Residential property taxes in Ottawa could jump as high as five per cent as council prepares to finalize the city's 2009 budget.

Ottawa city council currently needs to find $33 million dollars in cuts. City staff recommends trimming money by cutting jobs, reducing arts funding, closing daycare spaces and increasing transit and rental fees for all city-run hockey rinks, swimming pools, halls and gyms.

Residents pack Ottawa City Hall

More than 200 Ottawa residents packed council chambers and overflowed into the hallway at Ottawa City Hall Monday to ensure their voices were heard as council began its 2009 budget deliberations.

"We are concerned about the impact of the cuts proposed in the 2009 draft budget on Ottawa's most vulnerable population," said Michael Maidment of the Ottawa Poverty Issues Advisory Committee.

"These are families who have to choose between paying their rent or buying food; buying bus passes, or warm clothes for their children; heating their homes, or keeping lights on. (They) will find these choices even more difficult if this budget passes as is."

Rally protesting cuts to culture

In addition to making formal presentations, the arts community also held a rally over the noon-hour to protest more than $4 million in proposed cuts to cultural organizations.

The protest is a stark reminder of a 2004 campaign that prevented similar cuts to the city budget. Four years later, many in the arts community said they can't help but feel betrayed by city council.

"I know they have cuts to make, but it always seems the arts is the first thing they diss," Derek Stack told CTV Ottawa.

"When we sing and dance and shout the city councillors, they have to listen, we elected them -- after all they are in our employ," said Shannon Lee Mannion of Ottawa's Raging Grannies.

Councillor proposes motion to save the arts

At least one councillor said he plans to put forward a motion to protect the city's arts and cultural organizations from getting slashed during budget talks.

"If my colleagues are willing to do that right now, I'll move it right now," said Coun. Clive Doucet.

Public delegations will play the lead role for much of the week before councillors are able to begin the budget debate, which is expected to take place as early as Thursday.

With a report from CTV Ottawa's Catherine Lathem