Ottawa mayor pitches 3.75% tax increase in 2026; biggest hike for police in 15 years
An error has occurred. Please ensure your web browser is up to date before trying again. If applicable, disable any virtual private network (VPN) and ad blocker. [3003/4032]
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe says his proposal for the the 2026 budget would keep the overall property tax increase smaller than many other major cities, but it would also include what he called the biggest budget increase for police in 15 years.
The 2026 draft budget directions document, prepared for the Finance and Corporate Services Committee, directs staff to develop the budget with an overall net tax requirement increase of no more than 3.75 per cent, which includes a city-wide tax levy increase of up to 2.9 per cent and higher levies for police and public transit.
ADVERTISEMENT
'To date, the City has avoided an additional 10 per cent tax increase over this Term of Council through $207.5 million of achieved savings. These efficiencies reduce the overall tax supported net requirement while maintaining service and balancing affordability,' staff say.
A 3.75 per cent tax hike would cost the average urban property owner an extra $166 next year.
Major budget increase for police
The Ottawa Police Services levy would be increased between 2.9 per cent and 6.5 per cent in 2026.
'It represents the largest increase in the police budget in more than 15 years … but it comes at a time when it's needed to serve our community,' Sutcliffe told reporters at a news conference on Thursday.
Sutcliffe says this is necessary to cover the costs of the Ottawa Police Service's new district policing model and staff stabilization plan to hire more police officers.
'Our residents have been asking for better and more effective policing. They want to see more officers patrolling our streets. They want faster response times. They want to feel safe in their community,' he said. 'We need to support these important changes by investing further in policing and public safety.'
Concept of South Facility
A conceptual image of the future Ottawa Police South Facility on Prince of Wales Drive, as shown at a topping off ceremony on May 9, 2025. (Peter Szperling/CTV News Ottawa)
A 6.5 per cent increase would add an estimated $25 million to the net operating budget for Ottawa police, pushing it to approximately $414 million.
Transit improvements 'cost money'
The budget directions say the transit levy could increase anywhere between 3 per cent and 15 per cent next year, and fares would go up anywhere between 2.5 per cent and 7.5 per cent.
'Public transit is vitally important to our community and to our economy,' Sutcliffe said. 'Earlier this year, we successfully launched Lines 2 and 4 of light rail, and in the coming months, we'll open the eastern extension of Line 1 to Orléans—another huge milestone for transit. We're also continuing to purchase more electric buses to make our transit service greener and more reliable… These improvements cost money, so another boost in transit funding is required.'
Ottawa LRT
The O-Train operates on Line 1 on Thursday, July 3, 2025. (Andrew Adlington/CTV News Ottawa)
The document says staff are directed to produce a list of operating efficiencies to reduce the overall fare and transit tax levy requirement. Staff are also directed to find capital investment deferrals for consideration, and any funding related to the provincial commitment to upload the Ottawa LRT.
A 2.5 per cent transit fare hike would add approximately $3 to the price of an adult monthly bus pass. A 7.5 per cent increase would increase the monthly fare by approximately $10.
Sutcliffe said the larger increases to the police and transit levies would be made to fit within his goal of keeping the overall tax increase at 3.75 per cent next year.
'We will continue to have among the lowest tax increases of any major city in Canada,' he said. 'It won't be easy to hit these targets, but we owe it to our residents to do everything possible to achieve this important balance between investing in what matters most and keeping life affordable.'
'There are a lot of needs and pressures, but we will continue to do the heavy lifting to find savings and efficiencies,' Sutcliffe said.
Other fee increases include a 10 per cent increase in the garbage fee, which would add an extra $2 per month to what the average single family home pays. Recreation fees are expected to rise 2.9 per cent next year.
The Finance and Corporate Services Committee meets Sept. 2 to discuss the budget directions.
