What we spend tells us who we are. That is always the mantra I take into every budget season, as I comb through spreadsheets to try and uncover how council’s decisions will impact the everyday lives of residents in Somerset Ward.
You may have heard that what is being proposed is a 3.75 percent tax increase, with a five percent increase to the police budget and roughly 2.9 percent for everything else. Also on the table is an eight percent increase in the transit levy and a 2.5 percent increase in transit fares. The mayor is promoting this budget as fiscally prudent in the face of economic uncertainty, applauding his decision to keep taxes as low as possible. But that doesn’t tell the whole story. Rising transit fares, higher user fees, crumbling infrastructure and unreliable buses end up costing people more.
So without further ado, here is my quick analysis of the good, the bad, and the ugly in the draft 2026 city budget …
The good:
The bad:
The ugly:
Councillor Jeff Leiper and I held two budget consultation meetings with residents, and you can learn more about what we heard in this report. Now you can have your say at budget committee meetings – anyone can sign up to make a five-minute presentation. Here’s a link to all of the upcoming budget meetings and how you can sign up. You can also email my office at [email protected] if you have any questions or want tips on preparing a delegation. Your voice matters.
The final vote on the city budget is on December 10. In the lead-up to that vote, I will keep asking questions, listening to residents and advocating for the priorities of Somerset Ward.
Warmly,
Ariel
Councillors Ariel Troster and Jeff Leiper at a rally last week against the Ford government's Bill 60 and its attack on cycling safety.
Data shows ANCHOR is a huge success
One year, 4,464 calls, and 92 percent required no police intervention. The Alternative Neighbourhood Crisis Response (ANCHOR) in Centretown is sending the right people to help in cases of mental health or substance use crises. It represents the de-tasking of police and it works. We are so lucky to have ANCHOR in Centretown, and the data helps makes the case for why it should be scaled up city-wide. You can read the one-year report on ANCHOR and listen to my recent interview with CFRA on the topic here. You can also learn more about ANCHOR and meet some of the workers by watching my recent video.
Remember: ANCHOR is available to residents of Centretown by calling 211, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help with mental health and addiction crises.
Hunger Report shows food insecurity is on the rise
The Ottawa Food Bank released a report last week called, Ottawa Hunger Report: Food Insecurity in a Broken System. Last year, food banks in Ottawa recorded 588,866 visits—101 percent higher than 2019. It is staggering—the highest in our history—and continues to grow. These numbers remind us that food insecurity is not just an individual or personal failure, it’s a systemic problem impacting a huge number of people in our city.
Children make up 37 percent of those needing a food bank, more than a third. These are kids who deserve to grow up healthy, nourished, and free from the stress of wondering
where their next meal will come from. A basic nutritious diet for a family of four costs about $1,180 per month in Ottawa, at a time when the minimum wage, $17.60, doesn’t come close to the living wage in Ottawa of $23.40.
While the true answer to food insecurity is an increase to social assistance rates and ODSP, more affordable housing and a higher minimum wage, food banks are filling a gap left by decades of social policy failure.
If you want to help end hunger in Somerset Ward, there are three wonderful organizations you can support: the Dalhousie Food Cupboard, the Centretown Community Food Centre and the Parkdale Food Centre.
No one should go hungry in a city like ours. Thank you for your generosity.
Blue and black bin collection changes coming January 1
Changes are coming to how blue and black bins are collected across the province. Under regulations from the Government of Ontario, responsibility for collecting and processing recycling across Ontario will transfer to producers of paper and packaging. This means that Ontarians will be able to recycle the same materials no matter where they live.
It also means that beginning on Thursday, January 1, 2026, the City of Ottawa will no longer be responsible for collecting your blue and black bin.
As part of this new recycling system, you will be able to recycle more – including plastic bags, toothpaste tubes and deodorant. Learn more about Ontario’s upcoming recycling system.
Learn more online here.
Citywide Budget Information Session for Black and Racialized Communities
This session will offer a unique opportunity to learn how the City’s budget process works and to explore ways that you and your organization can continue contributing to it. City staff will provide insights, answer questions, and listen to your feedback.
Date: November 25, 2025 | Time: 6 to 8 pm | Location: Heartwood House, 404 McArthur Avenue
Attend online on Zoom, or participate in person. Doors open at 5:45 pm. The presentation and virtual component begin at 6:30 pm. Appetizers and light refreshments will be available. Advance registration is required for both the virtual and in-person options: bit.ly/EquityConsultation2026
My Rec Pass: Flexibility to meet your recreation needs and your budget
The City of Ottawa will be launching its recreation membership and admissions model for drop-in fees, multi-visit passes and membership passes, starting this Monday, December 1 – making fees more consistent and providing you more flexibility to choose your preferred activities that fit your budget.
The new model for both drop-in admission fees and membership passes has been simplified into a three-tier structure. Each level is based on the cost of delivery for the activities – including specialized equipment, spaces and certified instructors.
The fees and membership costs increase at each level. When you purchase an annual membership at the tier two level, you are also eligible for the tier one offerings. The tier three membership provides access to all activities.
Learn more online here.
Santa’s Coming to Town
It’s the time of year when Santa is making his annual visit to Ottawa prior to Christmas. He is scheduled to appear at all of Ottawa’s local holiday parades. So, if you want to see Santa and his reindeer this year, bundle up and stake out a good spot where you’re sure to get a good look at him. Santa is making his way all over the city this year with plenty of chances to see him:
Before visiting a parade, make sure to plan ahead. You can find the most up-to-date traffic impacts information on Ottawa.ca and on our interactive traffic map.
New Who to Call list available
The Somerset West Community Health Centre has put together a new “Who To Call” list for residents.
You can view the list and find a copy to print and share with neighbours online here.
People in Centretown are very generous. I know that so many of you donate your time or your money to worthy organizations in our community.
We are so lucky to have such an engaged group of residents in the downtown core. When Councillor Jeff Leiper and I hosted People Powered Budget consultation at Plant Resreaction Centre in June, the room was packed, and the care and passion you all have for our city was evident.