Better Ottawa Trash Talk!
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Nov 24, 2025 A deep dive into the surprising realities of police budget increases reveals a hidden jump of 8.7% instead of the advertised 5%. The panel debates the controversial opportunity to acquire a new landfill site, weighing environmental impacts against incineration. Local lobbying dynamics and political ambitions come to light, sparking discussions about the future of municipal governance. Listeners are left contemplating the strategic significance of these developments amid concerns over transparency and community effects.
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Police Increase Is Bigger Than Advertised
- The advertised 5% police tax levy understates the true increase, which is about 8.7% when including assessment growth and reserve transfers.
- Joanne Cianello and John Willing warn that $5.4M from the tax stabilization reserve masks recurring salary costs and risks sustainability.
Policing Budget Carries Many Unknowns
- The police budget has many unknowns like a new district model, a south-end station and provincial requirements that create future cost risk.
- John Willing says special constables are a notable efficiency idea to shift some duties away from sworn officers.
Shift Tasks To Special Constables
- Use more special constables for tasks like traffic, courthouse and some investigative work to free sworn officers for core duties.
- John Willing views this as a practical way to improve efficiency and lower personnel costs.