OTTAWA CITY COUNCIL
Wednesday, 08 November 2017
10:00 a.m.
Andrew S. Haydon Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West
MINUTES 60
The Council of the City of Ottawa met at Andrew S. Haydon Hall, 110 Laurier
Avenue West, Ottawa, on Wednesday, 8 November 2017 beginning at 10:00 a.m.
The Mayor, Jim
Watson, presided and led Council in a moment of reflection.
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CLOSED CAPTIONING TRANSCRIPTS
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(note: the transcript can be found at the Confirmation of Minutes
link)
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The national anthem was performed by Committed
Praise, a vocal group from Emmanuel Apostolic Church.
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Mayor Watson presented the Mayor’s City Builder Award to
Rabbi Cantor Daniel Benlolo, in recognition of his volunteer service with the
Jewish and interfaith communities. In addition to his current duties at
Congregation Beth Shalom, Rabbi Cantor Benlolo is very active in the community.
He has worked as an educator at Talmud Torah and as a Judaic advisor for the
Tamir Foundation, and is a frequent visitor to educational institutions to
deliver interfaith messages of hope and peace.
Rabbi
Cantor Benlolo uses music to bring people together and regularly visits the
sick and the elderly and sings for them. He works closely with adults with
disabilities, breaking down barriers through song. He founded the Tamir Neshama
Choir, comprised entirely of adults with developmental disabilities.
Rabbi
Cantor Benlolo has been recognized for his community work. He is the recipient
of the Elaine Rabin Social Services Award, the 2013 Governor General Caring
Canadian Award and the 2004 United Way Community Builder Award.
All Members were
present for the meeting.
CONFIRMED
No declarations of
interest were filed.
No regrets were
filed.
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MOTION NO. 60/1
Moved by
Councillor M. Qaqish
Seconded by Councillor M. Taylor
That
Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee report 29, Planning Committee Report
53, Transportation Committee Report 28; and the
report from the City Clerk and Solicitor’s Office entitled “Summary of Oral and Written Public Submissions for Items subject
to Bill 73 ‘Explanation Requirements’ at the City Council Meeting of October
25, 2017”, be received and considered;
and
That the Rules of Procedure be
suspended to receive and table the following reports, as these reports relate
to the 2018 Draft Operating and Capital Budgets being tabled at this meeting:
1. The report from the Deputy City Treasurer, Corporate Finance,
entitled “2018 Draft Operating and Capital Budgets”;
2. The report from the Committee of Adjustment entitled
“2018 Draft Operating Estimates – Committee of Adjustment”;
3. The report from Crime Prevention Ottawa entitled “Crime Prevention
Ottawa 2018 Draft Budget”;
4. The report from the Ottawa Police Services Board entitled “Ottawa Police Services Board 2018 Draft Operating and Capital
Budgets”;
5. The report from the Ottawa Public Library Board entitled “Ottawa
Public Library: 2018 Draft Budget Estimates”;
6.
The report from the Ottawa Board of Health
entitled “2018 Draft Operating Budget for the Ottawa Board of Health”; and
That
the Rules of Procedure be suspended to receive and consider the report from
the General Manager of Service Innovation and Performance, entitled “FTE Analysis Report – Information Supplemental to the
Budget Estimates”; as this report relates to the 2018
Draft Budgets being tabled at this meeting; and
That
the Rules of Procedure be waived to receive and consider the report from the
Deputy City Treasurer, Corporate Finance, entitled “By-Laws to Authorize a $102 Million Debenture Issue,”
as the transaction is scheduled to close on November 10, 2017 and a debenture
By-law is required to be enacted by Council in order to successfully close
the transaction; and
That the
petition listed on the Agenda, with respect to Ashbury College’s planned
construction of a Center for Science and Innovation on Glenwood Avenue, be
received.
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CARRIED
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MOTION NO. 60/2
Moved by Councillor B. Monette
Seconded by Councillor M. Taylor
BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor’s remarks given at the City
Council meeting on November 8, 2017, be appended to the Minutes of today’s
Council meeting.
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CARRIED
TABLING
OF 2018 BUDGET ESTIMATES
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REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS
1. That City Council receive and table the
Draft 2018 Operating and Capital Budgets at its meeting of November 8, 2017
for subsequent consideration by Council in Committee of the Whole to be held
December 13, 2017.
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2. That City Council refer the relevant
portions of the 2018 Operating and Capital Budgets to each Standing Committee
of Council and the Transit Commission for their consideration and
recommendation to Council sitting in Committee of the Whole to be held
December 13, 2017.
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3. That City Council refer the Information
Technology Services 2018 Operating and Capital Budgets and the relevant
portions of the ServiceOttawa Capital Budget to the Information and
Technology Sub-Committee for its consideration and recommendation directly to
Council sitting in Committee of the Whole to be held December 13, 2017.
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RECEIVED, TABLED
and REFERRED
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REPORT RECOMMENDATION
That City Council receive and table the Committee of Adjustment
Draft 2018 Operating Budget at its meeting on November 8, 2017, for
subsequent consideration by Council in Committee of the whole to be held
December 13, 2017.
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RECEIVED and TABLED
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REPORT RECOMMENDATION
That City Council receive and table the Crime Prevention Ottawa
Draft 2018 Operating Budget at its meeting of November 8, 2017 for subsequent
consideration by Council in Committee of the Whole to be held December 13,
2017.
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RECEIVED and TABLED
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REPORT RECOMMENDATION
That City Council receive and table the Ottawa Police Service 2018
Draft Operating and Capital Budgets at its meeting on 8 November 2017, for
subsequent consideration by Council in Committee of the Whole to be held on
December 13, 2017.
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RECEIVED and TABLED
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REPORT RECOMMENDATION
That City Council receive and table the Draft 2018 Ottawa Public
Library Board Operating and Capital Budget for consideration by Council in
Committee of the Whole on December 13, 2017.
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RECEIVED and TABLED
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BOARD OF HEALTH RECOMMENDATION
That City Council receive and table the 2018 Draft Operating
Budget for the Ottawa Board of Health at its meeting on November 8, 2017, for
subsequent consideration by Council in Committee of the Whole on December 13,
2017.
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RECEIVED and TABLED
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REPORT RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive the FTE Analysis Report as supplemental
information to the 2018 Draft Budget.
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RECEIVED
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REPORT RECOMMENDATION
That Council enact a Debenture By-law substantially in the form
attached as Document 1 to authorize the issuance of debentures in the total
principal amount of $102,000,000.
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CARRIED
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COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
That Council approve an amendment to Zoning By-law 2008-250 for
Part of 3315 Shea Road to permit a Plan of Subdivision of detached dwellings
and parkland in areas designated as Village in the Official Plan, as detailed
in Document 2.
