Finance and Corporate Services Committee approves Draft Budget 2026

The Finance and Corporate Services Committee today approved Draft Budget 2026, which outlines key investments in City governance, Office of the City Clerk, City Manager’s Office, Rail Construction, Housing Solutions and Investment Services, Economic Development and Finance and Corporate Services, as well as non-departmental expenditures. The total gross operating budget required to maintain service for 2026 is $807.2 million. The operating budget is offset by revenue and recoveries and allocations of $2.9 billion.  

The capital budget is $189.1 million, and investments would fund renewal of City assets, including building repairs, technology enhancements and security, and light rail transit. Through continuous improvements, the City has saved more than $11 million, including $5.43 million streamlining facilities and improving efficiency, notably with the purchase of 100 Constellation, $3 million from investment and interest revenue,​ and $850,000 through a review of user fees.  

The Committee approved declaring five City-owned properties as surplus land. They will be earmarked for housing development.  

The sites include 306 Cyr Avenue, 466 Billings Avenue, a portion of 3311 Woodroffe Avenue, a portion of 160 Lees Avenue and 2973 Bank Street. This move responds to the housing priorities of the recent Housing Acceleration Plan. Four of the sites have been prioritized for development of not-for-profit and affordable housing. The property at 2973 Bank Street would be sold for market housing development through Build Ottawa and would be required to include an affordable housing component.  

The Committee also received a project update on Ᾱdisōke, an iconic landmark facility and the first major partnership of its kind between the City of Ottawa, Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada. 

Following a rigorous review and challenge of the contractor’s schedule by City staff and external experts, it is now anticipated that Ādisōke will not open in 2026. Work continues to progress on site, and the City, the contractor and partners are actively working to mitigate further delays. The City is committed to protecting taxpayer interests and to share updates as they become available. As Ādisōke moves closer to completion, the City and its partners continue working to bring this five-storey landmark to life to serve residents and visitors for generations. 

City Council will consider the recommendations from today’s meeting on Wednesday, December 10.