Better Ottawa

A busy week in local politics with a councillor facing impaired driving charges and questions about electability. A new candidate steps forward for Orleans-East and another joins the mayoral race with notable conservative backing. Public consultations on Ottawa–Montreal high-speed rail spark debate over station location. Fresh LRT bearing failures lead to inspections and uncertainty about service and costs.

The Municipal Panel dives into the upcoming 2026 municipal election in Ottawa. They discuss which councillors may seek re-election and potential new contenders. A major focus is on household affordability and the challenges of public transit, highlighting OC Transpo's ongoing issues. The hosts explore the implications of provincial involvement in LRT and the controversial landfill purchase. With high undecided voter rates, the conversation also touches on infrastructure deficits and the need for transparent funding. Engaging discussions aim to inform the community ahead of the election.

In this conversation with Gio Petti, a dedicated filmmaker known for his OC Transpo documentaries, listeners dive into the evolution of Ottawa's transit system. Gio shares his passion for trains and the historical context behind his films, 'Dude, Where’s My Bus?' and 'Train to Nowhere.' He discusses regional commuting challenges, the impact of station placements, and the benefits of double-tracked lines. With insights drawn from extensive archival research, Gio emphasizes the importance of community feedback in enhancing local transit.

As 2025 wraps up, the panel reflects on key themes like transparency at City Hall and the implications of increased in-camera meetings. They debate the challenges of returning to the office, weighing productivity against transit capacity issues. The discussion also highlights the controversial Taywin expansion as a poor decision, while celebrating the beneficial change of free transit for youth. Additionally, they commend Ottawa's housing action plan and a new leadership hire, marking significant advancements for the city.

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.

Budget season in Ottawa is heating up with a hefty $156 million boost for new and ongoing LRT construction. Delays at the Adisoke library have raised eyebrows about potential deeper issues. The panel discusses the political implications of a long-term financial plan set for 2026 and various funding strategies for infrastructure, including tax hikes and facility sales. They also tackle the controversial $1 million for private security in ByWard Market and the risks it poses for community displacement. A must-listen for local governance enthusiasts!

City budget discussions are heating up, with debates on a proposed landfill purchase and its implications for waste management strategies. The transit budget faces scrutiny as phantom funding raises concerns about fiscal transparency. Youth fare initiatives and proposed fare increases spark lively debates on public transport service expectations. Additionally, the potential impact of provincial legislation on cycling infrastructure is explored, challenging the city's ability to assert its autonomy against provincial policies.

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.

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!

The panel discusses the recent City Council approval of Lansdowne 2.0, reflecting on the long six-hour meeting that revealed unexpected votes and political dynamics. They delve into how community sentiment shifted the focus of discussions away from just financials to more emotional concerns. There's a lively debate on whether the city should subsidize professional sports and the implications for the area's viability. The hosts also analyze public skepticism, potential election impacts, and a controversial police ruling that reinforces public expression rights.