CITY BUDGET 2016 was passed last week.

A number of Councillors wanted to add additional costs that

would have increased property taxes across the City. I was not in favour of an increase, but did raise an
issue that I had previously discussed with the Mayor and City Manager. It has to do with evaluating the
organizational structure of the City to reduce levels of management and increase responsibility at the
operational level, thus creating efficiencies and lower costs. To start the work that needs to be done, my
direction to staff was approved to look at the 35 staff reductions in the budget, analyze their impact on
service levels and show the long-term reduction in taxes. Council needs this kind of information to ensure
basic City service levels are maintained at a reasonable cost, social and health costs funded at a
sustainable level and reduced increases in user fees for transit, water and recreation programs to rates of
inflation.
PROPERTY ASSESSMENTS are reassessed every four years, so your home will be valued by MPAC as
of January 1, 2016. You will receive your notice later in the year along with information on how to appeal
the value if you disagree with it. The City does not gain additional taxes if values go up as the value
municipality uses for taxes is adjusted to the average change. For example, if total residential
assessments go up by 10% and your home assessment goes up by 10%, your taxes remain the same.
Ill hold an information session once the notices are sent out to assist you in understanding your
assessment. The new values will not be used to determine tax rates in 2016 as adjustments may be
made. They will be used in 2017.
WINTER doesnt seem to want to come this year, but Im still dreaming of a white Christmas. Take time to
enjoy the season by skating on the canal (when it freezes) or on the rinks at City Hall, Centrepointe and
Landsdowne. Go to the Winter in the City page at www.ottawa.ca to see activities for you and your
family to make winter one of your favourite seasons.
KEEP VALUABLES SAFE! Take simple preventative measures such as ensuring your vehicle is locked,
and keeping valuable items out of sight or out of the car.
EVENTS LAST WEEK As well as participating in the long budget debate and the Built Heritage
Committee, I met with staff to go over the work plan for Ottawa Community Lands (which I chair), took
part in the open house for the proposed development of the Kanata Highlands and attended the open
house for the extension of the Bus Transitway from Bayshore to Moodie (to be open late in 2017). As well
as dealing with city matters, I served at the Christmas Exchange breakfast, attended holiday festivities
such as the Kanata Seniors Christmas Lunch and judged cookies at Chartwell Kanata. It was great to
attend the Corner Store opening and fill up at the new Ultramar at 69.9 cents per litre!
It was a pleasure to host members of the community at a Holiday Social last Sunday and to announce the
winners of the Christmas card contest, listen to a childrens choir and enjoy beautiful harp music. A Merry
Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Pancha Ganapati and happy holidays to all!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Dec 19, 9:15 am 5 pm, the Beer Store, donate your empties to the Christmas Exchange. Ill be
there accepting them from 10 - 10:30 am.
Dec, 25, Christmas Day
Dec. 31, Rick Chiarellis 23rd Annual Alcohol Free New Years Eve Event, Ben Franklin Place,
Centrepointe.