Draft Budget 2025 Backgrounder: Investing in the City’s Strategic Priorities

Published on
November 22, 2024
Council, committees and City Hall

A city that has more affordable housing and is more livable for all

To provide access to a range of housing options, including affordable housing and improve access to supports for mental health and substance use health, emergency services, employment services, licensed child-care and parks, culture and recreation.

Investments:

  • $30.8 million to support more than 100 non-profit social service agencies to address the root causes of poverty
  • $27.3 million to support the development of 39 new parks
  • $22.9 million to support construction of 565 new affordable and supportive housing by non-profit housing providers
  • $16 million through the Ontario-Ottawa agreement to address safety issues downtown and on transit
  • $2.4 million for 23 new Paramedics, and two new vehicles to address rising response volumes
  • $1.5 million to support facility maintenance for transitional housing
  • $550,000 to enhance and grow Community Safety Services within community housing
  • $450,000 to support free drop-in activities for children and youth at City facilities through Free Play
  • $150,000 to support the Anti-Hate Campaign and community initiatives
  • $140,000 to extend operating hours of outdoor aquatic amenities such as wading pools, outdoor pools and beaches

A city that is more connected with reliable, safe and accessible mobility options

To focus on transit, active transportation and road safety while prioritizing future road, transit and active transportation projects to support growth and development and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Investments:

  • $856 million for OC Transpo (up 11%) to support new LRT extensions, improve reliability, and enhance Para Transpo services
  • $245.1 million for integrated rehabilitation projects and make sure city road infrastructure remains in good working order
  • $95.3 million for winter operations  
  • $89.6 million for road rehabilitation, resurfacing and preservation initiatives across the city, including $13.5 million specifically for local road renewal
  • $75 million for bus replacements to support service reliability
  • $19.4 million additional base budget for the opening of O-Train Line 1 East extension
  • $18 million for road safety initiatives in accordance with the Strategic Road Safety Action Plan, including increased investments in pedestrian crossovers, Pedestrian Access and Intersection Ramping Program, and new traffic control devices programs
  • $12.9 million increase in Transit fleet maintenance to support service reliability
  • $10.5 million for new cycling infrastructure and multi-use paths
  • $10 million additional funding for warranted signalized intersections

A city that is green and resilient

To reduce emissions in fleet, transit, solid waste, facilities and wastewater treatment and to plant, grow and preserve the tree canopy. The Climate Resiliency Strategy will address the impacts of climate change and protect people, infrastructure and services.

Investments:

  • $375 million for greenhouse gas reduction and climate change resiliency
  • $306 million to help fund the replacement of Zero Emission Buses
  • $85.6 million for upgrades to drinking water pumping stations so residents continue receiving excellent drinking water quality
  • $6 million for initiatives in the Climate Change Master Plan to support the reduction of emissions and build climate resiliency
  • $3.9 million for emerging natural asset management
  • $3.1 million to address wet weather flow management within the urban area and reduce flood risks through the Wet Weather Program
  • $2.8 million towards the continued transition of the City’s municipal fleet to electric, hybrid and lower-emission vehicles
  • $2.3 million to support actions of the Solid Waste Master Plan, including waste diversion enhancements
  • $1.7 million for generators in City fire stations and recreation and culture facilities for climate resiliency
  • $887,000 for planting and growing the tree canopy

A city with a diversified and prosperous economy

To consider new ideas and options to support job creation and economic growth, supporting small business, diversifying the economy and attracting skilled workers.

Investments:

  • $200,000 to develop a nightlife marketing and promotion campaign and to support the development of a citywide safety and security plan as outlined in the Nightlife Economy Action Plan
  • $140,000 to support the Bytown/ByWard Market 200th Anniversary
  • $100,000 additional funding to support the Mural and Architectural Design Feature Grant Funding Program for Business Improvement Areas
  • $100,000 one-time project funding to support the Ottawa Film Office

For more information on Draft Budget 2025, visit ottawa.ca

For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, X (Twitter) and Instagram.