McKenney pledges to extend beach, pool and library hours, invest in social services
Ottawa mayoral candidate Catherine McKenney says they would open libraries on Sundays and keep beaches and pools open longer if elected mayor.
It’s part of what McKenney calls their plan to build a healthier city.
“As Mayor, I will make our city a healthier place to live, with the municipal services you need,” said McKenney in a news release Tuesday. “Access to libraries on Sundays, pools when you need them, and crucial social services will help make Ottawa a healthy and vibrant city.”
The city is currently facing a lifeguard shortage. This fall, 11 per cent of city aquatics programs were cancelled because of the shortage.
McKenney said they would solve the lifeguard shortage by encouraging young people to become lifeguards.
“When summer rolls around every year, people ask for greater access to outdoor pools and beaches in Ottawa, but the reality is that our city doesn’t have enough lifeguards. As Mayor, I’ll fix this by helping youth who are facing financial barriers become lifeguards, in order to keep our pools open longer and help youth find meaningful employment,” said McKenney.
McKenney also said they would spend an extra $500,000 per year to support social services. The Somerset Ward councillor seeking the mayor’s seat said this funding would also help with their previously announced plan to end chronic homelessness in four years.
The municipal election is Oct. 24. There are 14 candidates running for mayor. Two advance voting days will be held on Oct. 7 and 14 ahead of election day.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Manitoba mom praises quick-thinking fire department for freeing daughter stuck in playground equipment
A Manitoba mother is praising firefighters for their quick work in helping her daughter who got stuck at a playground in Lorette, Man.