As expected, Ottawa's draft budget for 2018 keeps the mayor's promise of a 2 per cent tax cap.
The spending blueprint unveiled Wednesday will see the average urban homeowner shelling out an extra $75 on their tax bill, while those in rural areas will pay an extra $60.
"Budgets have and will continue to be about setting priorities and being prepared for what is to come," says Mayor Jim Watson. "We simply can't be all things to all people."
With the abundance of snow and rain in Ottawa, Watson says fixing up infrastructure is one of the top priorities next year.
The City is planning to pour $12.6 million into road, path and sidewalk repairs. Plus the City will make the $400,000 for pothole repairs this year a permanent expenditure.
Watson says winter maintenance is also a priority, with an extra $2.3 set aside in the draft budget to deal with snow-clearing.
The transit budget is expected to increase 2.5 per cent, with proposed fares set to come into effect Jan. 1, 2018.
OC Transpo plans to begin 20 new bus routes, with 17 double-decker buses hitting the road.
The City also plans to roll out the new EquiFare pass, a new single-ride ticket for low-income residents.
Watson says he expects the EquiFare pass, which will cost $1.75 for a single ride, to launch by June 2018.
The budet also includes a two per cent recreation fee increases which means an average of about 25 cents extra for activities like swimming or skating admission.
For a breakdown of the budget, click here.