Better Ottawa Budget Passed. Campaign Season Starts Now!
Dec 12, 2025
The approval of the 2026 city budget kicks off campaign mode for the upcoming municipal elections. The hosts dive into Tim Tierney's provocative op-ed that critiques fellow councillors. They discuss the Mayor's public safety messaging and his breakfast meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney. Attention turns to transit changes, including restored LRT frequency and new youth fares. The panel argues about budget dissenters and the political theatrics of the Mayor's press strategy, setting the stage for an engaging election season ahead.
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Budget Size And Public Safety Are Central
- Ottawa's 2026 budget is $5.2 billion with a 3.75% property tax increase and a $1.9 billion capital plan.
- The police budget rose 5%, making public safety a central political issue for 2026.
Transit Moves: Frequency And Youth Fares
- Transit changes include restoring peak LRT frequency to six minutes and free fares for under-18s off-peak.
- Fare increases still passed, keeping affordability a contentious, ongoing issue.
Votes Show Nuanced Dissent, Not Total Rejection
- Several councillors voted against parts of the budget but then approved the overall budget, showing nuanced dissent.
- Votes signal political positioning ahead of the 2026 municipal campaign more than pure policy splits.