Better Ottawa

It was a busy week at Ottawa City Hall, and the Municipal Panel has thoughts.In this episode, we cover:* the Return to Office debate goes to Council (0:42)* Doug Ford plans to outlaw speed cameras (13:38)* the City introduces a new Housing Acceleration Plan (21:53)* the City finds a new way to fight the Kanata ClubLink development (31:02)* What’s holding up Lansdowne? (38:07)Let us know what you think. Leave a comment here or wherever you get your podcasts, and if we see it in time, we’ll respond in our next episode.You can also watch the podcast on YouTube.Or listen to an audio version on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.And don’t forget … the People’s Summit is back this fall! 🌟One powerful day of bold ideas, proven strategies, and people power to win our city back. Join organizers, advocates, and changemakers for keynotes, panels, municipal boot camps, and community victories worth celebrating. This isn’t just a conference — it’s the launchpad for a people-powered movement.👉 Let’s organize. Let’s build power. Let’s win.🔗 More info & tickets: betterottawa.ca/summit This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit the613.substack.com/subscribe

The Municipal Panel took a week off, and boy, was there a lot to cover when we got back. In this extended issue, we discuss: * the Mayor’s pledge to end youth homelessness by 2030 (2:58)* the investigation into Councillor Menard’s election spending (10:47)* Jeff Leiper turns the City’s return to office mandate into a hot potato (22:16)* the City’s report on climate progress (29:00)* Doug Ford’s war on speed cameras (37:37)* the City reverses course on sidewalks in Manor Park (45:35)* City Hall half-heartedly freezes its headcount (48:31)We didn’t get around to covering a number of housing initiatives that came out over the past two weeks, but we’ll do that in our next episode.Let us know what you think. Leave a comment here or wherever you get your podcasts, and if we see it in time, we’ll respond in our next episode.You can also watch the podcast on YouTube.Or listen to an audio version on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit the613.substack.com/subscribe

Ottawa City Council is back in full swing, which means the Municipal Panel is here to provide our colour commentary.This week we cover:* the Integrity Commissioner’s report on Councillor Plante’s social media postings (0:15)* the City’s decision that all staff will return to office full time in January (11:18)* the 2026 budget directions, and specifically what it means for transit (22:38)* a potential pay increase for Councillors (40:15)Let us know what you think. Leave a comment here or wherever you get your podcasts, and if we see it in time, we’ll respond in our next episode.You can also watch the podcast on YouTube.Or listen to an audio version on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit the613.substack.com/subscribe

Break’s over, and the Better Ottawa Municipal Panel is back!If you appreciate the work of the Panel, please consider becoming a paid subscriber.This week, Joanne, Jon and Neil cover:* What to expect for the 2026 City of Ottawa budget (0:40)* Why beaches don’t stay open in late season heatwaves (18:40)* Delays to the release of the City’s new long-range financial plan (24:48)* NCC and Senators agree to a LeBreton Flats land sale (35:47)* Follow-up to our popular Lansdowne ParkPod (45:27)We’ll be back next week to cover the upcoming City Council meeting (including the Integrity Commissioner’s report on Councillor Plante’s social media postings).Let us know what you think. Leave a comment here or wherever you get your podcasts, and if we see it in time, we’ll respond in our next episode.You can also watch the podcast on YouTube.Or listen to an audio version on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit the613.substack.com/subscribe

We did an extended summer recording all about Lansdowne 2.0. The local RogersTV station filmed us on location at the Great Lawn.We talk about finances, benefits and risks, but perhaps most importantly, our perspectives on what Lansdowne 2.0 is in really about.Let us know what you think. Leave a comment here or wherever you get your podcasts, and if we see it in time, we’ll respond in our next episode.You can also find the podcast on YouTube.Or listen to an audio version on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit the613.substack.com/subscribe

The Municipal Panel looks at Ottawa municipal issues over the past two weeks:* the City’s updated Transportation Master Plan clears Committee. We discuss the big issues, including mode share, Airport Parkway, Alta Vista Transportation Corridor, and a ring road to the south of the city (1:30).* the City tries to hide its deal to lower the urban boundary review fees (26:24)* the provincial Municipality Accountability Act consultations are coming to Ottawa next week — what will Joanne say to the Committee?* (36:42)* with the new Queen St transitional housing for asylum seekers, why were we even considering Sprung tents? (41:40)Let us know what you think. Leave a comment here or wherever you get your podcasts, and if we see it in time, we’ll respond in our next episode.You can also find the podcast on YouTube.Or listen to an audio version on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.*The Parliamentary Committee hearings are open to the public and will take place on 17 July from 10:00am to 5:00pm at the Sheraton Hotel, 150 Albert Street in the Rideau Room. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit the613.substack.com/subscribe

