Budget 2024 Information

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We want your input on Ottawa's budget

The City is developing its budget and we want your feedback.
Wondering how you can provide your feedback on this and future budgets?
There are year-round options to provide your feedback.
You can: Submit your ideas to your Ward Councillor.
Follow and engage with us on Facebook and X @ottawacity, using the hashtag #OttBudget
Each fall, the City seeks Council approval of its budget directions, which includes setting the recommended municipal tax rate and outlining the approach and timetable for consultation and consideration.
Once this is approved, you can participate in the budget consultations on Engage Ottawa. 
In November, the budget is tabled at a special Council meeting.
Following tabling, residents can provide feedback on the draft budget in the following ways: Participate in Councillor-led public consultations.
Ask questions on Engage Ottawa.
Community delegations can register to make a brief presentation to each Standing Committee considering a budget
Following these Committee meetings, Council approves its budget at a special meeting in December. It’s your budget, so have your say.
We look forward to hearing from you!

How does the City compare with other municipalities

Find out how the City budget affects your property taxes, and what your taxes pay for.

If you are interested in learning more about municipal assessments and how Ottawa compares to other Ontario municipalities pleas take a look at 2022 Municipal Study conducted by BMA Management Consulting Inc.

How the City of Ottawa compares

Taxation increases for major Canadian cities 2013 to 2023
City 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Cumulative Total Compounded Total
Ottawa 2.09% 1.91% 2.00% 2.00% 2.00% 2.00% 3.00% 3.00% 3.00% 3.00% 2.50% 26.50% 29.92%
Toronto 2.00% 2.23% 2.75% 1.30% 3.29% 2.91% 3.58% 2.00% 0.51% 2.90% 5.50% 28.97% 33.00%
Edmonton 3.30% 4.92% 5.70% 4.10% 3.10% 3.20% 2.60% 2.08% 0.00% 1.90% 4.96% 34.26% 39.95%
Calgary 5.50% 5.00%* 4.20% 6.10% 0.00% 3.80% 3.45% 1.50% -1.66% 3.61% 5.50% 32.00% 43.48%
Vancouver 2.00% 1.90% 2.40% 2.30% 3.90% 4.24% 4.50% 8.20% 5.00% 6.35% 10.70% 51.49% 64.82%

Get involved in the budget process - Have your say

There are many ways to stay informed and participate in the budget process

Year-round

  • Submit your ideas to your Ward Councillor 
  • Call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401). Rural residents call 613-580-2400  
  • Follow and communicate with us on Facebook and X @ottawacity, using the hashtag #OttBudget  

September - October

Participate in the budget consultations on Engage Ottawa 

September

The Budget Directions Report is presented to Council in September.  The purpose of the report is to provide Council with an outline of the projected pressures that the City will be facing, including: 

  • A list of projected efficiencies and opportunities 
  • Impacts related to Provincial and Federal funding 
  • Impacts related to compensation and benefit increases from contract settlements 
  • Impacts related to inflationary pressures such as fuel and capital driven by the supply chain and economic conditions
  • The proposed annual increase in property taxation 
  • Outlining the budget allocation targets for the Boards and Transit Commission  

September-November

Following the Budget Directions Report by Council, staff build the draft budget. 

November

  • The draft budget is tabled at Council in November. 
  • Following tabling, residents can provide feedback on the draft budget in the following ways: 
    • Participate in Councillor-led public consultations. Check back regularly on this page or on Engage Ottawa as dates will be added when they are available 
    • Ask questions on Engage Ottawa  
    • Follow along with Standing Committee meetings. At the meetings, there is an opportunity for community delegations to register and make a brief presentation to the Standing Committee.

December

Council will consider the draft budget for adoption in December. The adopted budget books will be updated and posted on Ottawa.ca