The city will lay out its multi-billion dollar spending plan for 2023 today before a whirlwind consultation period this month leading up to final approval March 1.
The city of Ottawa has tabled a belt-tightening"Make no mistake, this is a tight budget," Mayor Mark Sutcliffe told council as he presented the first draft budget of his term on Wednesday.Sutcliffe said staff have also identified $54 million in "savings and efficiencies" that mean programs and services won't need to be cut.However, Sutcliffe said the city will need help from other orders of government down the line.
Wendy Stephanson, interim city manager, said the budget "couples responsible fiscal spending while finding efficiencies to ensure the city remains responsive, protects the health, safety and well-being of our community, and bolsters the resilience of our local economy." Sutcliffe and a slate of rookie councillors will vote alongside veteran council members on the outlines of how the city plans to spend tax dollars on everything from road repairs to social services and policing.
Critics also oppose the additional police funding when the City of Ottawa is facing budgetary pressures in other areas, such as public transit. Ottawa Public Health's 2023 budget is drafted at $128 million. The Ottawa Public Library Board has drafted a $60.5 million budget for 2023. Inflation is the main driver for the pressures the city is facing. Revenues are also under pressure, as OC Transpo ridership remains below pre-pandemic levels and council has approved a plan to freeze fares at 2022 levels for the year, while staff had recommended a 2.5 per cent fare increase. Freezing fares would mean $5 million less in revenue, according to staff. Sutcliffe has also vowed to reduce youth recreational program fees by 10 per cent, at a cost of about $350,000.
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