The 2026 draft budget will be presented to city council on Nov. 12, and the final adoption vote will take place on Dec. 10.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Globe and Mail
21 minutes ago
- Globe and Mail
EverGen Infrastructure Reports Q2 2025 Results
EverGen Infrastructure Corp. ('EverGen' or the 'Company') (TSXV: EVGN) (OTCQB: EVGIF), today reported financial results as at and for Q2 2025. All amounts are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated and have been prepared in accordance with IFRS. Strategic & Financing Updates $5 Million Private Placement: In May 2025, EverGen completed a $5 million non-brokered private placement of common shares with Ask America, LLC strengthening the Company's balance sheet. Debt Refinancing: The Company progressed refinancing of its Fraser Valley Biogas facility, with a signed letter of intent for a $13 million debt facility and $250,000 operating line of credit in February. EverGen expects to complete this refinancing in Q3 2025, with terms that are better aligned with the Company's current operations and strategic focus. Additional Equity Financing: Commitments and indications received for up to $2 million of additional proceeds pursuant to a second tranche of the private placement of common shares at a price of $0.60 per share. The Company has extended this tranche to close alongside the debt refinancing, anticipated in Q3 2025. In all other respects, the terms of the private placement and use of proceeds will remain as previously disclosed in the April 23, 2025, press release. The completion of the private placement is subject to customary closing conditions, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"). Operational Updates RNG Production Growth: RNG production increased 17% year-over-year setting a new quarterly record. In March and April 2025, FVB achieved over 12,000 gigajoules ('GJs') of monthly production and is now approaching a run-rate equal to the annual nameplate capacity of the facility of 160,000 GJ. Optimization Initiatives: With planned changes to senior leadership team complete, the Company initiated optimization activities across core facilities during Q2 2025. While these activities temporarily reduce incoming organic waste volumes and revenues, they are expected to unlock sustainable cash flow, future growth and underpin EverGen's position as a long-term RNG leader. Financial Results: Three months ended Jun 30, 2025 Jun 30, 2024 $ Change % Change FINANCIAL Revenue 2,781 4,238 (1,457) (34) Net loss (1,947) (875) (1,072) 123 Net loss per share ($), basic and diluted (0.10) (0.05) (0.05) 100 EBITDA (1) (822) 966 (1,788) (185) Adjusted EBITDA (1) 339 1,122 (783) (70) Total assets 78,577 93,828 (15,251) (16) Total long-term liabilities 25,657 29,321 (3,664) (12) Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash 4,515 402 4,113 1,023 Working capital surplus (1) 1,449 994 455 46 COMMON SHARES (thousands) Outstanding, end of period 22,426 13,979 8,447 60 Weighted average – basic & diluted 17,762 13,947 3,815 27 OPERATING RNG (gigajoules) 49,297 42,219 7,078 17 Incoming organic feedstock (tonnes) 17,220 30,647 (13,427) (44) Organic compost and soil sales (yards) 5,303 11,742 (6,439) (55) Electricity (MWh) 853 911 (58) (6) (1)"EBITDA', "Adjusted EBITDA" and "Working capital surplus' do not have standardized meanings under IFRS Accounting Standards. Please refer to 'Non-GAAP Measures' below. Management Commentary 'Q2 2025 was a transformational quarter for EverGen as we successfully recapitalized the business, aligned our leadership with a supportive lead investor, and continued to deliver record RNG production,' said Chase Edgelow, CEO of EverGen. 'We're tracking well against our 100-day plan for the business, and while optimization activities will continue to impact near term revenues, these initiatives are critical to positioning EverGen for scalable growth in 2026 and beyond, reinforcing our long-term vision as Canada's leading RNG infrastructure platform.' Outlook With a stronger balance sheet, growing RNG output, and optimization initiatives underway, EverGen is positioned to deliver sustainable growth, enhance shareholder value, and advance its leadership in Canada's RNG sector. The Company expects to complete its refinancing and additional equity raise in Q3 2025, further strengthening its financial foundation. For further information on the results please see the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis filed on SEDAR+ at and on EverGen's website at EverGen will hold a results and corporate update conference call at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday, August 22, 2025, hosted by Chief Executive Officer, Chase Edgelow. Find the latest Corporate Presentation in the Investor Center: Market Maker Further, to support liquidity and trading of the Company's shares, EverGen has engaged Independent Trading Group ('ITG'), Inc. to assist in maintaining active and orderly trading in the market for the common shares of the Company on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSX-V"). The market-making service will be undertaken by ITG in compliance with the applicable policies of the TSX-V and other applicable laws. For its services, the Company has agreed to pay ITG a service fee of $6,000 with option to renew monthly. The Company and ITG act at arm's length. ITG, nor any of its principals, currently own any securities, directly or indirectly, of the Company. The engagement of ITG is subject to the Company making certain filings with the Exchange and acceptance by the Exchange. About EverGen Infrastructure Corp. EverGen, Canada's Renewable Natural Gas Infrastructure Platform, is combating climate change and helping communities contribute to a sustainable future. Headquartered on the West Coast of Canada, EverGen is an established independent renewable energy producer which acquires, develops, builds, owns, and operates a portfolio of Renewable Natural Gas, waste to energy, and related infrastructure projects. EverGen is focused on Canada, with continued growth expected across other regions