Better Ottawa Budget 2026 Comes In At 3.75%
Nov 14, 2025
The latest discussions dive into the draft 2026 budget, highlighting intriguing tax implications and the impact of strong-mayor powers. The hosts also tackle whether provincial funding is the reason behind lower tax hikes compared to other cities. Analyzing proposed efficiency savings raises eyebrows about credibility. They debate new voluntary contributions' risks and explore the controversial decision against urban boundary expansion. Plus, population projections pose challenges for future infrastructure planning, keeping listeners engaged throughout!
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Budget Size And Tax Impact
- Ottawa's 2026 operating budget is $5.2 billion with nearly $2 billion in capital spending.
- The average homeowner faces a 3.75% tax increase, about $237 a year.
Where The Increases Concentrate
- Major spending increases include police (+5%) and transit levy (+8%), while fares rise 2.5%.
- Garbage fees and water bills also rise, showing targeted service pressure points.
Promote The Budget Magazine Locally
- Use the city's Budget Magazine to understand complex budget numbers in plain language.
- Share printed copies at rec centres to reach residents who may not use online materials.