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CARRIED
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PLANNING
COMMITTEE REPORT 53
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COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
That Council:
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1. approve the Park
Development Manual, 2nd Edition, as described in this report and attached
as Document 1;
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2. delegate authority to the
General Manager, Recreation, Cultural and Facility Services Department to
approve minor amendments to the Manual, as required.
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CARRIED
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COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
That Council approve the Arterial Road Cross-Sections in Document
1.
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CARRIED
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COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
That Council:
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1. approve the Memorandum of
Understanding with CRT Developments Inc. respecting the acquisition of Shea
Road Woods through parkland dedication and funding from the Environmental
Resource Area Acquisition Reserve Fund;
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2. delegate authority to the
General Manager of Planning, Infrastructure, and Economic Development to
finalize and execute the required agreements with CRT Developments Inc. and
Hydro One for the acquisition of Shea Road Woods and the location of park
facilities within the Hydro One easement; and
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3. approve the allocation of
$1,647,573 from the Environmental Resource Area Acquisition Reserve Fund for
the cost of the acquisition.
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CARRIED
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COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
That Council:
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1. approve the application to
alter the building at 61 Park Road according to plans submitted by Robertson
Martin Architects, received on August 24, 2017 and dated August 16, 2017;
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2. approve the application to
demolish the garage at 61 Park Road, facing Elmwood Avenue;
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3. approve the landscape design
for 61 Park Road according to plans submitted by Robertson Martin Architect
on August 24, 2017, and dated August 16, 2017;
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4. delegate authority for minor
design changes to the General Manager, Planning, Infrastructure and Economic
Development;
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5. issue the heritage permit
with a two-year expiry date from the date of issuance.
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(Note: The statutory 90-day timeline for consideration of this
application under the Ontario Heritage Act will expire on November 22,
2017.)
(Note: Approval to alter this property under the Ontario
Heritage Act must not be construed to meet the requirements for the
issuance of a building permit.)
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CARRIED
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COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
That Council approve an amendment to Zoning By-law 2008-250 for
part of 6211 Renaud to permit a residential subdivision consisting of 3
single detached units and 55 townhouse units, as detailed in Document 2.
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CARRIED
with Councillors S. Blais, A. Hubley and T. Tierney dissenting.
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COMMITTEE
RECOMMENDATION
That Council approve an amendment to Zoning By-law 2008-250 for
1620 and 1636 Maple Grove Road to permit a residential subdivision containing
approximately 946 residential units, one elementary school, one local
commercial block and three parks, as detailed in Document 2.
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CARRIED
with Councillor S. Qadri dissenting.
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COMMITTEE
RECOMMENDATION
That Council approve an amendment to Zoning By-law 2008-250 for
991 Carling Avenue to permit a temporary three year parking lot, as detailed
in Document 2.
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CARRIED
with Councillor M. Fleury dissenting
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COMMITTEE
RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive the Class Environmental Assessment Study for
the Greenbank Road Watermain Project, as detailed in Document 1, and direct
staff to proceed with filing the Notice of Study Completion for a 30-day
public review period in accordance with the Ontario Municipal Class
Environmental Assessment Schedule “B” process.
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RECEIVED and CARRIED
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COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive the Class Environmental Assessment Study for
the North Island Link Project, as detailed in Document 1, and direct staff to
proceed with filing the Notice of Study Completion for a 30-day public review
period in accordance with the Ontario Municipal Class Environmental
Assessment Schedule “B” process.
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RECEIVED and CARRIED
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COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
That Council approve the installation of all-way stop control at
the intersection of Famille-Laporte Avenue and Mishawashkode Street/Minoterie
Ridge, the intersection of Vista Park Drive and Clarington Avenue, and the
intersection of Harvest Valley Avenue and Glastonbury Walk/Beaudelaire Drive.
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CARRIED
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COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
1. That Council approve:
a. An amendment to the Official
Plan, Volume 2C – Manotick Secondary Plan, to permit an automobile dealership
for the property known municipally as 1346 Bankfield Road, as detailed in
Document 1;
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b. An amendment to Zoning By-law
2008-250 for part of 1380 Bankfield Road, to permit an automobile dealership,
as shown in Document 2 and detailed in Document 3.
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CARRIED
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COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
That Council approve an amendment to Zoning By-law 2008-250 for
2980 Colonial Road to correct an inconsistency in the Zoning By-law, in order
to permit a proposed addition to an existing retirement residence, as
detailed in Document 2.
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CARRIED
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COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
That Council appoint Mr. Andy Robinson, P. Eng of Robinson
Consultants Inc. as the engineer of record to prepare a report under Section
78 (1) of the Drainage Act to inform Council on the current status of the
O’Keefe Municipal Drain and whether one or more of the projects listed under
Section 78 (1.1) is required for the better use, maintenance or repair of the
drainage works or lands or roads.
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CARRIED
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COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
That Council appoint Mr. Andy Robinson, P. Eng of Robinson Consultants
Inc. as the engineer of record to prepare a report under Section 78 (1) of
the Drainage Act to inform Council on the current status of the
Tasse-Regimbald Municipal Drain and whether one or more of the projects
listed under Section 78 (1.1) is required for the better use, maintenance or
repair of the drainage works or lands or roads.
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CARRIED
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COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
That Council appoint Mr. Matthew Ford, P. Eng of M. A. Ford &
Associates Inc. as the engineer of record to prepare a report under Section
78 (1) of the Drainage Act to inform Council on the current status of the
Thomas Gamble Municipal Drain and whether one or more of the projects listed
under Section 78 (1.1) is required for the better use, maintenance or repair
of the drainage works or lands or roads.
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CARRIED
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COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
That Council appoint Mr. Andy Robinson, P. Eng of Robinson Inc.
as the engineer of record to prepare a report under Section 78 (1) of the
Drainage Act to inform Council on the current status of the Kilroe Municipal
Drain and whether one or more of the projects listed under Section 78 (1.1)
is required for the better use, maintenance or repair of the drainage works
or lands or roads.
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CARRIED
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COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
That Council reduce the speed limit along Sussex Drive between
Boteler Street and Rideau Gate from 60 km per hour to 50 km per hour.
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CARRIED
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COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Council receive the Parking Services 2016 Annual Report.
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RECEIVE
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REPORT RECOMMENDATION
That City Council approve the Summary of Oral and Written Public
Submissions for items considered at the City Council Meeting of October 25,
2017 that are subject to the ‘Explanation Requirements’ of Bill 73, the
Smart Growth for Our Communities Act, 2015, as described in this report
and attached as Document 1.
