Newsletter - March 2
From the desk of Councillor David Brown
After a month of committee meetings, consultations, and public delegations, the 2023 budget was passed at yesterday’s Council meeting. Much of the feedback gathered from residents, as well as through committee discussions, will inform next year’s budget process, which begins its planning stages on the heels of this year’s budget passing.
The biggest takeaways from what we heard from residents during our consultations had to do with funding allocations for rural road maintenance, the need for creative solutions for service delivery (such as potential public-private partnerships for winter road maintenance), and the notion that one size fits all does not work when applied to vast differences in suburban, urban and rural areas. Moreover, residents expressed concerns regarding the short length of the consultation process and the lack of easily accessible and transparent information on the budget.
This feedback will help guide my efforts to ensure that the needs of our ward are being brought to the Council table throughout the course of this year.
Though no budget is perfect, the 2023 budget was tight, fiscally responsible, and well-reasoned. Though there was disagreement on some specific elements of the budget at Council, generally there was concurrence around the Council table that the broad strokes of this budget are the right ones.
Moving forward, I plan to focus my efforts on increasing funding for key priorities such as infrastructure so our roads can be better maintained, our traffic can be better managed, and getting where we need to go can be done more quickly and safely. I will also be keeping a close eye on the strategic review of all our City’s programs and services to ensure we are delivering the services that are needed, at a scope and cost that makes sense. This effort of finding efficiencies is necessary to ensure that resources are properly allocated to our community for the priorities that matter most.
More information on the 2023 Budget can be found here. As always, my office is committed to responding to resident's questions, comments, and concerns. Please reach out to ward21@ottawa.ca any time to connect with me and my team.
Ward Updates
Rural Youth Employment and Resource Fair:
Are you a student looking for employment opportunities and resources? On March 20th, from 3 - 7 pm, learn what opportunities are available nearby. Learn more
Notice for Long Island Rd:
Due to the planned construction on Long Island Rd, the installation of flex stakes along the road will be delayed to avoid damage from construction vehicles.
Available funding open to not-for-profit organizations:
Crime Prevention Ottawa is now accepting applications for funding for projects that make Ottawa safer. Up to $600,900 in funds are available for micro grants (up to $15,000), non-renewable grants ($30,000 to $60,000), and multi-year systems level/collaboratives (up to $160,000 per year). Applications are due by 5 pm, on Monday, March 13, 2023.
The Community Funding Civic Events funding stream is now open for applications for projects that deliver family-friendly events in local Ottawa communities. Project should promote neighbours meeting neighbours, include multiple activities and attractions, and promote community wellbeing, equity and inclusion. This funding is open to all local not-for-profit organizations, including community groups and associations. Applications are due by Friday, March 10, 2023.
Upcoming Events
March is Kidney Health Month: People living with kidney disease fight a lifelong battle, and The Kidney Foundation’s mission is to support those affected every step of the way with trusted educational resources and peer support programs. Canadians are invited to #MakeYourMark on kidney disease by sharing the campaign on social media and by donating at: www.kidneyontario.ca
Murder Mystery Dinner/Lunch: ITR Theatre presents Death by Denoument, a Mary Jane Maffini Murder Mystery. There will be a dinner version on March 3, at 6:30 pm, and a lunch version on March 4, at noon. Learn more
Shamrock 'n 2023: Get in the spirit with this all-ages family event on March 11, from 1 - 9 pm, at the Richmond Agricultural Hall. Learn more
St. Patrick's Day Trivia: On March 15, from 7 - 9:30 pm, join in on this trivia fundraiser hosted by the Rural Ottawa South Support Services. Learn more
City Updates
Vacant Unit Tax: More than 80 per cent of Vacant Unit Tax (VUT) declarations have been completed. March 16 is the deadline for those residential property owners who have not submitted their declaration. Learn More
City of Ottawa Summer Camps: Plan your summer with the City of Ottawa summer camps and activities. On March 21, you will be able to browse available camps at register.ottawa.ca. Registration for summer aquatics begins April 3 at 9 pm; summer camp registration begins April 4, at 9 pm.
Mois de la Francophonie: March is a time to recognize Ottawa’s deep-rooted Francophone heritage and honour the many contributions the Francophone community has made to help shape our city. We invite you to take part in events and opportunities to learn more about the Francophone culture in our community. Learn more
Stay in touch
I want to hear from you! Connect with the team and stay informed by:
Following us on social media by clicking the icons below
Emailing your concerns to ward21@ottawa.ca
Calling the office at 613-580-2491
Meeting with Councillor Brown at the North Gower office every Thursday. Email ward21@ottawa.ca to book an appointment.