in North America and beyond. For more information about EverGen Infrastructure Corp. and our projects, please visit Non-GAAP Measures EverGen uses certain financial measures referred to in this press release to quantify its results that are not prescribed by IFRS. The terms EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA and working capital are not recognized measures under IFRS and may not be comparable to that reported by other companies. EverGen believes that, in addition to measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, the non-IFRS measurement provide useful information to evaluate the Company's performance and ability to generate cash, profitability and meet financial commitments. These non-IFRS measures are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for other measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) before interest, tax and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA adjusted for share-based payment expenses, unusual or non-recurring items, contingent consideration gains and losses and non-controlling interests in adjusted EBITDA. Working capital is calculated as current assets less current liabilities. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and/or forward-looking information (collectively, 'forward looking statements') within the meaning of applicable securities laws. When used in this release, such words as 'would', 'will', 'anticipates', 'believes', 'explores', 'expects' and similar expressions, as they relate to EverGen, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. More particularly, and without limitation, this press release contains forward looking statements and information concerning the Company's expectations regarding revenue growth and future financial or operating performance and the completion of a debt refinancing and a second tranche of the private placement, including the timing and amounts thereof. Such forward-looking statements reflect the current views of EverGen with respect to future events, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions., including the receipt of all approvals and satisfaction of all conditions to completion of the debt refinancing and the extension and completion of the private placement and the acceptance by the Exchange of the engagement of ITG. Many factors could cause EverGen's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any expected future results, performance or achievement that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what benefits EverGen will derive therefrom, and accordingly, readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. The Company cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to: counterparty risk to closing the debt refinancing and the second tranche of the private placement; the impact of general economic conditions in Canada, including the current inflationary environment; industry conditions including changes in laws and regulations and/or adoption of new environmental laws and regulations and changes in how they are interpreted and enforced, in Canada; volatility of prices for energy commodities; change in demand for clean energy to be offered by EverGen; competition; lack of availability of qualified personnel; obtaining required approvals of regulatory authorities in Canada; ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources; optimization and expansion of organic waste processing facilities and RNG feedstock; the realization of cost savings through synergies and efficiencies expected to be realized from the Company's completed acquisitions; the sufficiency of EverGen's liquidity to fund operations and to comply with covenants under its credit facility; continued growth through strategic acquisitions and consolidation opportunities; continued growth of the feedstock opportunity from municipal and commercial sources, and the factors discussed under 'Risk Factors' in the Company's Annual Information Form dated April 22, 2024, which is available on SEDAR+ at many of which are beyond the control of EverGen. Forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. The forward-looking statements contained in this release are made as of the date of this release, and except as may be expressly required by applicable law, EverGen disclaims any intent, obligation or undertaking to publicly release any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in any jurisdiction.
CTV News
21 minutes ago
- CTV News
$2,500 a night: FIFA demand sends Vancouver hotel prices sky high
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Vancouver logo is seen on the big screen at BC Place in this file photo. With nearly a year to go before Vancouver hosts 2026 FIFA World Cup matches, hotel rooms are already in short supply for the event, and far from affordable. CTV News compared prices for the weekend of the city's opening match, June 12 to 15, and found that most rooms with two beds in the downtown core are either fully booked or priced over $1,000 a night. ADVERTISEMENT We analyzed costs directly on hotel websites and on third-party sites like and Expedia. The Hyatt Regency has one ofthe more competitive options, with a two-bed room listed at $1,053 per night. A two-bed suite at the Century Plaza was $1,496, the OPUS Hotel was priced at $2,438, and Hotel Le Soleil came in at an even $2,500 per night. Even hotels outside the downtown core offered little relief. For example, a room at the Holiday Inn Vancouver-Centre in Fairview goes for $1,096. For comparison, rates at the same hotels drop dramatically by mid-August — two months after the FIFA matches. The Hyatt's price is roughly $500 lower, Century Plaza's drops by more than $1,000, and the OPUS rate is a fraction of its June price. We also noticed prices fluctuate frequently. Some rooms were suddenly a few hundred dollars cheaper (but still expensive) in the afternoon than they were in the morning. Some hotels might also offer more competitive options – for smaller rooms with a single bed – than are listed on third-party websites. Vancouver is set to host seven World Cup matches in 2026.
