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Councillor Kelly Seeks Answers on Rural Road Conditions and Funding for the Next Decade

At the June 11, 2026, City Council meeting, West Carleton-March Councillor Clarke Kelly discusses the City's Long Range Financial Plan (LRFP) with City staff, and looks for answers on what the LRFP will mean for the funding and long-term condition of our roads in rural Ottawa.


Below, you can read the summary of his comments and questions, or watch the clip of discussion right here:



Opening comments:


Council is being asked to approve a funding strategy without being clearly told what it means for the long-term condition of roads, particularly in rural Ottawa. As I reviewed the report, my primary concern was not whether we need a funding strategy - we clearly do. My concern is whether the strategy before us meaningfully changes the trajectory of our road network.


In Ward 5, roads are not one transportation option among others. They are THE transportation network. Residents depend on them every day to get to work, school, medical appointments and local businesses.


We know that deferred road maintenance eventually costs more, and I want to better understand whether the investments proposed today are sufficient to improve the long-term condition of our roads or simply slow the rate of decline.


Questions –


1.       Through this funding strategy, what is the projected condition of Ottawa's road network 10 years from now? Are we improving, maintaining, or continuing to lose ground on the state of repair of our road assets?


2.       Once all of these proposed measures are implemented, what annual road renewal and preservation funding gap will still remain, and what impact will that have on the backlog of road work across the city?


3.       Given that rural residents rely almost exclusively on roads as their transportation network, how has the impact on rural communities been considered in the development of this funding strategy and the prioritization of future capital investments?


Closing:


Council needs to remain focused on outcomes. The question isn't just how much money we're moving between reserves, debt, and taxation. The primary question for me is whether residents will see a road network that is in better condition ten years from now than it is today.


For rural communities, roads are essential infrastructure. If this plan still leaves us with a significant road renewal gap, then we need to be honest about that and continue working toward a long-term solution. The cost of delay does not disappear. It is passed on to future taxpayers at a higher price. That's the piece I remain most concerned about.



Do you have questions about this issue? Have a concern about roads, parks, planning, by-law issues, transit, or any other City matter? Councillor Clarke Kelly's Ward 5 team is always available to assist residents of West Carleton-March and help connect you with the information or City services you need.


Phone: 613-580-2475


Office of Councillor Clarke Kelly

5670 Carp Road

Kinburn, ON

K0A 2H0

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