Its time to start pinching pennies

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Good morning,

It's Friday the 13th! Is anyone feeling superstitious? My hope for all of you is an uneventful and restful day. 

What is eventful is the state of the City of Ottawa’s finances which appear to be getting more off track by the day. On Wednesday, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe held a press conference to discuss the worst case scenarios which could happen if the province and feds don’t start paying up. Spoiler alert: It means you would be paying more on your taxes. 

Also, a famed portrait of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill has been discovered in Italy after it went missing from the Chateau Laurier Hotel almost two years ago. 

There is also a long list of agenda items. Let’s get to the news of the day! 

— Charlie Senack, [email protected].

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WEATHER

Friday: 28 🌡️ 16 | ⛅

Saturday: 28 🌡️ 15 | ⛅

Sunday: 28 🌡️ 15 | ☀️

Monday: 29 🌡️ 14 | ☀️

CITY HALL

The cost of financial pressures on taxpayers

The issue: In another desperate push for funding, the City of Ottawa has released figures over how much transit and property taxes could go up if support doesn’t come from upper levels of government. 

• What was tabled were the worst-case scenarios if the financial gap needed to be fixed by one solution. In reality, the city suspects they will need to hit various pockets to cover the shortfall rather than one, meaning the high-end number likely wouldn’t occur.

By the numbers: Property taxes could go up somewhere between 2.9% and 9.9%, the higher number being the worst case. Other fees could include a 75% increase in transit fares. The city said a monthly transit pass would increase to$225 a month compared to the current $128.75. 

How does this compare to other Canadian cities? The cost of a single transit fare in Ottawa is $3.80. With a 75% increase, it would soar to $6.74. Ottawa’s prices are already amongst the highest in the country. A single bus fare in Edmonton costs $3.50, and a $3.70 charge in Calgary. Vancouver sits at $3.20, Toronto at $3.35, Montreal is $3.75, and Winnipeg is $3.25.

A hopeful Mayor: Speaking to reporters during a press conference on Wednesday, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said he’s hopeful the tax increase for all services, expect transit, would be no more than 2.9%. That is still higher than the 2.5% increase he promised and achieved during his first two years in office. 

• “I want to be full and transparent with residents what the full impact of the $120-million structural deficit is in each of the areas we’re looking at, and I want to leave all of our options open,” said Sutcliffe according to the Ottawa Citizen. 

The mayor blamed the federal and provincial governments for not paying their fair share. Weeks ago he held a press conference stating OC Transpo was facing a $140 million gap after public service worker trips led to a 38% decrease in ridership. While the federal government doesn’t pay property taxes, it instead gives payment in lieu funds to the city. About $100 million has been lost due to to decreased payments. 

• “It’s not fair at all. None of this is fair to our residents,” said Sutcliffe. “It’s incredibly unfair to our residents that they’re paying more than their fair share because other levels of government have not contributed to Ottawa in the same way that they have for other cities.”

The pathway forward: On Monday, Sutcliffe will bring forward ”Proposed 2025 Budget Directions, Timeline and Consultation Process” to the city’s finance and corporate services committee meeting. 

How other citys pay property taxes: Many councillors have stated they feel a larger property tax increase is needed in Ottawa, and that these moves should have started years ago. This year, property taxes in Toronto rose 9.5%. In London, Ontario, the increase was 7.5%, with a 6.1% jump in Waterloo. 

Capital Ward councillor Shawn Menard told CBC he felt the options tabled were unnecessary since it’s unlikely such drastic increases to one area would ever be approved. 

• “I don't think that's what we would actually do. So it's not being the most transparent in that way. It's a bit more of a maybe scare tactic. This is not a plan. This is a worst case scenario on five different areas,” said Menard. 

Sutcliffe disappointed unions call for downtown business boycott 

The issue: In a social media post shared after federal office workers were mandated back to work, the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) encouraged public servants to pack their lunch, but “buy local as much as possible.”

• “Our members cannot be responsible for revitalizing the downtown core,” the union said in the post, according to the Ottawa Citizen. “How workers spend their money on in-office days will send a clear message to politicians.”

The comments did not sit well with Sutcliffe who said he was “very disappointed” in the union's response. 

• “Downtown businesses are not responsible for decisions about back to work. They’ve suffered significantly as a result of the pandemic. Let’s keep them out of the line of fire. Let’s support them and support a thriving downtown,” the Mayor said on Twitter. 