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CARRIED
IN CAMERA ITEM*
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COLLECTIVE BARGAINING – CIVIC INSTITUTE OF PROFESSIONAL
PERSONNEL (CIPP) - RATIFICATION OF TENTATIVE AGREEMENT - IN CAMERA –
REPORTING OUT DATE: UPON RATIFICATION OF THE AGREEMENT BY COUNCIL
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Council
did not go into closed session to consider this matter. The following Motion
was considered in open session:
MOTION NO. 60/3
Moved
by Councillor M. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor B. Monette
That the Rules of Procedure be suspended to
consider the following motion, as the Civic Institute of Professional Personnel
has recently advised that they have ratified the proposed collective agreement:
WHEREAS the City of Ottawa (the City) and Civic Institute of
Professional Personnel ("CIPP") have committed to working
collaboratively to resolve issues of mutual concern in the workplace; and
WHEREAS the collective agreement between the City and CIPP expired
on December 31, 2016; and
WHEREAS the bargaining teams for the City and CIPP have been in
negotiations in an effort to renew the collective agreement on
mutually-agreeable terms; and
WHEREAS the City and CIPP bargaining teams reached a tentative
agreement on September 25th, 2017, subject to ratification by the CIPP
membership and City Council; and
WHEREAS the tentative agreement is affordable and fair to taxpayers
and our employees;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that City Council ratify the tentative
agreement reached with CIPP; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the terms of the tentative agreement be
made public.
CARRIED
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MOTION NO. 60/4
Moved by
Councillor M. Qaqish
Seconded by Councillor M. Taylor
That Agriculture
and Rural Affairs Committee report 29, Planning Committee Report 53,
Transportation Committee Report 28; the report from the City Clerk and
Solicitor’s Office entitled “Summary of Oral and Written Public Submissions
for Items subject to Bill 73 ‘Explanation Requirements’ at the City Council
Meeting of October 25, 2017”; the report from the General Manager of Service
Innovation and Performance, entitled “FTE Analysis Report – Information
Supplemental to the Budget Estimates”; and the report from the Deputy City
Treasurer, Corporate Finance, entitled “By-Laws to
Authorize a $102 Million Debenture Issue”, be received and
adopted as amended.
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CARRIED
The
Fleury/ Wilkinson Motion, of which notice was given at the City Council meeting
of October 25, 2017, has been withdrawn pursuant to Subsection 60(6) of the Procedure
By-law.
MOTION NO. 60/5
Moved by Councillor D.
Deans
Seconded by Councillor
M. Taylor
That the Rules of Procedure be suspended to
consider the following motion, so that the City’s position can be provided to
the Province before the legislation is passed:
WHEREAS Bill 148, Fair Workplaces, Better
Jobs Act, 2017 is currently being debated in the Legislative Assembly of
Ontario; and,
WHEREAS the City of Ottawa employs 485 volunteer firefighters,
which represents 36 per cent of its firefighting force; and,
WHEREAS the Association of Municipalities of
Ontario (AMO), which supports the intent of Bill 148, has nevertheless raised
concerns about the impacts of certain provisions on municipalities and has
proposed a number of specific amendments:
·
An exemption for municipal
and local board employees (including supervisory and managerial staff) who are
required to be on call to provide statutory public safety services
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An exemption for volunteer
firefighters for on call provisions and equal pay to full-time firefighters
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Specific reference that Bill
148 requirements do not override other statutory obligations that municipal
governments are required to provide public safety; and,
WHEREAS Bill 148’s proposed provisions are
expected to add significant costs to providing public safety services in the
City of Ottawa, which is being reported by the Ottawa Citizen as up to $13
million annually with the highest anticipated impact on the delivery of fire
services in rural communities;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Council support
AMO’s position on and proposed amendments to Bill 148 and that Mayor Watson
send a letter to the Province of Ontario detailing the City’s position.
CARRIED
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MOTION
TO INTRODUCE BY-LAWS
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MOTION NO. 60/6
Moved by
Councillor M. Qaqish
Seconded by Councillor M. Taylor
That the
by-laws listed on the Agenda, under Motion to Introduce By-laws, Three
Readings be read and passed.
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CARRIED
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By-Laws
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THREE READINGS
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2017-346.
A by-law of the City of Ottawa to change the
name of rue Michael Street to rue Michael Street North/nord, a municipal
highway in the City of Ottawa.
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2017-347.
A by-law of the City of Ottawa to establish
certain lands as common and public highway and assume it for public use
(Meteor Avenue).
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2017-348.
A by-law of the City of Ottawa to amend By-law
No. 2017-180 respecting the appointment of Municipal Law Enforcement Officers
in accordance with private property parking enforcement.
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2017-349.
A by-law of the City of Ottawa to amend By-law
No. 2008-250 of the City of Ottawa to change the zoning of the lands known
municipally as 991 Carling Avenue.
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2017-350.
A by-law of the City of Ottawa to amend By-law
No. 2008-250 of the City of Ottawa to change the zoning of part of the lands
known municipally as 1380 Bankfield Road.
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2017-351.
A by-law of the City of Ottawa to amend By-law
No. 2008-250 of the City of Ottawa to change the zoning of the lands known
municipally as 2980 Colonial Road.
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2017-352.
A by-law of the City of Ottawa to amend By-law
No. 2008-250 of the City of Ottawa to change the zoning of part of the lands
known municipally as 3315 Shea Road.
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2017-353.
A by-law of the City of Ottawa to amend By-law
No. 2008-250 of the City of Ottawa to change the zoning of part of the lands
known municipally as 6211 Renaud Road.
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2017-354.
A by-law of the City of Ottawa to amend By-law
No. 2008-250 of the City of Ottawa to change the zoning of lands known
municipally as 1620 and 1636 Maple Grove Road.
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2017-355.
A by-law of the City of Ottawa to authorize
the borrowing upon 30 year sinking fund debentures in the principal amount of
$102,000,000.00 towards the cost of a certain capital work of the City of
Ottawa.
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CARRIED
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MOTION NO. 60/7
Moved by
Councillor M. Qaqish
Seconded by Councillor M. Taylor
That
the following by-law be read and passed:
To confirm the proceedings of the Council meeting of November 8,
2017.
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CARRIED
Council adjourned
the meeting at 12:18 p.m.
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CITY
CLERK MAYOR
Mayor’s Budget 2018 Remarks
Every fall I look
forward to the opportunity to speak to Council and the public regarding their
vision for Ottawa’s future and to listen to where residents would like Council
to focus our resources.
Over the last few
months, Council has worked with the City Treasurer and the City Manager to
deliver a budget that keeps us on a balanced path of fiscal responsibility.
I am pleased to
report that we are bringing forward a budget for 2018 that focuses on securing
a sustainable financial framework for the coming years.
A budget that is
balanced, affordable and progressive.
For the fifth
year in a row, the proposed increase in the City of Ottawa property taxes is at
two per cent.
