Every year the debate regarding Ottawa’s budget begins in early December and community representatives hammer out finance details until the end of January. It is a long and drawn out process that can sometimes leave the public feeling a little out of the loop, wondering if their needs and concerns are given due attention during the deliberations. This blog post is a little update for the Orleans community that our City Councillor, Bob Monette, represented our best interests with integrity and vigor.
After the budget was released on January 28, Monette addressed the Orleans community to reassure the public that during the debates he argued against the proposed $3 million in cuts to OC Transpo routes, and with the cuts put back in the budget he ensures that Orleans will continue to provide the same comprehensive routes and services in 2010 that were provided last year. Also, a new pilot project will take effect this year allowing University students to purchase a transit saving U-Pass, so students who commute to school from the suburbs can save their hard earned money (or rather refocus that money to paying off school debt!).
Monette was most enthusiastic to share the news that $6 million was granted for the realignment of Trim Road. He expressed that the money was not only important for Trim Rd.’s much needed makeover, but it will also help the City begin work on the already delayed “parks project.” Parks 18A and B were originally scheduled to be complete by 2016 but the new projected time frame is 2013; the ties between work on Trim Rd. and the parks has enabled the city to advance construction by 3 years. Park 18-B is expected to be the largest active park (10 acres) to be built on the east side of Trim Road. What a treat for the 25,00 home owners currently living in the area!
To read more details surrounding the City of Ottawa 2010 budget follow this link: http://www.ottawa.ca/city_hall/budget/budget_2010/index_en.html
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