National Post
21 minutes ago
- National Post
EverGen Infrastructure Reports Q2 2025 Results
Article content Q2 2025 Key Milestones Achieved & Highlights: Article content Closed $5 million private placement in May 2025 to recapitalize EverGen and position the Company for long-term success. New leadership team enabled and incentivised to achieve medium and long-term outcomes to maximize shareholder value. Achieved quarterly renewable natural gas ('RNG') production record following the successful ramp-up of Fraser Valley Biogas ('FVB') and GrowTEC RNG projects. Initiated optimization activities across core assets to enhance platform value and underpin growth in 2026 and beyond. Article content VANCOUVER, British Columbia — EverGen Infrastructure Corp. ('EverGen' or the 'Company') (TSXV: EVGN) (OTCQB: EVGIF), today reported financial results as at and for Q2 2025. All amounts are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated and have been prepared in accordance with IFRS. Article content Strategic & Financing Updates Article content $5 Million Private Placement: In May 2025, EverGen completed a $5 million non-brokered private placement of common shares with Ask America, LLC strengthening the Company's balance sheet. Debt Refinancing: The Company progressed refinancing of its Fraser Valley Biogas facility, with a signed letter of intent for a $13 million debt facility and $250,000 operating line of credit in February. EverGen expects to complete this refinancing in Q3 2025, with terms that are better aligned with the Company's current operations and strategic focus. Additional Equity Financing: Commitments and indications received for up to $2 million of additional proceeds pursuant to a second tranche of the private placement of common shares at a price of $0.60 per share. The Company has extended this tranche to close alongside the debt refinancing, anticipated in Q3 2025. In all other respects, the terms of the private placement and use of proceeds will remain as previously disclosed in the April 23, 2025, press release. The completion of the private placement is subject to customary closing conditions, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the 'Exchange'). Article content RNG Production Growth: RNG production increased 17% year-over-year setting a new quarterly record. In March and April 2025, FVB achieved over 12,000 gigajoules ('GJs') of monthly production and is now approaching a run-rate equal to the annual nameplate capacity of the facility of 160,000 GJ. Optimization Initiatives: With planned changes to senior leadership team complete, the Company initiated optimization activities across core facilities during Q2 2025. While these activities temporarily reduce incoming organic waste volumes and revenues, they are expected to unlock sustainable cash flow, future growth and underpin EverGen's position as a long-term RNG leader. Article content Financial Results: Article content Three months ended Jun 30, 2025 Jun 30, 2024 $ Change % Change FINANCIAL Revenue 2,781 4,238 (1,457) (34) Net loss (1,947) (875) (1,072) 123 Net loss per share ($), basic and diluted (0.10) (0.05) (0.05) 100 EBITDA (1) (822) 966 (1,788) (185) Adjusted EBITDA (1) 339 1,122 (783) (70) Total assets 78,577 93,828 (15,251) (16) Total long-term liabilities 25,657 29,321 (3,664) (12) Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash 4,515 402 4,113 1,023 Working capital surplus (1) 1,449 994 455 46 COMMON SHARES (thousands) Outstanding, end of period 22,426 13,979 8,447 60 Weighted average – basic & diluted 17,762 13,947 3,815 27 OPERATING RNG (gigajoules) 49,297 42,219 7,078 17 Incoming organic feedstock (tonnes) 17,220 30,647 (13,427) (44) Organic compost and soil sales (yards) 5,303 11,742 (6,439) (55) Electricity (MWh) 853 911 (58) (6) (1) 'EBITDA', 'Adjusted EBITDA' and 'Working capital surplus' do not have standardized meanings under IFRS Accounting Standards. Please refer to 'Non-GAAP Measures' below. Article content Management Commentary Article content 'Q2 2025 was a transformational quarter for EverGen as we successfully recapitalized the business, aligned our leadership with a supportive lead investor, and continued to deliver record RNG production,' said Chase Edgelow, CEO of EverGen. 'We're tracking well against our 100-day plan for the business, and while optimization activities will continue to impact near term revenues, these initiatives are critical to positioning EverGen for scalable growth in 2026 and beyond, reinforcing our long-term vision as Canada's leading RNG infrastructure platform.' Article content Outlook Article content With a stronger balance sheet, growing RNG output, and optimization initiatives underway, EverGen is positioned to deliver sustainable growth, enhance shareholder value, and advance its leadership in Canada's RNG sector. The Company expects to complete its refinancing and additional equity raise in Q3 2025, further strengthening its financial foundation. Article content For further information on the results please see the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis filed on SEDAR+ at and on EverGen's website at Article content EverGen will hold a results and corporate update conference call at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday, August 22, 2025, hosted by Chief Executive Officer, Chase Edgelow. Article content Conference call details are as follows: Article content Article content Date: Friday, August 22, 2025 Article content Zoom Link: Article content Find the latest Corporate Presentation in the Investor Center: Article content Market Maker Article content Further, to support liquidity and trading of the Company's shares, EverGen has engaged Independent Trading Group ('ITG'), Inc. to assist in maintaining active and orderly trading in