This means that
for the average urban household, valued at $404,000, the tax change will be
$74.
For the average
rural household, the tax change will be $60.
Property
taxation is the single most important tool our City has to maintain
affordability for our residents, and I am proud that Council is delivering on
this key commitment.
It is important
to listen to residents through the budget consultation process – and we have
built residents’ feedback into the draft 2018 Budget being tabled today.
Nous avons reçu de nombreuse idées de nos résidents, et plusieurs
d’entre elles se trouvent dans le budget.
Over the last few
months, there have been five multi-ward, Councillor-led consultations, as well
as four single-ward consultations.
The City has
received budget ideas and feedback from residents, community groups and
stakeholders through a variety of ways.
This includes
the Councillor-led Budget consultations, the Budget planning tool proposed by
Councillor Tim Tierney available on ottawa.ca,
and the City’s social media channels.
As of November 1,
there were over one thousand visits to the budget planning tool.
My office, the
City Treasurer and the City Manager’s office have met with every Member of
Council and Committee Chairs to hear their budget priorities.
I have also
hosted a series of community breakfasts to hear priorities directly from
community leaders and residents.
It
is not always the case, but this year, what we have heard has been clear and
consistent.
Residents
understand that the last seven years have seen us focus more heavily on transit
infrastructure – which required a massive catch-up effort.
Today,
residents are asking us to shift some of that focus to our social
infrastructure and to our other built infrastructure needs.
What
we are hearing – at public meetings or in informal conversations - is the need
to continue to do more about the state of our roads, infrastructure, buildings
and parks.
And
that the winter maintenance of critical infrastructure, like our roads and
sidewalks, must continue to improve.
The
changing weather patterns have created major challenges in maintaining our
roads, pathways and community infrastructure.
The
abundance of rain and spring flooding, the extraordinary amount of snow, and
the number of freeze-thaw cycles has significantly impacted the quality of our
roadways, shoulders, sidewalks and road beds.
Investing
in existing infrastructure is not always the most popular budget approach for
Council to take – as politicians we always want to announce something new.
But
I have heard from almost every Member of Council that our roads, facilities and
sidewalks need more attention now.
The
infrastructure gap is a significant challenge for municipalities nation-wide.
In
response to these concerns, our total budget contribution for roads, bike
lanes, sidewalks and facilities will increase by $12.6 million dollars in 2018,
to bring us to $112.4 million in annual funding.
That’s
an increase of 13 per cent.
Thanks
to this increased commitment, we will invest an additional $100 million over
the next 8 years for capital works.
Let
me give you a sense of how these additional dollars will be invested.
First,
as I mentioned, we will be responding to the number one request from residents
– to put more funding into road resurfacing and renewal.
In
2018, the road resurfacing budget will be increased by $5.6 million, for a
total budget of $39.2 million dollars – that’s a 17 per cent increase over
2017.
Secondly,
our rural infrastructure investments will reach $42.2 million in 2018, up from
the three-year average of $36.8 million dollars.
This
funding includes rural roads and culverts repairs.
Budget
2018 will allow the City to repair or resurface over 70 kilometres of roads in
the rural area.
Councillor
Moffatt will see sections of Rideau Valley South and Fallowfield Road
resurfaced while Councillor Darouze will see sections of Stage Coach Road and
Van Rens Street repaved.
In
addition, the City will be investing $24.3 million dollars towards bridge
rehabilitation in 2018.
This
is an increase from just under $14 million last year.
This includes
projects such as the Fitzroy Harbour Bridge and the Anderson Road Bridge.
We
must also continue to improve our ability to repair potholes.
Since
January 2017, City staff have filled over 253,000 potholes across Ottawa.
Even
with this level of activity, we have heard consistently that we need to do
more.
That
is why 2018 budget will make permanent the $400,000 one-time increase in the
pothole and minor asphalt repair program introduced in 2017.
We
will add $200,000 in one-time funds to bring the program to $8 million - an 8
per cent increase over 2016.
This
funding will help us deal more effectively with the immediate patching and
pothole needs caused by the significant weather fluctuations and increased
construction level that have impacted Ottawa.
We
also need to look at innovative ways to improve the condition of our roads.
That
is why I have asked staff to investigate the possibility of running our own
asphalt plant in order to ensure quality and price, and to investigate new
technologies that may improve the long-term durability of our roadways.
Ottawa
spans more than 90 km from east to west and has one of the largest municipal
transportation networks in Canada.
Maintaining
our network is expensive.
That is why
Budget 2018 includes an increase of $2.3 million to the base budget for winter
maintenance - bringing the total annual funding to $68.3 million.
This is in
addition to the $4.5-million base budget increase for winter maintenance
introduced last year, for a total increase of $11.3 million dollars over the
last three years.
This
new base funding meets the level of funding recommended by the independent KPMG
audit.
The
winter cycling network will also be expanded, adding O’Connor and Main Street
cycling lanes.
Signs
of increased prosperity are all around us as public and private sector
investment is booming.
The
Conference Board of Canada has forecast that Ottawa-Gatineau’s real GDP growth
will be 2.2 per cent in 2018 following a forecasted 2.5 per cent increase in
2017.
This
is the strongest back-to-back increase since 2007 – 2008.
But
that prosperity is not shared equally by all our residents.
We
need to continue to do more for our most vulnerable residents who rely on our
city’s strong network of community-based social services.
I
now want to focus on how we will provide much needed support to the fast
growing social infrastructure needs of our city.
Residents
want us to find a way to ensure that both the city and our community partners
are ready to respond to the challenges of increasing costs and legislative
changes from other levels of government.
We
have heard from community arts, recreation, social and housing service
providers who are concerned about budget pressures caused by provincial changes
to the minimum wage.
I am
pleased to say that while Budget 2018 will meet the City’s own obligations to
address the minimum wage increase, it will also include funding to support our
partner agencies, to help them with their increased costs from minimum wage
increases.
We
recognize that these service delivery agencies have few options to make up for
these funding pressures.
Without
additional resources, they would have little choice but to reduce services
while the needs of their clients are growing.
This
is NOT the right time for cuts to our social service agencies.
For
this reason, Budget 2018 will provide an inflationary increase of 3 per cent to
our social services agencies.
This
translates into an additional $675,000 in 2018 for a total annual investment of
$23.2 million.
Social
service agencies will also see a base budget increase again this year, which,
when added to the inflationary increase, will provide a total increase of 4.4
per cent in 2018.
This
represents an annual increase of approximately $1 million for this sector.
This
community funding helps support 93 agencies that run hundreds of essential
programs across the entire city.
There
will also be an additional 3 percent or $760,000 going to housing and
homelessness agencies for a total of $26.3 million.
