OC Transpo looking at 5 scenarios to address potential deficit as mayor calls for $140 million in funding

OC Transpo is looking at five scenarios to address a potential $130 million to $150 million deficit a year over the next five years, if the federal and provincial governments to not provide new funding to support the transit service.

OC Transpo is looking at five scenarios to address a potential $130 million to $150 million deficit a year over the next five years, if the federal and provincial governments to not provide new funding to support the transit service.

One month after Mayor Mark Sutcliffe launched his 'Fairness for Ottawa" campaign to advocate for the city's "fair share" of funding, city staff provided a bleak outlook to council on the state of Ottawa's finances heading into the 2025 budget debate.  Sutcliffe is calling for $140 million a year over the next three years from the Ontario and federal governments to support transit.

The presentation to council on Wednesday shows OC Transpo is projecting a $120 million funding shortfall in 2025, $131 million in 2026, $145 million in 2027 and deficits of $150 million in 2028 and 2029.

Transit Services general manager Renee Amilcar told councillors that if the city doesn't receive funding support from the upper levels of government, there are five options being considered.

"Everything is on the table," Amilcar said, refusing to discuss what the options will be.

"We will present some scenarios and we will make the decision we will share with council. When we receive the budget direction, we will know what to do with those scenarios."

Amilcar says the transit service is waiting for councillors to finalize the 2025 budget directions later this month, and will begin drafting the budget.