Fun updates in Rideau Vanier!

Council unanimously approves City’s 2023 budget

Last week Council unanimously passed the 2023 Budget, which prioritizes affordable housing and protection for those most at risk in our community, greater equity, inclusion and diversity, reliable and affordable public transportation, safe and reliable roads, sidewalks and pathways, and a cleaner and greener city.

This budget – in which admittedly I would have liked to see more support for housing and other support programmes – did meet my election commitment to both increase funding to much needed community social services, and housing, while keeping to a moderate tax increase.

The budget supports those most at risk in our community. This budget will create more affordable housing options every year, with funding from the capital budget coupled with federal and provincial funding. In addition to those ongoing investments, the budget includes $15 million in new funding for 2023, and I supported Councillor Laine Johnson’s motion to add $1 to address inflation making a $16 million investment. These investments will see work begin or continue for more than 1,000 units of affordable and supportive housing in communities across Ottawa.  

The Budget allots $4.55 million for community safety, well-being and social investments, including funding for community agencies in support of Ottawa’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan, with interventions to support racialized youth, prevent gender-based violence against women and girls, and improve community-based access to mental health programs. 

As well the 2023 Budget caps the overall municipal tax increase at 2.5 per cent. Factoring in assessment growth, that increase would deliver $91.9 million in additional funding to address budget pressures and make priority investments. The average urban homeowner would pay an additional $104 per year.

I would like to thank all of the community members who attended my virtual budget consultation meeting last week, along with all the students who participated in my school budget consultations.

Photo description : Councillor Stéphanie Plante discusses the budget with seniors of the Rideau-Vanier Ward. Everyone is seated, listening attentively while the screen offers graphics and visuals on the topic.

Image description : Councillor Plante is joined by fellow councillors and team members at the Ukraine Vigil last Friday, February 24th on Parliament Hill.  

• You must submit your mural design and location for approval by Thursday, March 23, 2023 via the City of Ottawa’s By-Law and Regulatory Services online form.
• The complete application will need to be submitted to Crime Prevention Ottawa by Friday, April 14, 2023.

Traffic and transit impacts expected March 23 to 24  
 
Significant traffic and transit impacts are expected across Ottawa between Thursday, March 23 and Friday, March 24 due to a visit from the President of the United States (POTUS) and First Lady.
 
As a result, there will be full or temporary road closures to and from the airport, and throughout the downtown core. During motorcade movement, the Macdonald-Cartier and Alexandra bridges will have intermittent and temporary closures in both directions for all vehicular, cyclist and pedestrian traffic. The Portage and Chaudière bridges will remain open in both directions. For more details, please refer to ottawa.ca/POTUSvisit.
 
The City’s online traffic map will have live updates on traffic impacts. Select “incidents” to see roads currently affected. You can also follow the City of Ottawa’s traffic account on Twitter.
 
For transit users, O-Train Line 1 service will operate as regularly scheduled. Some OC Transpo bus routes and ParaTranspo service will experience travel delays due to road closures and various routes will experience detours during select time periods. Bus service will be detoured from Rideau Street to Mackenzie King Bridge on March 23 and 24. 
 
Stay up to date on the latest transit information by visiting octranspo.com, calling 613-560-5000 or following OC Transpo’s Twitter account. Para Transpo customers can use the MyPara Transpo app to find the latest information available about their trip. 
 
The City of Ottawa is working closely with the RCMP, the Ottawa Police Service and other partners to ensure that public safety is maintained during the visit.