The
City will also be increasing the amount provided for housing programs by $1.7
million to meet the housing sector’s other cost pressures; we will also be
replacing $1.3 million of funding that lapses with the expiry of federal
operating agreements, bringing the total City contribution to $81 million in
2018.
This
is up $3 million from our 2017 Budget of $78 million – a 3.8% increase.
When
combined with funding from upper levels of government this is a historic
investment in housing and homelessness in Ottawa.
With
the rate of inflation currently sitting at 1.5 per cent, this is a significant
increase to the base operating dollars of these important service delivery
agencies.
I
would like to take a moment to tell you some of the other things we will be
doing for housing and homelessness in 2018.
Thankfully,
we do not face the housing and homelessness challenge alone.
The
role of the federal and provincial governments in housing is especially
important this year.
The
federal and provincial governments are currently in bilateral negotiations on
the social and green infrastructure funds.
We
are also expecting the release of the long-awaited National Housing Strategy
and the Federal Anti-Poverty Strategy, within a few weeks.
These
anticipated announcements will be followed by detailed contribution agreements,
funding conditions and provincial and national priorities and benchmarks.
But
from what we know today, given the increased support from the Province of
Ontario and the Government of Canada, the planned capital investment in social
housing – including retrofits and construction of new units – will increase from
$20.6 million dollars in 2017 to $52.6 million dollars in 2018.
As a
result, the number of new units funded will increase from 137 in 2017 to 300
units in 2018.
It
is impossible to understand the City’s housing funding without drawing the
whole picture of how the three levels of government are working together
towards the same important goals.
For
the most part, these common goals reinforce and support the City’s commitment
to our Ten-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan.
The
City and its community partners will only be able to achieve these local goals
if we continue to work together with our federal and provincial partners
towards shared outcomes.
Over
the last year, the City has funded 401 new affordable and supportive housing
units, including:
·
In
Councillor Harder’s Ward: we opened 455 Via Verona in partnership with
Multi-Faith Housing - a 98-unit affordable housing community for families;
·
In
Innes, Councillor Mitic’s Ward, we built 1900 St-Joseph Blvd in partnership
with Montfort Renaissance, - a 48 unit supportive housing program for
individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.
In
2018, the City will be investing more towards housing and homelessness, as are
the federal and provincial governments.
But
there is more news and progress to come: the City will be ready to leverage
upcoming federal and provincial funding opportunities so that we can best meet
the needs of our community.
The
City will also see an increase in provincial funding in 2018 through the
Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative, for a total of $37.6 million.
This
funding supports a number of housing and homelessness initiatives for low and
moderate income residents at risk of or experiencing homelessness, by providing
them with the necessary supports to find and keep their housing.
The
City also received $47 million over four years through the new provincial
Social Housing Apartment Improvement Program for repairs and retrofits.
This
funding will improve living conditions, reduce costs through energy conservation,
and fight climate change thanks to improvements that reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.
The City will
also benefit from an additional $4.7 million from the federal and provincial
governments to develop new affordable and supportive housing that results in a
total investment of $72.2 million from 2014 to 2020.
The City will
also receive $7 million from the Federal Homelessness Partnering Strategy in
2018.
Over the last few
years, this program has helped 516 people experiencing long shelter stays, move
from emergency shelters into permanent housing with supports.
The
City will also receive $30 million for local capital and operating funding
through the recently announced Provincial Home for Good Program.
This
new funding will expand the City’s Housing First Program, provide supports for
people living in transitional or supportive housing programs, and will allow
for peer support workers as well.
These
additional operating dollars will increase the number of rent supplements and
housing allowances available.
This
will also provide funding for first and last month’s rent and unit set-up.
Both
of these can be significant barriers for low income residents seeking shelter.
Overall,
the operational component of this funding will support approximately 310 households
to find and keep suitable affordable and supportive housing in Ottawa.
The
capital component of the Home for Good Program will support the construction,
renovation or purchase of approximately 150 new supportive housing units in
Ottawa.
This funding is
complemented by the Child Care modernization and social assistance reform.
For example, the
City is receiving additional funding through the Provincial Child Care
Expansion Plan and the Federal Canada-Ontario Early Learning and Child Care
Plan.
In 2017, the City
received $13.6 million more than was anticipated to support access to licensed
child care.
This funding will
help over 1,400 local children access affordable child care and will
significantly reduce – and possibly eliminate – the current child care subsidy
waitlist for children ages 0 to 6.
It is estimated
that the City will receive an additional $7.3 million in 2018 as part of this
commitment.
Additionally, the
Province announced its intention to transform provincially-funded child and family
programs into an integrated, cohesive system of services and supports for
children ages 0 to 6 and their parents and caregivers.
These services
include free programs such as playgroups, where parents can attend with their
child and have access to information and supports.
In total, the
2018 provincial funding allocation for Ottawa is $8.4 million for Early Years
and Family Centres plus the $7.3 million under the child care expansion
programs.
I believe that by
working with stakeholders, this additional funding will allow us to continue to
transform Child Care and Early Years services in Ottawa.
I want to thank
Councillor Mark Taylor, our special liaison for housing and homelessness,
Councillor Michael Qaqish, our special liaison for refugees, Councillor Diane
Deans, Chair of the Community and Protective Services Committee, and Jan
Harder, Chair of Planning, for their strong advocacy for these additional funds
and for their continued diligence to implement these new programs moving
forward.
Budget
2018 will provide a 3 per cent increase to our parks and recreation services
agencies. This represents an injection of $ 50,000 to their base budgets.
We will also be
providing an inflationary increase of 3 per cent to the Outdoor Rink program to
meet the impact of minimum wage increases.
This will bring
the funding for this program to $825,000 in 2018.
Affordable child
care, housing and transit go hand in hand.
Towards
this end, Members of Council and the Transit Commission listened to the calls
for the City to find ways to support residents who face economic challenges
through a more affordable and equitable transit fare.
The
2017 Budget introduced the Equipass, a transit pass for low-income residents.
To
date, the EquiPass has been purchased by about 2,600 eligible transit customers
per month, based on the last three months.
Thanks
to the leadership of Commission Chair Stephen Blais, there is funding in the
2018 Budget to introduce a Single-ride equitable Fare.
Eligible
EquiFare transit customers will get the same deep 50% discount as EquiPass
customers.
This
means that a new single ride EquiFare will cost $1.75, compared to the 2018
single fare of $3.45.
OC
Transpo is aiming to make the new EquiFare available before the end of June
2018.
Together,
EquiFare and EquiPass represent the single largest one-time increase in the
City’s history to support the needs of transit users living below the
low-income cut-off.
In
2018, the total EquiFare and EquiPass subsidy increases to $3.7 million dollars
from $2.7 million dollars.