After facing backlash, the union sent out an updated statement which said, “members were encouraged to minimize their spending at downtown businesses and shop local in response to the federal government’s arbitrary in-office mandate that came into effect Sept. 9.” Despite using the words “buy nothing”, the union insisted they weren’t calling for a boycott.

SPONSORED BY OTTAWA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Ottawa Symphony Orchestra Presents: Adagio for Strings

Join us for an inspiring afternoon as the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra opens its season on Sunday, September 22, with Adagio for Strings, a celebration of masterful string music.

This matinee performance at the beautiful Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre will feature Bartók's Divertimento for Strings, a vibrant and intricate work, alongside the deeply moving Adagio for Strings by Samuel Barber.

• The performance will also showcase Haydn's Cello Concerto No. 2, performed by Ottawa-born soloist Thaddeus Morden.

Additionally, select members of the Ottawa Youth Symphony Orchestra will join our professional musicians on stage, representing the next generation of musical talent. Together, they highlight the remarkable depth of talent within our community.

• Under the baton of Sean Rice, this concert promises to be an unforgettable musical experience!

The show is at the Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre at 3:30 pm. Get tickets here.

OTTAWA BY THE NUMBERS

⚕️ 95: The age of a woman allegedly neglected at a care home in Gatineau. profound bedsores were found on the person's body before she died. [CBC]

🏥 550: The number of people who attended a breakfast at the Shaw Centre to capture a first glimpse of the Ottawa Hospital’s plan for a new Civic campus. To date, $336 million has been raised of its $500 million goal. [Ottawa Business Journal]

🏖️ 9.8 million: The number of visitors who come to Ottawa each year. [CTV]

ART

Famed portrait stolen from Chateau Laurier discovered in Italy

Mystery solved: A portrait of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, which was stolen from the Chateau Laurier Hotel, has finally been recovered by police — in Italy. 

The 1941 portrait taken by famed Canadian photographer Yousuf Karsh, went missing sometime between Christmas Day 2021 and Jan. 6, 2022. It was reported stolen in August 2022. The reason nobody noticed for so long was likely due to a relatively quiet period for the hotel due to COVID-19 restrictions. 

A global manhunt: Ottawa police determined the portrait was purchased by a buyer in Genoa, Italy, who had bought it from London auction house Sotheby's. Neither the seller nor the purchaser was aware the photograph was stolen, reported CBC. 

Known as the “Roaring Lion”, Ottawa Police will travel to Italy in the next few weeks to officially reclaim the photo. It will take a few months for it to arrive back in Canada, and will be rehung in the Chateau Laurier after renovation work is completed. 

• “The Ottawa Police Service has been working closely with the Carabinieri and the portrait’s purchaser, a private citizen from Genoa, Italy, to ensure its safe return to Canada,” police said in a statement. “With the assistance of the Carabinieri, arrangements have been made with the citizen to ceremoniously hand over the portrait to the Ottawa Police Service in Rome later this month.”

Man arrested: A 43-year-old man from Powassan, Ontario, has been charged for the theft and trafficking of the portrait, reported CTV. His identity has not been released due to a publication ban, but police said he was arrested on April 25, 2024. The unidentified victim has been charged with forgery, theft over $5,000 and traffic in property or things obtained by crime exceeding $5,000.

THE AGENDA

🏥 The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) has announced that Dr. Lindy Samson will take on the role of interim CEO after Alex Munter steps aside on Oct. 8. Munter, who held the role for 13 years, will take over the role of CEO at the Canadian Medical Association. The search for a permanent replacement is underway. [CHEO] 

🏬 A controversial high rise planned for Stittsville has been approved by Ottawa’s  Planning Committee which voted 9-3 in favour of the development. The 12 and 21-storey buildings will house 431 apartments. Many nearby residents argued the community doesn’t have enough transit, developed roads, or safety precautions. [CTV]

🚜 Businesses along Richmond Road say they’ve had enough with the constant LRT construction and noise that is turning away sales. Gillian Danby, owner of Lorenzo Bar and Grill, said they won’t be open this time next year if the conditions continue. Some businesses in the strip mall say they have seen an 80% decrease in customers. [CTV]

🍁 Fall is in the air and that means more than pumpkin spice lattes and sweater weather season. This year the comfort treats might not be needed as Environment Canada predicts a warmer and drier fall than normal. [CTV]

🏫 A new Stittsville secondary school which had its opening delayed is now scheduled to open on Sept. 17. A notice sent to parents on Wednesday said the final occupancy inspection by City of Ottawa officials was scheduled for Monday. [Ottawa Citizen]