The Municipal Panel looks at the past week in Ottawa municipal issues:* Jeff Leiper considers running for Mayor (00:50)* Ottawa’s paramedic response improves (15:50)* What happened last year with bylaw … and why all the talk about dogs (27:49)* Our lightning round (34:40)We are taking the first week of July off. We’ll be back shortly after the 9 July City Council meeting.Let us know what you think. Leave a comment here or wherever you get your podcasts, and if we see it in time, we’ll respond in our next episode.You can also find the podcast on YouTube.Or listen to an audio version on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit the613.substack.com/subscribe

This week’s Municipal Panel looks at the past week in Ottawa municipal issues:* Isabelle Skalski wins in Osgoode Ward by-election (00:21)* Options for replacing the Trail Road landfill (10:31)* Fossil fuel advertising on city properties (20:50)* Swimming at Dow’s Lake (26:08)* Rats in the city (28:48)* How Council deals with a challenging fiscal situation (31:10)* Our plans for a ParkPod this summer (33:43)Let us know what you think. Leave a comment here or wherever you get your podcasts, and if we see it in time, we’ll respond in our next episode.You can also find the podcast on YouTube.Or listen to an audio version on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit the613.substack.com/subscribe

This week’s Municipal Panel looks at highlights from the past week in Ottawa municipal issues:* battery energy storage systems take a step towards coming to Ottawa* we provide our own mid-term evaluation of Council* six weeks in how the New Ways to Bus is performing, and* our lightning round.Let us know what you think. Leave a comment here or wherever you get your podcasts, and if we see it in time, we’ll respond in our next episode.You can also find the podcast on YouTube.Or listen to an audio version on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit the613.substack.com/subscribe

This week’s Municipal Panel looks at highlights from the past week in Ottawa municipal issues:* alcohol in parks is coming to Ottawa* how the City is going to pay for its $11 billion infrastructure renewal gap* whether there should be a referendum on Lansdowne, and* our lightning round.In our discussion, we reference a public delegation by Jamie Murchison with some outstanding visuals of where and when our infrastructure will need renewing. You can see that delegation at this link.Let us know what you think. Leave a comment here or wherever you get your podcasts, and if we see it in time, we’ll respond in our next episode.You can also find the podcast on YouTube.Or listen to an audio version on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit the613.substack.com/subscribe

This week’s Municipal Panel was recorded in front of a live audience at the Ottawa People’s Summit. It was a standing room only.Joanne, Jon and Neil discuss questions sent in :* are new security measures at City Hall a sign of a government increasingly trying to distance itself from its residents* what is the City doing well and what can it do better in public engagement?* how should the City most effectively communicate with residents?* why do public toilets in Ottawa get so little love and attention?* what should the City be doing about “demolition by neglect” with its historic buildings?* what are the most important issues coming forward at the City?Let us know what you think. Leave a comment here or wherever you get your podcasts, and if we see it in time, we’ll respond in our next episode.You can also find the podcast on YouTube.Or listen to an audio version on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit the613.substack.com/subscribe

We’re taping a live episode on 27 May and you’re invited to join us.Get yourself a ticket to the People’s Summit to see the Municipal Panel in person. Leave a comment if there is any local issue about Ottawa you would like us to discuss at our live recording.On this week’s Panel, Joanne, Jon and Neil discuss:* the upcoming Osgoode by-election and our impressions from the all-candidates debate* City Hall charges a new home owner for a previous owner’s water bill — from 8 years ago.* another go-round on red light cameras.And we have the lightning round.Let us know what you think. Leave a comment here or wherever you get your podcasts, and if we see it in time, we’ll respond in our next episode.Programming note: we’re taking next week off — so back on 27 May.You can also find the podcast on YouTube.Or listen to an audio version on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit the613.substack.com/subscribe

We’re taping a live episode on 27 May and you’re invited to join us. Get yourself a ticket to the People’s Summit to see the Municipal Panel in person. On this week’s Panel, Joanne, Jon and Neil discuss:* where the money from red light cameras goes* coming provincial legislation designed to address unacceptable behaviour by municipal councillors* how the weekend of free transit wentAnd we have the lightning round, where we respond to your comments and questions.Let us know what you think. Leave a comment here or wherever you get your podcasts, and if we see it in time, we’ll respond in our next episode.You can also find the podcast on YouTube.Or listen to an audio version on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit the613.substack.com/subscribe

