Why King Voted Against Budget Directions

Recently, I voted against Ottawa’s proposed 2026 budget directions, expressing my concerns about the significant variance ranges built into the budgetary framework.

While Council ultimately approved overall direction limiting property tax increases to 3.75 per cent, I objected to the wide budgetary ranges assigned to key services.

The approved budget directions include substantial variance ranges. The Ottawa Police Service, as an example, could see increases between 2.9 per cent and 6.5 per cent, while Transit Services faces an even broader range of three per cent to 15 per cent, coupled with transit fare increases spanning 2.5 per cent to 7.5 per cent. I believe that such wide parametres create uncertainty and undermine effective fiscal planning.

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This newsletter excerpt from Rideau-Rockcliffe Councillor Rawlson King is courtesy of the city-wide community group Your Applewood Acres (And Beyond) Neighbours

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The up to 6.5 per cent increase for police represents approximately $30 million in additional spending and would be the largest police budget increase in 15 years during a time when other essential services face constraints.

I am also concerned about transit, as I believe increasing fares up to 7.5 per cent would have an unimaginable and unconscionable impact on low-income and working families. Public transit should remain accessible and affordable for all residents. Consequently, I voted for a motion to cap transit fare increases at up to 2.9 per cent, but that motion failed.

I also voted against a motion to cap the number of staff on the municipal payroll for 2026, as I believe that we should have a full assessment of how many employees are needed to deliver services properly before Ottawa City Council considers the implementation of a cap.

My dissenting vote highlights ongoing tensions between maintaining budgetary flexibility for essential services and ensuring predictable, fiscal management that provides transparency for residents.

I believe predictability should be a cornerstone of municipal budgeting because excessive variance makes it difficult for residents to anticipate actual tax impacts and complicates long-term financial planning for both the municipality and taxpayers.

The draft operating and capital budget will be tabled at Ottawa City Council on Nov. 12. Each standing committee will meet in November or early December to consider their parts of draft 2026 budget. I invite residents to share their thoughts through various engagement opportunities.  Please visit Engage Ottawa to learn more. Council will vote on the final budget on Dec. 10.

For You:

Transit: Wilson Lo’s Time Has Come: BENN

Line 1: Lipstick On A Pig: WHOPPER WATCH

Army Run To Disrupt Sunday Traffic

Correct The E-Bus Mistake: PATTON

LRT Project Management Is Short Of Poor: BENN

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