Better Ottawa Budget Passed. Campaign Season Starts Now!
Dec 12, 2025
The approval of the 2026 city budget kicks off campaign mode for the upcoming municipal elections. The hosts dive into Tim Tierney's provocative op-ed that critiques fellow councillors. They discuss the Mayor's public safety messaging and his breakfast meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney. Attention turns to transit changes, including restored LRT frequency and new youth fares. The panel argues about budget dissenters and the political theatrics of the Mayor's press strategy, setting the stage for an engaging election season ahead.
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Transit Moves: Frequency And Youth Fares
- Transit changes include restoring peak LRT frequency to six minutes and free fares for under-18s off-peak.
- Fare increases still passed, keeping affordability a contentious, ongoing issue.
Votes Show Nuanced Dissent, Not Total Rejection
- Several councillors voted against parts of the budget but then approved the overall budget, showing nuanced dissent.
- Votes signal political positioning ahead of the 2026 municipal campaign more than pure policy splits.
Councillors Cite Local Neglect For No Votes
- Councillor Sean Devine has now voted against four budgets citing neighbourhood neglect and infrastructure decay.
- Councillor Matt Luloff surprised colleagues by voting against the budget over unfulfilled ward promises.