Cette
nouvelle mesure nous permet de bâtir le type de ville que nous voulons tous –
une ville qui aide ses résidents dans le besoin à profiter du transport en
commun de façon plus abordable.
The
City has also made major investments in improving Para Transpo service in
recent years, including the modernization of the minibus fleet.
In
2018, staff will be reviewing Para Transpo’s service eligibility criteria to
bring it in line with industry best practices.
This
will expand eligibility for Para Transpo to include persons with developmental
or mental health disabilities.
As
you may remember, Uber has agreed to pay a voluntary seven-cent per-trip
surcharge for all completed trips, which commenced in October 2016 when Uber
became licensed.
I
have asked staff to work with the City’s Accessibility Unit, and the
Accessibility Advisory Committee, and to report back to Committee and Council
in the new year with a recommended spending plan for this approximately
$450,000 in annual funding.
We
have heard from our rural and suburban Councillors that some residents are
finding it hard to commute to work or school because their peak-hour buses are
full.
Budget
2018 does a number of things to expand service to growing communities.
In
collaboration with the Government of Canada, we will be introducing 17 new
double-decker buses to meet the growing demand, at a cost of $18.4 million
dollars.
Twenty
new routes will start this December, which will lay the foundation for future
growth in ridership for the Confederation Line and Stage 2 LRT.
Kanata,
Stittsville, Barrhaven, Riverside South, Ottawa South, Orléans
the new development at Wateridge/Village Riverain, are some of the areas that
will see new or improved transit service.
As
a result of this funding and the addition of 17 new buses to OC Transpo’s
fleet, various routes will see increases in frequency.
Some
will be extended, capacity will be increased on others, and new connexion
routes will be introduced to provide faster travel times for customers.
Budget
2018 also maintains free Wednesday transit service for seniors.
Budget 2018 will also see an increase in funding for the Community
Support Service agencies who provide transportation in the rural areas, for a
total base budget of $605,000 – an increase of $100,000.
This program - designed to improve access to transportation
services for rural seniors and disabled residents - provides approximately
15,000 trips annually to residents.
Thanks to our rural Councillors Steve Blais, Eli El-Chantiry,
George Darouze and Scott Moffatt for advocating for this improvement.
Because
of Council’s steadfast commitment to the Confederation Line and Stage 2 LRT,
the City, the province and federal government are investing with confidence in
the future of transit in Ottawa.
As a
result of the funding from all three levels of government, Budget 2018 includes
more funding to build the largest single environmental project in the City’s
history – Stage 2 of LRT.
The
forecasted capital spending on Stage 1 LRT in 2018 is
about $550 million - for a total investment of $2.1 billion.
For
every $1 billion dollar invested in new infrastructure, 10,000 person years of
employment will be generated in Ottawa, including 5,500 new jobs in the
construction sector.
This
high level of capital investment will encourage growth, protect jobs, and
improve household and business confidence.
I
also want to thank west end Councillors – including Councillors Taylor,
Wilkinson, Hubley, Qadri and El-Chantiry, and Chairs Blais and Egli.
Their
strong advocacy efforts led to an investment of 3 million dollars to fund the
Bayshore to Kanata LRT Environmental Assessment, which will be completed in
2019.
By
working together, we have accomplished more in seven short years of LRT
planning and construction than we ever dreamed possible.
In
2018, we will see more and more evidence of this dramatic transformation in how
Ottawa residents commute and travel within our vast city.
Et
nous travaillons chaque jour pour gagner et maintenir la confiance des résidents
d’Ottawa.
C’est
ce qui nous permettra de livrer les résultats de nos investissements records en
infrastructure, qui transforme notre ville et notre économie.
But
we are not done yet – because we still have work to do to reduce the bottleneck
of buses traveling inefficiently between Ottawa and Gatineau.
In
early 2018, we will convene our first meeting of the Joint Working Group on
Transportation with the City of Gatineau.
I
look forward to working with my colleagues - Chairs Egli and Blais - to explore
opportunities for better regional integration of transit services and large
transportation projects.
I am
delighted to work with my Council colleagues to move these priorities forward
with my colleague and friend, Mayor Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin, who was re-elected
this past Sunday.
Budget
2018 also continues our Council’s strong support for active mobility.
In
2018, we will spend more than $7 million in cycling infrastructure through the
Community Connectivity Program and through investments in paved shoulders.
I am
pleased that Kanata North, represented by Councillor Marianne Wilkinson, will
see improvements to Campeau Drive from, Teron Road North to Knudson Drive.
We
will also be adding more than 15 km of cycling facilities across the city.
This
will help us reach our goal of adding 72 km of cycling infrastructure to the
City’s growing network by the end of 2018.
A
few of the examples that will be funded in 2018 include:
·
A
pathway extension along the west side of Woodroffe Avenue connecting the
existing pathways at Norice Street to Algonquin College, the College Square
shopping Centre. (Ward 8)
·
An
upgraded cycling facility approximately 1km in length which will connect the
City’s Sawmill Creek pathway to the NCC pathways along the Rideau Canal and
Rideau River. (Ward 11)
·
An
improved neighborhood connection that allows Lowertown residents to reach New
Edinburgh using the Minto Bridges. (Wards 12, 13)
·
A
new pathway linkage to inter-connect the existing Hydro Corridor terminating
at Pony Park at Eagleson Road to the Ottawa-Carleton Pathway. (Ward 23)
·
Improved
linkages for cyclists around Confederation Line Stations, including a pathway
from Albert Street to the lower level of Pimisi station. (Ward 14)
When
combined with funding from other levels of government, the city’s total
investment in cycling and pedestrian structures within this Term of Council
will hit $80 million dollars.
This
represents a 270% increase over the $27 million dollars spent on active
mobility infrastructure in the last Term of Council.
This
$80 million is in addition to the cycling facilities that are built as
part of road renewal and new road construction programs.
One
such example is the new Main Street cycle tracks, part of our complete streets
plan.
In
2018, we will continue to improve the walkability of our city, with almost $3
million in funding towards various sidewalk improvement projects across the
city.
This
is in on top of the $1.5 million that will be spent to implement the Pedestrian
Plan Program, which advances our goal of making Ottawa a world-class pedestrian
city all year round.
I
wish to thank the many Councillors, including Transportation Committee Chair
Keith Egli and cycling advocates Catherine McKenney, Jeff Leiper, Mathieu
Fleury, David Chernushenko and Tobi Nussbaum, for their support on this front.
I
would also like to thank Yasir Naqvi, MPP for Ottawa Centre and Catherine
McKenna, MP for Ottawa Centre, for their support of the new $21-million-dollar
Clegg Street Bridge.
This
new crossing in Councillor Chernushenko’s ward will provide pedestrian and
cycling connections between Old Ottawa South, Lansdowne Park and Old Ottawa
East.