On this week’s Panel, Jon, Joanne and Neil discuss the recent federal election and what it means for the City of Ottawa.We cover:* the big story of the night in Carleton riding* the sea of red that swept the City* potential Cabinet picks from among the local representatives* Liberal campaign promises on capping the size of the public service, and building more homes* priorities of the Ottawa and Gatineau mayors for the federal government* federal government priorities for the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit the613.substack.com/subscribe

On this week’s Panel, Jon, Neil and our guest, former City Councillor Mathieu Fleury, discuss:* the new draft of the comprehensive zoning bylaw* OC Transpo reliability* Pedestrian bridges in the winter* Fast tracking shelters across the cityAnd we have the lightning round, where we respond to your comments and questions.One programming note. We’re taking a week off around the Easter weekend. We’ll be back around 29 April.Let us know what you think. Leave a comment here or wherever you get your podcasts, and if we see it in time, we’ll respond in our next episode.You can also find the podcast on YouTube.Or listen to an audio version on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit the613.substack.com/subscribe

On this week’s Panel, Jon, Neil and our guest, Sarah MacFarlane of iPolitics and Ottawa Compass, discuss:* the joint demands of the Mayors of Ottawa and Gatineau of the federal government* the new transportation master plan that is out for public consultationAnd we have the lightning round, where we respond to your comments and questions.One programming note. The big issue at Ottawa City Hall this past week was the release of draft 2 of the new zoning bylaw. The panel talked about that draft, however, we had a file corruption issue and the recording for that segment did not save. We’ll revisit the zoning discussion at next week’s Municipal Panel.Let us know what you think. Leave a comment here or wherever you get your podcasts, and if we see it in time, we’ll respond in our next episode.You can also find the podcast on YouTube.Or listen to an audio version on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit the613.substack.com/subscribe

On this week’s Panel, Joanne, Jon and Neil discuss:* the upcoming Osgoode by-election, to fill the Council seat vacated by George Darouze* e-Scooters are back for 2025* why so many City reports are not written in plain English* changes coming to the Ottawa Carleton District School Board, and whether councillors should get involved.And we have the lightning round, where we talk about boulevard gardens, secret LRT discussions, Council pay increases and also respond to your comments and questions.Let us know what you think. Leave a comment here or wherever you get your podcasts, and if we see it in time, we’ll respond in our next episode.You can also find the podcast on YouTube.Or listen to an audio version on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit the613.substack.com/subscribe

On this week’s Panel, Joanne, Jon and Neil discuss:* Transit, whether OC Transpo should be ramping up fare inspections, timelines for LRT expansion east and west, and still no answer for why trains derailed four years ago* Salt, and if the City is putting too much of it on our streets and sidewalks* Tewin, and why one councillor is proposing it be removed from the Official Plan* Battery storage, but only if it’s not in one councillor’s back yardAnd we have the lightning round, where we respond to your comments and questions and talk about the implications for the City for the federal election and the composition of Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s new Cabinet.Let us know what you think. Leave a comment here or wherever you get your podcasts, and if we see it in time, we’ll respond in our next episode.You can also find the podcast on YouTube.Or listen to an audio version on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit the613.substack.com/subscribe

On this week’s Municipal Panel, Joanne, Jon and Neil discuss:* What does a new Prime Minister and federal Cabinet mean for the city?* Why did Ottawa reverse its decision on Sprung Structures?* What does the recent announcement on NCC bike days say about who’s winning the “war on cars”?And the lightning round, where we respond to your comments and questions.Let us know what you think. Leave a comment here or wherever you get your podcasts, and if we see it in time, we’ll respond in our next episode.Watch the podcast here on Substack or on YouTube.Or you can listen to an audio version on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.Referenced article: It’s Time for Plan B on Sprung Structures This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit the613.substack.com/subscribe

On this week’s Municipal Panel, Joanne, Jon and Neil discuss: * Should the City of Ottawa continue to post on X (aka Twitter)? * What do recent court decisions on federal payments to the municipalities of Ottawa and Chelsea mean for the Mayor’s Fairness for Ottawa campaign?* What does a surprise federal announcement of $50 million for policing means for the future of Wellington St?And we’ve introduce a lightning round, where we respond to your comments and questions.Let us know what you think. Leave a comment here or wherever you get your podcast, and if we see it before Monday evening, we’ll respond in our next episode.Don’t forget. You can watch the podcast here on Substack or on YouTube. Or you can listen to the audio version on Apple or Spotify. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit the613.substack.com/subscribe