A group of local taxpayers and councillors attending a community meeting to discuss the city's 2009 draft budget spoke out against proposed service cuts Monday night.
Ottawa city council currently needs to find $45 million dollars in cuts, just to keep the property tax increase at five per cent.
City staff is suggesting 230 job cuts, with the possibility of slashing another 170 positions, in order to help trim $35 million from the budget. Recommendations also include cuts to the arts and increasing rental fees for all city-run hockey rinks, swimming pools, halls and gyms.
"It doesn't make sense. Who are we serving if we cut the arts, if we cut the rinks?" asked Coun. Christine Leadman.
"These things are important to our communities," added Coun. Clive Doucet.
Their argument is that the "people services" that shape Ottawa's communities only cost $10 million.
"I don't really understand why every year we go through this dance where we're screaming about this tiny little percentage, which has a huge impact on people," said Doucet.
Across town, the former head of the city's social services department asked Ottawa's police services board to consider "people services" in its budget.
"From recreation to housing, to child care, to public libraries -- that's where we live and breathe. I'm proud of that investment and I want to see it sustained," said Dick Stewart, former social services commissioner.
Stewart's request came as the board tightened its own belt, shaving another $2 million from the police budget.
"The city's in a difficult situation and we will do what we can," said Ottawa Police Chief Vern White.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Natalie Johnson
