about our transit system. While I do not sit on the Transit Commission, I attended the meeting and was disappointed by the proposed options, which disproportionately increase fare hikes for seniors and youth.
The draft budget was approved by the committee in a 6-3 vote, with several amendments:
- A motion by Councillor Tierney to reinstate free Wednesday service and reduce the Seniors Pass to $78.50.
- A motion by Councillor Menard to begin discussions with post-secondary institutions about U-Pass rates.
- Another motion by Councillor Menard to explore a high school U-Pass with local school boards.
- A motion by Councillor Brockington addressing advertising and lease revenue.
- Three motions involving property tax changes were referred to the Committee of the Whole:
- Councillor Bradley’s (via Councillor Brockington) motion on Seniors Pass rates.
- Councillor Devine’s (via Councillor Brockington) motion on Youth Pass rates.
- Councillor Lo’s motion on the Urban Transit Area.
We expect additional motions to be brought forward at Council.
Increasing transit ridership benefits everyone by reducing traffic congestion, which shortens commute times and improves bus reliability. Fewer cars on the road also lead to better air quality and lower greenhouse gas emissions, a critical consideration given that over 40% of Ottawa’s GHGs come from transportation.
Public transit is an essential service that must provide efficient and sustainable travel options for all residents, regardless of income or location. Boosting ridership creates a ripple effect of social, economic, and environmental benefits that enhance quality of life citywide.
Community Services
The Community Services Committee approved its portion of the 2025 Draft Budget, which includes a $1.5 billion operating budget and $159.6 million in capital investments.
We appreciate the ongoing funding for our community partners. I support the free play program, which will offer swimming and skating opportunities—an invaluable resource for our vulnerable communities.
The City of Ottawa has also allocated funds for the Older Adult Program. As the Co-liaison on Older Adults, I will continue to advocate for policies and initiatives prioritizing the well-being, accessibility, and inclusion of older residents. This includes addressing their specific needs, such as affordable housing, accessible transportation, healthcare resources, and opportunities for social engagement to reduce loneliness.
I remain concerned about the growing need for food security. Many delegates highlighted the connection between housing affordability and food insecurity. While there is funding for the Ottawa Food Bank, the root issue lies in inadequate income levels compared to rising housing and food costs.
Additionally, we must continue funding recreational programs and facilities. Unfortunately, many of our facilities are nearing the end of their lifecycle without adequate funds for replacement. For example, the Belltown Dome requires $3.2 million in operational, mechanical, and structural repairs, including $1.64 million for refrigeration system replacement, $1.15 million for building envelope work, and $400,000 for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing repairs. The city is not prepared to make these investments when the building has reached the end of its lifecycle. We need next steps of this and many other aging community facilities across the city.
The city’s capital infrastructure budget is grossly insufficient for replacing current facilities. We must also build new facilities, such as double-pad ice rinks in inner urban areas, to meet the needs of a growing population.
Transportation
The Transportation Committee approved its section of the 2025 Draft Budget, proposing $480.2 million in capital investments to update and expand transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, sidewalks, pathways, culverts, vehicles, and traffic management measures.
I am pleased to see increased funding for ditching maintenance. Ditches are critical for stormwater runoff, but many in the ward have become overgrown and require reinstatement.
However, if we look closer, the budget remains insufficient in several key areas.
Pedestrian Crossovers (PXOs): Staff reported 51 warranted PXO locations. The 2025 budget allocates $1 million, enough to fund only 5–7 installations. At this rate, it will take a decade to address the current list.
Sidewalk Reconstruction: The budget allocates $11.8 million, sufficient for approximately 15 km of sidewalks, including 6 km of standalone projects. This is far below the demand in Bay Ward, where residents request both new sidewalks and renewals.
Traffic Calming: The budget for “Temporary Traffic Calming” (e.g., flex stakes and speed humps) falls short of demand. While temporary measures can help, permanent solutions require proper funding.
These funding gaps highlight how austerity budgets and low tax caps hinder the city’s ability to meet residents’ expectations for a livable, sustainable community.
Looking Ahead
Council will review the 2025 Draft Budget on Wednesday, December 11.
You can read updates from this week’s committee meetings on the City Newsroom: Newsroom | City of Ottawa
- Transit Commission approves OC Transpo’s 2025 Draft Budget | City of Ottawa
- Committee approves draft budget for community and social services, recreation, culture and parks | City of Ottawa
- Committee approves investments in transportation infrastructure and efforts to build climate resiliency | City of Ottawa
- Light Rail Sub-Committee receives updates on O-Train extensions | City of Ottawa
