It’s the most wonderful time of the year… at least if you’re a municipal politics enthusiast! The Mayor has now released his draft budget for 2026, which lays out how Ottawa plans to invest in services and infrastructure over the next year. This is one of the most important decisions Council makes annually, and it’s crucial that our community’s priorities are reflected.
I’ve already heard some great feedback from residents at my recent budget consultations, on my website’s survey, and while out door knocking in the community. I want you to know that your input is helping guide my advocacy as we move through this process. Over the coming weeks, City committees and boards will review their parts of the budget, and I’ll be at the table making sure the needs of Orléans West–Innes are front and centre. Community safety, transportation, and infrastructure improvements like road resurfacing, new park equipment, and sewer and culvert work are always top of mind, and I’ll keep pushing to make sure these investments continue in our community.
Looking at the budget, and though it still requires more of a deep dive into the specifics, I’m encouraged to see the proposed investments for our community in infrastructure renewal, which will maintain and improve roads, pathways, and community facilities. For Orléans West – Innes, the current proposed investment is significant, including: road, sidewalk, and pathway upgrades, recreation facility repairs, culvert replacements, and other essential projects. In the coming weeks, I’ll work with staff to advocate for additional projects as funding from unallocated envelopes becomes available. Affordability is top of mind for so many families right now, and as I review the budget, I’m focused on protecting the core services we all rely on while keeping in mind the financial pressures residents are facing. Your feedback really matters, and I want to hear what’s most important to you because it helps guide the decisions I make at City Hall.
Below you’ll find a high-level breakdown of some of the major investments already included in the draft 2026 budget. As the budget moves through committees and Council, I’ll keep you updated on the final list of projects and investments for our Ward and I’ll continue working to make sure our community receives the attention and resources it deserves.
Buildings and Parks Renewal $270,000
- Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex – Orléans – electrical infrared scan
- Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex – Orléans – replace flooring finishes
- Decarie Park – advance design – replace asphalt pathway
- Fire Station 52- Convent Glen – Type ii building condition audit
- Heritage Park fieldhouse – Type ii building condition audit
- Hornets Nest Park: field house – replace luminaires in original building
- Library: Orléans – Type ii building condition audit
- Lois Kemp Arena – structural adequacy review
Pathways $541,000
- Major pathway – Agnes Purdy – from Southpark Drive to Bearbrook Road, east city limit
- Pathway – Beauclaire Park – advance design – from Beauclaire Drive to Terranova Drive
- Pathway – Decarie Park – advance design – from Bilberry Drive to Beauclaire Drive
Road resurfacing $4,675,500
- Bedeque Court – from cul de sac to Gaultois Avenue
- Fortune Drive – from Sainte Agatha Park to Orléans Boulevard N
- Frank Bender Street – from Innes Road to Jeanne D’arc Boulevard
- Innes Road – from Blackburn Hamlet Bypass West to Blackburn Hamlet Bypass East
- Superior Court – from cul de sac to Gaultois Avenue
- Tours Place – from cul de sac to Loire Drive
Street lighting $48,000
- 6400 Jeanne d’Arc Boulevard, cable fault tender
Total: $5,534,500
Beyond our community, and looking City-wide, the proposed budget includes a $5.2 billion operating budget and a $1.9 billion capital budget, with priorities such as strengthening emergency services, improving water and sewer systems, building safer roads and transit, and supporting affordable housing. There are significant investments proposed to enhance emergency response, including $3.3 million for 23 new paramedics, additional By-law and Regulatory Services staff, and $3.6 million to replace breathing devices for firefighters. Ottawa Police Service will see funding for 25 new frontline officers and long-overdue officer body cameras. Other safety initiatives include $1.6 million for ByWard Market streetscaping renewal to boost economic activity and tourism, and $700,000 to expand the Alternate Neighbourhood Crisis Response program/Mobile Crisis Unit.
Investing in reliable water systems also remain a priority, with $87.2 million for wastewater treatment renewal at the Robert O. Pickard Environmental Centre, $12.7 million for stormwater rehabilitation, and $3.6 million for rural ditching. These investments may not grab any headlines, but they are essential for protecting public health, the environment, and quality of life for residents across Ottawa.
Transportation improvements are also a major focus. The budget commits $135 million to roadway resurfacing and $25.4 million for sidewalk rehabilitation, which are big increases compared to previous years. Transit investments next year will increase to $938.7 million to operate the O-Train Line 1 extension to Trim Station, introduce on-demand transit, improve reliability, and add zero-emission buses.
Transit in particular is an important point. Earlier this year, OC Transpo rolled out the New Ways to Bus system to connect communities to the newly opened Line 2/4 train system. While this was an important step, it is very clear to the community that there’s still work to do. When I recently brought OC Transpo’s Senior Director to meet local riders during the morning rush hour, residents made clear that the new bus system isn’t meeting expectations and service has been inconsistent. For the LRT launch in Orléans to succeed, it must be supported by reliable buses. No-shows and late buses should be the exception, not the norm. Rest assured transit and service reliability will be top of mind for me during my budget discussions with staff and my Council colleagues.
The Draft Budget also includes support for affordable housing and vulnerable residents, with $23.25 million to build about 350 new affordable units, including projects at Rochester Heights and LeBreton Flats. Social housing funding will increase by $2.8 million, and $2.18 million will provide essential health and social supports for low-income seniors and other residents in need.
As this budget process moves forward, my focus will remain on striking the right balance between investing in the services and infrastructure our community depends on and respecting the financial realities that so many families are facing. Every decision we make has a direct impact on quality of life, and I want to ensure those decisions reflect what matters most to you. Please keep sharing your thoughts and priorities with me, your input is invaluable and helps guide the work I do on your behalf at City Hall.
You can learn more about the budget at: https://engage.ottawa.ca/budget2026.
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