Today, the City of Ottawa tabled the draft 2014 budget and it’s a big win for the families of Orléans & Cumberland.

“This is good news for Orléans & Cumberland families,” says Cumberland Councillor Stephen Blais. “With millions being invested in new parks and recreation facilities and a fourth year freeze on recreation rates – families are the big winner in the 2014 budget.”

In budget 2014, Millennium park is scheduled to receive a major investment with the creation of a destination splash pad as well as the construction of several additional soccer fields.

“Soccer is one of the fastest growing youth sports in Ottawa,” says Blais. “By adding new soccer fields we will allow more of our children to participate in amateur sports and live a healthier lifestyle.”

“This is great news for Cumberland soccer,” says Carlos Conde, Director of Strategic Planning with the Cumberland United Soccer Club. “There is a growing need for fields in our community and this investment demonstrates the City’s commitment to ensuring our children can stay fit.”

The 2014 draft budget proposes the lowest tax increase in 7 years at 1.9%. Furthermore, no new debt will be added to the City’s capital budget in 2014.

“We’ve put together a framework to ensure affordability for families and protect the fiscal health of our community,” adds Blais. “We will not be adding debt that will inevitably need to be paid for by our children – this is good news for our future.”