Scheduled
to open in 2019, it will also improve access to LRT at the Lees Station.
There
will also be funding for the refurbishment of the Rosemount Library in
Councillor Leiper’s ward, and for the purchase of land and design work for a
brand new community centre and library in Riverside South, in Councillor
Qaqish’s ward.
Under
the leadership of Tim Tierney, Chair of the Ottawa Public Library, Budget 2018
also includes funding to continue the planning and design work underway to
deliver our new Central Library.
Positive
discussions are ongoing with the federal government on a potential combined
Central Library and Archives Project that could soon become an important
landmark along our new LRT network.
We
also heard from residents that access to quality recreational facilities is an
important priority for 2018.
We
will be investing more in city recreation and cultural facilities, with an
additional $700,000, for a total renewal investment of $16.1 Million in 2018.
This
covers upgrades to our buildings, swimming pools, splash pads, fitness spaces
and outdoor courts.
We
will also be adding $250,000 to the park renewal budget, for a total investment
of $5.25 million in 2018.
This
funding will lead to improved play structures and equipment and improved park
pathway lighting.
There
will also be an additional $2.5 million to improve the accessibility of our
parks and playgrounds for all users.
Councillor
Mitic, who is also our Sports Commissioner, has been working hard to have the
Blackburn Arena redeveloped and made accessible.
Budget
2018 includes $1 million dollars for this project and we are working with MP
Andrew Leslie and MPP Marie-France Lalonde to secure matching funds from their
two levels of government.
The
funding for park renewal is on top of the $7 million for park projects already
funded from development charges.
This
funding will see new park development in growth areas such as Riverside-South
District Park, and in Gloucester-Southgate, Diamond Jubilee Park (in ward 22)
and Hillside Vista Park (in Ward 1).
We
have also identified funding for the City’s own recreational programs to
mitigate the impact of minimum wages.
Without
this additional funding, recreation and admissions fees in the City would have
increased by 6 per cent.
With
this funding, we will be able to hold the City’s recreation fee increases to 2
per cent for 2018.
This
is after we managed to freeze recreation fees for three years in the last term
of Council.
This
increase represents 25 cents on the average swim or public skate admission fee.
To
mitigate the impact of these increases, the Recreation Fee Subsidy Program will
also increase to $1.1 million in 2018 – an increase of
$35,000.
This
program helps ensure that low income residents can benefit from the City’s
recreational programs.
I am
pleased to report that Budget 2018 also heralds some very significant
investments in core municipal services that matter most to residents.
We
will hear from our Chair of Ottawa Police Services, Councillor El-Chantiry,
that Ottawa Police Services is adding 25 new officers in 2018.
We
will also see an increase of 14 new paramedics in 2018.
My
thanks for the strong advocacy of Councillors Darouze and El-Chantiry on this
important new investment.
Nous
verrons en 2018 le recrutement de 25 nouveaux agents de police, et de 14
paramédics.
We
are working to help ensure that these investments in paramedics will lead to
improved response times – particularly in our rural and suburban wards.
There
will also be an additional 10 new crossing guards to service areas in need, as
identified by the local School Boards.
This
brings the total number of crossing guards in Ottawa to 209 by the fall of
2018.
We
have been proud to partner with our local festivals and arts organizations to
make 2017 a year to remember for our residents and millions of visitors.
There
is no doubt that 2017 will have been a tremendous year for our local artists and
arts organizations.
I
want to thank the 2017 Co-Chairs, Jean Cloutier and Mathieu Fleury for the
incredible leadership they showed with this exciting year of activities.
In just a few
weeks, we will witness the opening of the new Ottawa Art Gallery, which is
approximately three times the size of the existing space.
In
2018, we will open the redeveloped Arts Court facility, along with the new
Black Box Theatre, developed in partnership with the University of Ottawa.
Budget
2018 includes $2.1 million base dollars to staff and operate the newly expanded
Arts Court Facility and Ottawa Art Gallery.
The
OAG Expansion and Arts Court Redevelopment project represents a public-private
investment of over $100 million, and it will quickly become a new regional cultural
destination.
The
public sector component, valued at $43.4million is funded by the City of
Ottawa, the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, and other partners
including the Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) and the University of Ottawa.
The
City is contributing $17.7 million, the Province of Ontario has provided $7.3
million in funding, the government of Canada has provided $5.3 million through
the Canada Cultural Spaces Program.
Last
year we set aside funding to help ensure that 2018 would not become a big
“hangover year.”
I
want to thank Councillor Cloutier for chairing last year’s Tourism Summit and
for bringing forward several suggestions to ensure that we build on the success
of 2017.
We
chose to invest smartly to maintain the momentum of our local arts and cultural
organizations into 2018 and beyond.
That
is why I announced $150,000 in base funding to launch the Arts Momentum
Fund, aimed at ensuring that we continue to showcase all that Ottawa has to
offer.
After
much work and extensive consultation, the arts and heritage community leaders
have come together.
Their
recommendation is to use this funding to produce a strategy that will shape the
future of the cultural sector for years to come.
Because
of the long-term nature of this goal, I am proposing the same base investment
of $150,000 in 2018 towards the Arts Momentum Fund.
This
increases the base funding to $300,000 in 2018.
I
look forward to hearing the recommendations of this coalition of arts leaders
in 2018 as they chart a new future for Ottawa’s arts and heritage
sector.
Cultural
agencies funded by the City will also receive a 3 per cent inflationary
increase, in recognition of the minimum wage pressures in this sector.
In
2018, the total annual budget for cultural agencies will be $11.3 million, a
base increase of $330,000.
Budget
2018 also continues funding of almost $5 million that has been approved for the
Renewed Arts, Heritage and Cultural plan since its inception in 2013.
These
funds include a diverse range of cultural supports, including marketing and
promotion of the local cultural scene, the Poet Laureate Program, as well as
neighbourhood cultural initiatives, to name just a few.
In
this Term of Council, the arts and culture community has secured municipal
investments totalling more than $20.8 million in capital, one-time and base
operating dollars.
This
level of investment sets the stage for success for the community-led strategy
leading into the next Term of Council.
Thanks
to Councillor Leiper’s leadership, the City has been working with our music
industry partners to develop a strategy to strengthen this growing sector of
our local economy.
The
group will be delivering its report to Council in early 2018.
I am
pleased to report that we have set aside $100,000 for the Ottawa Music Industry
Coalition – to deliver on priorities that will be identified in the Music
Strategy.
One
of the key tools Council has to support neighbourhoods in need of investment is
Community Improvement Plans.
I
want to commend Councillor Chiarelli for supporting the Bells Corners CIP,
which has delivered about $20 million in new investments to date.