the market for the common shares of the Company on the TSX Venture Exchange (the 'TSX-V'). The market-making service will be undertaken by ITG in compliance with the applicable policies of the TSX-V and other applicable laws. For its services, the Company has agreed to pay ITG a service fee of $6,000 with option to renew monthly. The Company and ITG act at arm's length. ITG, nor any of its principals, currently own any securities, directly or indirectly, of the Company. The engagement of ITG is subject to the Company making certain filings with the Exchange and acceptance by the Exchange. Article content About EverGen Infrastructure Corp. Article content EverGen, Canada's Renewable Natural Gas Infrastructure Platform, is combating climate change and helping communities contribute to a sustainable future. Headquartered on the West Coast of Canada, EverGen is an established independent renewable energy producer which acquires, develops, builds, owns, and operates a portfolio of Renewable Natural Gas, waste to energy, and related infrastructure projects. EverGen is focused on Canada, with continued growth expected across other regions in North America and beyond. Article content For more information about EverGen Infrastructure Corp. and our projects, please visit Article content Non-GAAP Measures Article content EverGen uses certain financial measures referred to in this press release to quantify its results that are not prescribed by IFRS. The terms EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA and working capital are not recognized measures under IFRS and may not be comparable to that reported by other companies. EverGen believes that, in addition to measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, the non-IFRS measurement provide useful information to evaluate the Company's performance and ability to generate cash, profitability and meet financial commitments. These non-IFRS measures are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for other measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) before interest, tax and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA adjusted for share-based payment expenses, unusual or non-recurring items, contingent consideration gains and losses and non-controlling interests in adjusted EBITDA. Working capital is calculated as current assets less current liabilities. Article content Forward-Looking Information Article content This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and/or forward-looking information (collectively, 'forward looking statements') within the meaning of applicable securities laws. When used in this release, such words as 'would', 'will', 'anticipates', 'believes', 'explores', 'expects' and similar expressions, as they relate to EverGen, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. More particularly, and without limitation, this press release contains forward looking statements and information concerning the Company's expectations regarding revenue growth and future financial or operating performance and the completion of a debt refinancing and a second tranche of the private placement, including the timing and amounts thereof. Such forward-looking statements reflect the current views of EverGen with respect to future events, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions., including the receipt of all approvals and satisfaction of all conditions to completion of the debt refinancing and the extension and completion of the private placement and the acceptance by the Exchange of the engagement of ITG. Many factors could cause EverGen's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any expected future results, performance or achievement that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what benefits EverGen will derive therefrom, and accordingly, readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Article content The Company cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to: counterparty risk to closing the debt refinancing and the second tranche of the private placement; the impact of general economic conditions in Canada, including the current inflationary environment; industry conditions including changes in laws and regulations and/or adoption of new environmental laws and regulations and changes in how they are interpreted and enforced, in Canada; volatility of prices for energy commodities; change in demand for clean energy to be offered by EverGen; competition; lack of availability of qualified personnel; obtaining required approvals of regulatory authorities in Canada; ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources; optimization and expansion of organic waste processing facilities and RNG feedstock; the realization of cost savings through synergies and efficiencies expected to be realized from the Company's completed acquisitions; the sufficiency of EverGen's liquidity to fund operations and to comply with covenants under its credit facility; continued growth through strategic acquisitions and consolidation opportunities; continued growth of the feedstock opportunity from municipal and commercial sources, and the factors discussed under 'Risk Factors' in the Company's Annual Information Form dated April 22, 2024, which is available on SEDAR+ at Article content , Article content many of which are beyond the control of EverGen. Forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. The forward-looking statements contained in this release are made as of the date of this release, and except as may be expressly required by applicable law, EverGen disclaims any intent, obligation or undertaking to publicly release any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in any jurisdiction. Article content Article content Article content Article content
