WEST CARLETON – Now that this year’s Ward 5 City of Ottawa 2021 budget consultation is virtual, organizers will save energy not having to put chairs out that more often than not, remain empty.

The City of Ottawa is at the very beginning of what may be a historic challenge for council – drafting the 2021 budget.

“It’s now time to discuss the City of Ottawa’s annual budget for 2021,” Coun. Eli El-Chantiry released in a statement today (Oct. 13). “The public consultation component of Budget 2021 is now underway, and the City of Ottawa wants to engage with you in preparation of drafting next year’s document. 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 and members of the community can provide input by asking questions, communicating with the mayor and council and completing surveys.

Additionally, over the coming few weeks there will be councillor-led public consultation sessions.

“I will be holding my Virtual Ward 5 Budget Consultation on Thursday, Oct.  29,” El-Chantiry said.

If you wish to attend the Oct. 29 virtual consultation, you must register for participation by emailing lisa.anderson@ottawa.c or by calling 613-580-2424 ext. 32256. Registered participants will receive further information including login details for the virtual meeting. Call-in capabilities will also be available for anyone wanting to phone in to the meeting.

“If you cannot attend my Public Consultation Session, feel free to contact me directly at eli.el-chantiry@ottawa.ca or call me at 613-580-2475,” El-Chantiry said.

You can also: 

• Go to engage.ottawa.ca/draft-budget-2021 and submit your questions using the online tool and fill out the online budget survey
• Follow and communicate with the City via Facebook (@CityOfOttawa) and Twitter (@ottawacity), using the hashtag #ottbudget
• Provide your feedback by calling 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401). Rural residents call 613-580-2400.
• Sign up as a public delegation at the upcoming standing committee and board meetings dealing with Budget 2021. (Meeting dates are published on ottawa.ca/budget).

Visit ottawa.ca/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.