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Bob's Vision
Bob's vision on taxes: A plan where your dollar counts!OTTAWA, October 12, 2006 – Today, Mayor Bob Chiarelli announced his plan to cap annual tax increases at 1.8% -- just below the rate of inflation.
Mayor Chiarelli has the best tax record of any Mayor in Ontario. Our city's financial position is strong. Ottawa has received an AAA credit rating from Moody's Investor Services every year of his term due to "effective fiscal planning." His strong record helped keep Ottawa’s economy healthy and resilient. Bob Chiarelli has protected core services, encouraged efficiencies and enabled Ottawa to maintain a solid credit rating. Moody’s issued its highest rating after reviewing the City’s books, growth projections, long-term financial plan and debt-management.
“I will continue to keep property taxes in check while protecting core services,” said Bob Chiarelli. “I held the line on taxes for six consecutive years and for three years after amalgamation – each year forcing savings, each year absorbing wage settlements, inflation, and safeguarding amenities.”
As Regional Chair, Bob Chiarelli was able to freeze taxes for three years despite significant provincial downloading.
A provincial government audit illustrates that Mayor Chiarelli was able to achieve $101 million in savings through the amalgamation process. Ottawa’s amalgamation is considered the most successful in Canada. Chiarelli delivered a tax cut and two tax freezes during this period.
Mayor Chiarelli is the only candidate that has experience as CEO of a $2.5 billion municipal corporation and has shown he can effectively manage our taxes.
“A tax record which includes five tax freezes, one tax cut and three inflationary increases is something I’m very proud of,” said Bob Chiarelli. “I’ve done it by being innovative and tough. Never has senior management come to me with less than a 10-15% tax increase, yet each time I’ve managed to hold the line on taxes.” 
Municipalities across Canada are grappling with a $60 to $120 billion infrastructure deficit yet receive only a small portion of tax revenue. “As the Mayor, I have had to be creative and use all the available tools to make change happen,” said Chiarelli. “I worked hard to get a portion of the provincial gas tax and federal GST rebate, which now bring in more than $70 million in additional revenue annually.”
Bob Chiarelli pushed for innovative arrangements like our many Public-Private Partnerships (P3s). “I support P3’s when they make sense,” said Bob Chiarelli. “Our residents need services like recreational facilities, arts centers and community centers and we can’t build them fast enough with just taxpayer dollars.” The City of Ottawa has used P3’s to leverage more than $120 million to build much needed arts and recreation facilities across Ottawa.
Mayor Chiarelli’s strong fiscal management and his ongoing efforts to find efficiencies have helped streamline operations and reduced the tax burden for Ottawa residents. This is shown through a number of performance indicators:
“I have the best tax record in Ontario, while hiring significantly more police, firefighters, paramedics and transit operators. I’ve cut into the infrastructure gap and recognize that even more needs to be done. The City has the highest average income in Canada, at the top of economic growth in the country and recognized internationally as a great place to live, work and play,” said Bob Chiarelli. ”Ottawa is a dynamic, ever-changing community and I’ve been able to manage that change effectively.”
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