Transit win for Seniors, Budget and other things

This week, I’m pleased to share that the City’s budget for 2025 has now been finalized. After a thorough review and a lot of hard work, I’m happy to report that I fought for and secured important investments for our community. From infrastructure improvements to ensuring that vital services remain accessible and effective, this budget reflects the priorities and needs of our neighbourhood.

I’m also very proud to have worked with my colleagues to pass my motion on transit fares during budget discussions. We achieved a unanimous vote to continue the free Wednesday and Sunday transit service for seniors, ensuring that our older residents continue to have access to essential transportation. Additionally, I successfully advocated for a reduction in the proposed $108 fee for the senior pass, bringing it down to $58.25—the same rate as the Equipass, which is available to those with a family income below the low-income threshold. These decisions will help make transit more affordable and accessible for our seniors.

This was absolutely a win for our senior community, and I’m proud to have worked on this initiative in close collaboration with the Council on Aging. It’s a significant step forward in making sure our seniors have the affordable transit access they need.

In terms of transportation, we also secured an increase in the sidewalk plowing and treatment budget, ensuring safer streets for everyone, especially during the winter months.

The budget also focuses on several other key areas:

Investment in policing and community safety, ensuring we continue to build a safe and secure environment for all residents.
Enhanced paramedic and emergency services, ensuring our first responders are equipped to meet the growing needs of our community.
Locally, there’s a long list of road improvements throughout the ward, and I’ll share the finalized list once it’s available. But there’s more! Some exciting projects are moving ahead, including the redevelopment of the Gailea Momolu (formerly Trillium) skate park, the installation of a dog water fountain at the dog park, and a splash pad at Donald Street. We’re also taking steps to increase safety with the design and planning of a multi-use pathway along Blair Road, from Montreal Road down to the Ottawa River.

While many municipalities are facing budget increases of 7%, 8%, or even 9%, we worked diligently to find efficiencies and savings, ultimately keeping our increase to a modest 3.9%. This budget is a result of careful planning and a commitment to balance fiscal responsibility with the needs of our community.