OTTAWA – Its been an incredibly challenging, expensive year for the City of Ottawa with the COVID-19 pandemic taking up plenty of the city’s funds.

Now it’s time to figure out how to pay for 2021.

“Yes, it’s that time of year again – time to discuss the City of Ottawa’s annual budget for 2021,” Coun. Eli El-Chantiry released in a statement today (Oct. 6). “The public consultation component of Budget 2021 is now gearing up, and the City of Ottawa wants to engage with you now in preparation of drafting next year’s document. It’s your city and your budget. Your feedback helps inform the city’s budget priorities and contributes to decisions about investments in services that you want and need.”

The draft budget for 2021 is currently being developed. Work started this summer and is continuing through the fall.

During this time, members of the community can provide input by asking questions, communicating with the mayor and council and completing surveys,” El-Chantiry said. “Additionally, over the coming few weeks there will be councillor led public consultation sessions for you to share your views. I will be holding a Virtual Ward 5 Budget Consultation Session the evening of Thursday, Oct. 29. We are still working on firming up the meeting logistics. As soon as details are confirmed I will publicize widely via this newsletter, my website and social media.”

In the meantime, you can go ahead and share your feedback by:

• Submitting a question online here
• Filling out the budget survey
• Submitting your ideas to your Ward Councillor (eli.el-chantiry@ottawa.ca)
• Following and communicating with the City on Facebook (@CityOfOttawa) and Twitter (@ottawacity), using the hashtag #ottbudget
• Calling 311 (TTY: 613-580-2401). Rural residents call 613-580-2400.

Please visit ottawa.ca/en/city-hall/budget/understanding-your-city-budget to get more detailed information on understanding the city budget, learning about the budget process and finding ways to get involved and have your say.