The City of Ottawa has unveiled its draft budget for 2026, setting the stage for the final financial plan of the current council term. The proposal outlines a 3.75 per cent total tax increase, which will directly impact homeowners while funding essential services from public transit to policing.
Breaking Down the Tax Impact
For the average urban homeowner, the budget translates to an additional $237.30 on their annual tax bill. This amount is composed of a $166 rise in property taxes, a $24 increase for solid waste collection, and $47.30 more for water services.
Residents in rural areas will see a smaller financial impact, with an average increase of $126 to their tax bill.
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe defended the proposed increase, stating it is among the lowest for major Canadian cities with populations over one million. He framed the budget as a responsible choice, emphasizing the need to balance investment with affordability for residents.
Significant Boost for Ottawa Police Service
A major component of the draft budget is a substantial investment in the Ottawa Police Service (OPS). The police are set to receive a $26 million budget increase, representing a five per cent rise.
This funding will support several key initiatives:
- Hiring 25 additional police officers.
- Launching a program to equip frontline officers with body-worn cameras to document interactions with the public.
The OPS's gross operating budget for 2026 is set at $484 million. After accounting for revenues, the net operating budget will be $414.9 million. The service has also committed to finding $4.3 million in efficiencies through measures like IT contract reviews and adjusted fuel costs.
A Budget of Choices and Priorities
The 2026 budget reflects the city's ongoing financial strategy. Mayor Sutcliffe addressed differing opinions on tax levels, noting that while some councillors advocate for higher spending, his priority is to protect community affordability.
This budget sets the financial course for Ottawa as the current council term concludes, making strategic investments in services that matter most to its residents.