💉 Ontario is scaling back its naloxone kit program which is leading many drug advocates to worry it will lead to lives lost. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist used to reverse toxic drug effects. According to outdated information from Ottawa Public Health, the number of opioid overdose-related ER visits skyrocketed to approximately 375 in 2017. [Kitchissippi Times]

⛸️ Britannia area residents are disappointed to see its Belltown Dome will no longer operate as a year-round indoor rink. Due to the age of the facility and operational requirements, the city said the refrigerated arena will become a “natural ice surface” and will only be used in the winter months. The change comes as Ottawa is facing a shortage of hockey rinks. [CBC]

🐀 Federal office workers aren’t the only ones to have returned back to the office. Unions are complaining of bats, rats and bed bugs found in the workers’ complexes. According to data provided by Public Services and Procurement Canada, there were 369 pest-related service calls within the National Capital Region between April 1, 2024 and Aug. 19, 2024. [Ottawa Citizen]

🦟 Ottawa Public Health said a person who tested positive for a mosquito-borne virus has died. The person who was not identified passed away from viral encephalitis in August and tested positive for an eastern equine encephalitis virus infection. [CTV]

🚎 If you’re riding the rails or taking an OC Transpo bus in the near future, you better have paid for your seat. The transit organization says they will be conducting a blitz to crack down on riders who don’t pay. The fine if caught is $260. [CTV]

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EVENTS

What to do this weekend

🌮 Viva Mexico Festival, Sept. 13-15: The second edition of the Viva México on Sparks St, a street festival celebrating the culture, food, music and traditions of Mexico, as part of the commemoration of its national day. At Sparks Street, between Kent and Lyon Streets. Free.

Perth Night Market | Downtown Perth | Saturday, Sept. 14, 5-10 p.m. | This weekend! Experience a magical evening of entertainment, artisan vendors, delicious food, and late-night shopping in beautiful downtown Perth. | Learn more [Sponsored]

🍁 Cheerfully Made Fall Market, Sept. 14: Enjoy the handmade (and some vintage!) shopping fun featuring a well-curated and eclectic line-up of 100 Canadian makers. At Bell Sensplex, 1565 Maple Grove Rd. Free. 

💃 Swing on the Hill, Sept. 14: Step into the 1920s -'40s with music, dance and laughter against Parliament's stunning backdrop. All levels welcome! Dive into swing dance lessons, enjoy DJ sets and dance under the open sky. At Parliament Hill. Free. 

🌶️ Heating up the Capital, Sept. 14: Meet the makers, sample their sauces and buy some to take home with you! At the Shaw Centre, 55 Colonel By Dr. Tickets start at $15. 

🌽 613 Flea, Sept. 14: The event features an exciting (and ever-changing!) lineup of over 140 vendors who offer eclectic goods, handmade treasures, vintage finds and one-of-a-kinds. In the Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park, 1000 Exhibition Way. Free. 

🇨🇳 Chinatown Bazaar, Sept. 15: To enhance Chinatown’s attractiveness as a Multicultural Village with an Asian Flavour, Somerset Street Chinatown BIA is proposing to host the Ottawa Chinatown Bazaar. At 687 Somerset Street W. Free. 

🐶 ByWard Barket, Sept. 15: This pet-friendly extravaganza features a variety of pet-themed vendors offering everything from gourmet treats and stylish accessories to health and wellness products for your beloved pets. In the ByWard Market neighbourhood. Free. 

🇯🇵 Annual Ottawa Bonsai Society Show, Sept. 14-15: Come admire around 40 of the most beautiful bonsais in the region! The show is free and is an excellent activity for the whole family! At the Embassy of Japan, 255 Sussex Dr. Free. 

🍂 1860s Fall Fair Weekend & Quilt Show, Sept. 14-15: Participate in the excitement of a wonderfully re-created 1860s Fall Fair, using 1860s fair categories and rules as a guideline. At Upper Canada Village, 13740 County Road 2, in Morrisburg. Tickets range from $16 to $25. 

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• Our food editor heads back to Farinella for some icy treats.

• Tiki boat operator Palapa Tours is hoping to offer free water taxi service between Ottawa and Gatineau. [Ottawa Business Journal]

• Support your local grocers by considering these shopping options.

• (Insiders) Here’s a solid Sauvignon Blanc you can find at the Wine Rack.

• Want to have your announcement featured? Learn how here.

OTTAWA GAMES

Congrats to Myra, Sandy and Bam, who all knew this week’s Ottawa Guesser was Plante Street.

Think you can solve this week’s Ottawa Wordle? Play now.