Better Ottawa

Listeners dive into Ottawa's municipal landscape, from the controversial battery energy storage systems to an evaluation of council performance amid election year pressures. The panel dissects the challenges of integrating new transit tech and the complexities of fare enforcement. Enthusiastic discussions reveal the impact of councillor voting behaviors on energy policies, while public transportation updates shed light on ridership trends and user experiences. Stay tuned for valuable insights on navigating the city's future!

This discussion dives into the city's proposal to allow alcohol in parks, highlighting community views and lessons from other cities. A staggering $11 billion infrastructure gap looms, prompting conversations about funding and rising water bills. The debate over whether to hold a referendum on the Lansdowne project raises important questions about transparency and public engagement. Additionally, updates on rideshare regulations reveal new legislative moves and concerns about ongoing municipal projects, all emphasizing the need for strategic planning in urban management.

This week’s Municipal Panel was recorded in front of a live audience at the Ottawa People’s Summit. It was a standing room only.Joanne, Jon and Neil discuss questions sent in :* are new security measures at City Hall a sign of a government increasingly trying to distance itself from its residents* what is the City doing well and what can it do better in public engagement?* how should the City most effectively communicate with residents?* why do public toilets in Ottawa get so little love and attention?* what should the City be doing about “demolition by neglect” with its historic buildings?* what are the most important issues coming forward at the City?Let us know what you think. Leave a comment here or wherever you get your podcasts, and if we see it in time, we’ll respond in our next episode.You can also find the podcast on YouTube.Or listen to an audio version on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit the613.substack.com/subscribe

We’re taping a live episode on 27 May and you’re invited to join us.Get yourself a ticket to the People’s Summit to see the Municipal Panel in person. Leave a comment if there is any local issue about Ottawa you would like us to discuss at our live recording.On this week’s Panel, Joanne, Jon and Neil discuss:* the upcoming Osgoode by-election and our impressions from the all-candidates debate* City Hall charges a new home owner for a previous owner’s water bill — from 8 years ago.* another go-round on red light cameras.And we have the lightning round.Let us know what you think. Leave a comment here or wherever you get your podcasts, and if we see it in time, we’ll respond in our next episode.Programming note: we’re taking next week off — so back on 27 May.You can also find the podcast on YouTube.Or listen to an audio version on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit the613.substack.com/subscribe

We’re taping a live episode on 27 May and you’re invited to join us. Get yourself a ticket to the People’s Summit to see the Municipal Panel in person. On this week’s Panel, Joanne, Jon and Neil discuss:* where the money from red light cameras goes* coming provincial legislation designed to address unacceptable behaviour by municipal councillors* how the weekend of free transit wentAnd we have the lightning round, where we respond to your comments and questions.Let us know what you think. Leave a comment here or wherever you get your podcasts, and if we see it in time, we’ll respond in our next episode.You can also find the podcast on YouTube.Or listen to an audio version on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit the613.substack.com/subscribe

On this week’s Panel, Jon, Joanne and Neil discuss the recent federal election and what it means for the City of Ottawa.We cover:* the big story of the night in Carleton riding* the sea of red that swept the City* potential Cabinet picks from among the local representatives* Liberal campaign promises on capping the size of the public service, and building more homes* priorities of the Ottawa and Gatineau mayors for the federal government* federal government priorities for the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit the613.substack.com/subscribe

Join former city councillor Mathieu Fleury, now with the University of Ottawa, as he shares expert insights on Ottawa's urban challenges. The discussion tackles the newly proposed zoning bylaw aimed at enhancing housing availability and the future of 15-minute neighborhoods. Mathieu sheds light on the tumultuous state of OC Transpo, emphasizing the need for real-time updates. The panel also contemplates the winter maintenance of vital pedestrian bridges and delves into the complex issues surrounding shelter placements across the city.

This week features Sarah MacFarlane, an insightful journalist with a keen eye on federal politics and city building in Ottawa. She joins a lively discussion on the ambitious yet criticized new transportation master plan for the city, addressing its funding challenges and public response. The panel also dives into the collaborative demands from the mayors of Ottawa and Gatineau for federal support on infrastructure. Expect thoughts on local governance, community advocacy, and the impact of tax decisions on tenants and landlords.

A lively panel discusses the upcoming Osgoode by-election and the buzz around e-scooters making a comeback in 2025. They tackle the challenge of making city reports more comprehensible and debate the controversial budget cuts facing local schools. The lightning round brings in fun topics like boulevard gardens, secrecy surrounding LRT discussions, and council pay raises. Make sure to catch their insights and listener interactions on these intriguing local developments!

The panel dives into pressing transit issues, including fare evasion and the upcoming LRT expansion. They discuss the ongoing mystery behind train derailments and the heavy use of road salt during winter. The Tewin land development proposal sparks debate over its removal from the Official Plan. There’s a lively discussion on battery storage, reflecting local resistance to new green initiatives. Additionally, they tackle the complexities of municipal politics as the city prepares for federal elections and a new provincial cabinet.