Highlights include:

Investing $600 million in Ottawa’s core public infrastructure
Offering transit savings to university students through a new U-Pass pilot project
Protecting people and property by investing in our first responders and crime prevention
Improving parks, recreation and cultural programs
Continuing to make Ottawa one of North America’s most liveable cities
Property taxes will increase by 3.77%. For the average homeowner, that’s roughly $138 for the year or $2.65 per week.

“Budget 2010 is an affordable budget that accurately reflects our residents’ priorities, ” said Mayor Larry O’Brien.  “The City of Ottawa’s overall financial position remains strong, positioning us to take on the demands and challenges that our growing community will face in this new decade.”

In 2010, Ottawa will make an unprecedented investment in infrastructure renewal. The City’s investment in capital projects is on top of the $398 million worth of economic stimulus projects which all three levels of government announced jointly last year.

As a result, Budget 2010 will help build and improve roads, sewers and water mains. It maintains transit services at current levels and will lead to better parks and recreational facilities. Libraries will benefit, as will a number of cultural facilities.

Budget 2010 provides for better pathways and trails across the city and helps create more liveable neighbourhoods for all.

Budget 2010 makes important contributions to our emergency services while also investing in health and wellness programs for people of all ages and abilities.

Budget 2010 is the result of a new budget planning process that began in October. Public consultation began earlier and Councillors were able to benefit from that increased input as they made their decisions.

“The new budget planning process introduced by Council has strengthened public participation and provided additional opportunities for input from communities,” said Kent Kirkpatrick, City Manager. “Enhanced citizen engagement assists Council in making informed decisions.”

To see how Budget 2010 impacts you, please visit: ottawa.ca.

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