Ottawa Now - City Council imposing cap on City Hall employees

On Wednesday, Ottawa City Council officially approved the Budget Direction for 2026. And as they try to keep next year’s property tax hike at 3.75 percent, coupled with a transit fare increase of up to 7.5 percent, City Council is also attempting to cap the size of the municipal public service. Rideau-Jock councillor David Brown put forward a motion to set that magic cap at 17,105 employees, which was supported in a 14 to 10 vote. This rule would exempt paramedics, firefighters, and bylaw services. Requests for exemptions are also being made for Ottawa Police, OC Transpo, Ottawa Public Library, Ottawa Public Health, long-term care positions, and childcare positions. Councillor Brown joins Kristy Cameron to outline his reasoning on today’s Ottawa Now.