The
Orleans CIP, championed by Councillor Monette is also producing some exciting
new businesses and jobs in the East End.
I am
pleased to report that I have been working with Councillor Fleury to ensure
that Montreal Road will be the next area to benefit from a Community
Improvement Plan.
Funding
in the 2018 Budget will enable us to consult with businesses and property
owners to identify what measures would spur investment and bring more
businesses to this area.
Through
the leadership of the Chair of the Environment and Climate Protection
Committee, David Chernushenko, we have heard the calls to strengthen our
investments in environmental sustainability, climate
resiliency and energy conservation.
I am
pleased to report that the construction of our world-class LRT system will
result in the single largest reduction of air-borne pollutants in our City’s
history.
Stage
1 LRT will reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) by 94 thousand tonnes by 2031.
Stage
2 will increase that to over 200 thousand tonnes annually by 2048.
This
will have a direct and positive impact on the sustainability of urban growth in
Ottawa.
And
it will lead to improved health outcomes for residents.
As part of Budget
2018, under the umbrella of the Energy Evolution initiative, the City will be
investing more than $2 million in various sustainability initiatives.
This includes
energy conservation, greening our fleet and protecting our environment.
All of these
initiatives will now fall under the mandate of the Environment and Climate
Protection Committee.
Taken together
with our investments in public transit, cycling, active mobility and LRT, the
City is doing more than ever to improve Ottawa’s environmental sustainability.
Nous agirons aussi en matière d’environnement.
To date, more
than 80 community partners such as the City, Hydro Ottawa, Enbridge, Ecology
Ottawa, the Museum of Science and Technology and the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce
have worked together to develop green innovation in Ottawa.
Later this month,
the Environment and Climate Protection Committee will be reviewing the details
of the next steps for 2018.
Energy
Evolution also includes $500,000 for Green Fleet initiatives, such as
anti-idling, biofuels and hybrid vehicles and $500,000 for new community-based
initiatives.
Under
the umbrella of our Energy Evolution leadership, the City’s Building
Engineering and Energy Management Team (BEEM Team), has introduced over 120
energy reduction initiatives since it’s inception.
In
2018, the BEEM group will receive $1 million towards new projects.
With
the conversion of 58,000 streetlights to LED technology, the City is in the
process of saving $6 million annually.
These
investments are making tangible changes on the ground.
The
Hintonburg Community Centre, which has had numerous mechanical, control, and
lighting upgrades, has reduced electrical use by 38 per cent and gas use by 58
per cent, for an annual savings of $29,000.
The
City has provided Electric Circuit with access to its premises to install six
charging stations in Ottawa, including at the Terry Fox and at the Fallowfield
Park and Ride facilities in Councillor Wilkinson and Harder’s wards.
In 2018, twelve
new green vehicle charging stations will be installed at City facilities.
The
City of Ottawa is rich in natural areas - this green space and parkland serves
as a draw for residents and visitors.
In
2018, the City will acquire and protect community greenspace valued at $340,000
in the rural areas and $170,000 in the urban area.
We recently used
$1.5 million from the Environmental Resource Area Acquisition Fund to help
acquire and protect important community greenspace like Shea Road Woods in
Councillor Qadri’s ward.
In
2018, we will see 125,000 trees planted across the city to increase forest
cover in urban, suburban and rural areas.
Last week,
Ottawa successfully issued the first Municipal Green Debenture in Canada –
which raised $102 million dollars.
The City’s Green
Debenture Framework is intended to finance environmentally friendly projects
across the City that will help us mitigate or adapt to the effects of climate
change such as our Light Rail Transit.
There
was strong demand for this new offering which allowed the City to reduce the
price of the debenture - saving $400,000 in interest costs over the life of the
bond.
The
debenture by-law report will be considered later today at Council.
Je
suis très fier de l’équilibre que nous avons atteint aujourd’hui.
I am
very proud of the balance we have achieved today.
I am
also very proud that our strong collaboration with the Province of Ontario and
the Government of Canada is delivering jobs, strong growth and economic
confidence for Ottawa residents.
By
working together, we have been able to align mandates to leverage outcomes for
residents and to invest in the social and physical infrastructure of our city.
I
want to thank our City Manager, Steve Kanallakos, his office and the entire
management team for their hard work and for the countless working meetings on
Budget 2018.
Budget
2018 challenged our very capable General Manager of Corporate Services and City
Treasurer Marian Simulik, Deputy Treasurer Isabelle Jasmin, and Brian Flynn
Manager of Financial Services, to find the funding for the priorities
identified by residents from across the city.
Thanks
to the entire team in Corporate Services for delivering this budget proposal.
As
we prepare for the future – and wait for the details of ongoing bilateral
negotiations – we are concentrating on SIX key action items:
·
maintaining
an affordable city by meeting our property tax commitment at 2%;
·
increasing
our investment in infrastructure renewal, with a strong focus on roads, cycling
and pedestrian connections;
·
helping
our partner agencies manage their cost pressures, which will help to keep
Ottawa affordable for all residents;
·
investing
in the renewal of our City’s arts and culture sector, with strategic capital
and operating investments;
·
building
a green, sustainable future thanks to record investments in environmentally
sustainable transit and energy evolution investments;
·
strengthening
our commitment to core services with the addition of police and paramedic
first-line responders.
I am
very proud that this Council is keeping its commitment to Ottawa residents on
property taxes.
This
is the cornerstone of our commitment to keeping Ottawa affordable for our
residents.
I am
also proud that we are proposing a balanced, affordable and progressive path
forward for 2018.
Le
budget 2018 est la preuve que nous pouvons avoir une ville abordable pour tous,
tout en investissant dans les priorités de nos résidents.
I
want to thank all Members of Council who contributed ideas to the 2018 Budget
process, including many ideas from their residents.
I
also want to thank all the Chairs, Vice-Chairs and Committee members for their
input to date, and for the work ahead to facilitate their respective budgets
through their committees.
Merci
à tous les conseillers pour leurs idées et leur participation importante à ce
processus budgétaire.
I
would like to close by thanking my own team in the Mayor’s Office for working
closely with the City Manager and City Treasurer on Budget 2018, in particular
Serge Arpin, Robyn Guest, James Armbruster, Mathieu Gravel, Danielle McGee and
Livia Belcea.
Budgets
have and will continue to be about setting priorities and being prepared for
what is to come.
It’s
about being up front with residents, and it requires an honest accounting of
where we are at – we simply cannot be all things to all people.
It’s
also about setting priorities – and I believe that Budget 2018 balances those
key priorities in a manner that will broadly secure our residents’ support:
Balanced,
affordable and progressive.
This
is a budget we can be proud of.
I am
looking forward to your input and the public’s input in the weeks ahead.
Thank
you
Merci.