A reminder to have your say on Draft Budget 2026

Just a reminder to have your say on Draft Budget 2026. Feedback is integral to the development of the City’s budget. It’s your city and your budget, so have your say. Some important dates are quickly approaching. The Engage Ottawa Draft Budget 2026 questionnaire ends on Thursday, June 26. In addition, two in-person, Councillor-led consultations remain on the schedule before the summer. Visit engage.ottawa.ca for the dates, times and locations. Other Important dates and information Draft Budget 2026 has many opportunities for you to get involved, including participating in Councillor-led consultations, social media, and feedback tools on Engage Ottawa.

• Ongoing: Residents provide feedback and questions related to Draft Budget 2026 through your local Councillor, social media (using #OttBudget), 3-1-1, and feedback tools on Engage Ottawa
• June to November: Councillor-led budget consultations take place to receive input from residents. Exact dates for consultations will be communicated by Councillors, posted on ottawa.ca, Engage Ottawa and social media
• Wednesday, November 12: Draft Budget 2026 is tabled at Ottawa City Council
• Wednesday, November 12 to Monday, December 8: Residents can submit questions to City staff through Engage Ottawa and register to make public delegations to the various Standing Committees
• Wednesday, December 10: Draft Budget 2026 is considered for adoption at Ottawa City Council

Budget background

• Every year, the City of Ottawa produces a municipal budget. One of the City’s most important documents, the budget is the blueprint that defines how money is received (revenue) and spent (expenses). There are two main components to the draft budget:
  • The operating budget funds City programs and services that residents rely on every day
  • The capital budget helps grow our city by paying for new infrastructure and assets under the City’s control and the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure and assets
• The draft budget is broken down by Standing Committee, department and service area as described in the Table of City Services and Standing Committee reporting structure. With direction from City Council, the budget is drafted and tabled for review by each Committee and adopted by Council. There are three Boards who make independent recommendations to Council regarding their draft budgets:
  • Ottawa Police Services Board
  • Ottawa Board of Health
  • Ottawa Public Library Board
• Draft Budget 2026 will support Council’s commitment to fund ongoing operational needs and make investments that support an affordable, connected, prosperous and resilient city for all.
• For more information about the City’s budget, visit the Budget, finance and corporate planning page

For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, Bluesky and Instagram.