Draft Budget 2024
The 2024 Draft Operating and Capital Budget adheres to Council’s direction of setting an overall municipal tax increase of no more than 2.5 per cent, and that the rate-supported budget be set in accordance with the approved 2017 Long Range Financial Plan (LRFP) V – Water, Wastewater and Stormwater supported programs. Ottawa Police Services’ draft budget reflects a Police levy increase of no more than 2.5 per cent. Transit Services’ draft budget reflects a Transit levy increase of no more than 2.5 per cent.
Draft Budget 2024 demonstrates a commitment to core investments in physical and social infrastructure, keeping residents safe and secure, supporting affordability and housing, protecting the environment, and promoting quality of life in communities across Ottawa. The 2024 Draft Budget is an affordable approach for responsible growth, mobility, housing, and ensures a balance of affordability and fiscal responsibility while maintaining a prudent approach to long-term financial stability.
Executive Summary
2024 Draft Operating and Capital Budgets
Document 1 – 2024 Draft Operating Budget Summaries
Document 2 – 2024 Draft Capital Budget Summaries
Document 3 – Multi Year Budget
Document 4 – Budget Document Guide
Draft Budget by Committee
Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee
Emergency Preparedness and Protective Services Committee
Environment and Climate Change Committee - Tax Supported
Environment and Climate Change Committee - Rate Supported
Finance and Corporate Services Committee
Planning and Housing Committee
Full budget books are available on the agenda for the Council meeting on November 8,2023.
Budget 2024 – External Boards
We want your input on Ottawa's budget
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
| 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