The final public consultation on the city’s draft budget at city hall drew only a small group of downtown residents to air their concerns.
About 40 people attended the consultation and only a few residents spoke during the meeting. Many comments came from community group representatives.
While many details of the draft budget were commended, some residents criticized the timing of the consultations.
Centretown resident Dan Mullaly came with two concerns, one being the consultation schedule.
“It is nigh-well impossible to digest this budget document in a week,” says Mullaly.
The Federation of Citizen’s Associations of Ottawa-Carleton also issued a press release, stating that the meetings were rushed and inconveniently timed.
Bob Brocklebank, vice-president of the association, says a week is not long enough to review the budget. He says after a budget is released, residents should be able to have a general discussion.
“A budget is one of the few opportunities, maybe the only opportunity, in which it’s possible to have wider comment about the city’s activity,” says Brocklebank.
Mullaly said he has not reviewed the budget, but has concerns.
“I have serious concerns about my tax dollars,” he says.
The 2.39-per-cent tax increase was repeatedly questioned, along with the 2.5-per-cent increase in transportation fares.
Ecology Ottawa's Trevor Haché praised the budget for its green initiatives, but criticized the OC Transpo fare hike. “We currently have some of the most expensive cash fares in the country.”
Mayor Jim Watson explained the increases were necessary because of rising energy costs.
One of the most praised aspects of the budget was the Ottawa on the Move initiative, which puts $340 million into city infrastructure over the next few years.
Dan Harley, of the National Capital Heavy Construction Association, applauded the initiative, which will put $133 million into road improvements.
“The Ottawa on the Move initiative is the single largest influx of investment that we’ve seen in renewing our deteriorating roads, water, sewers, sidewalks and curbs,” he says.
Watson said the project will create about 2,500 jobs. Watson said improving the city’s infrastructure will help when the Ottawa Light Rail Transit project begins.
The budget also puts $12.1 million into cycling infrastructure.
“This is the largest cycling investment over a term in council in the city’s history.” says Watson.
Dianne Cox of Cycling Vision Ottawa says investment in cycling infrastructure is a way for the city to save money in the long run.
The budget also raises investment in sidewalks from $400,000 to $4 million. Cooper Street's sidewalk from Cartier to Queen Elizabeth Driveway will be repaired.
Somerset Coun. Diane Holmes said this is a terrible piece of sidewalk and is pleased it will be repaired, but it isn’t enough for improvements in Somerset Ward.
But overall Holmes says she’s happy with the budget. Despite comments that public consultation was rushed, Holmes says it’s been a quiet budget time.
The city will continue to receive comments via email or at an upcoming standing committee.