Property Taxes Pay for the Services Our City Needs!

“The public sector is what makes things work. And when we don’t have the public sector alive and robust, then the human condition declines, it atrophies, it falls apart.” (Stephen Lewis, February 18, 2011, Toronto)

Investment in our public services is an investment in our strong collective future. It makes perfect financial sense in the long-term.

Why?

Because it is cheaper to provide affordable housing than it is to keep families and individuals locked in cycles of homelessness and relying on emergency services such as shelters and hospitals.

Because it is cheaper and more productive to ensure that families have the affordable quality childcare they need to find and maintain the jobs that keep them financially independent.

Because affordable, accessible recreation programs keep people of all ages healthy and active, and reduce costs for health care. Youth with access to recreation programs develop skills and interests that keep them engaged in productive activities and reduce crime.

Because affordable public transit allows Ottawa residents to get to the recreation programs, childcare and jobs that keep them healthy, cared for and financially independent. Increasing ridership is by far the most effective way to keep a transit system financially feasible – increasing fares and cutting routes does the opposite.

Property taxes are part of the equation that keeps our City housed, cared for, healthy and moving.

It’s the City’s job to get the services and programs that our communities need. Let’s also work with our Councillors to make sure the provincial and federal governments pay their fair share to make sure that our City works for everyone.