Leiper pledges 1% infrastructure levy on property taxes in Ottawa mayoral bid

Ottawa mayoral candidate Jeff Leiper pledged Tuesday to add a one per cent infrastructure levy to property tax bills if elected in October, citing the need to address "crumbling infrastructure." Leiper, the Kitchissippi Ward councillor since 2014, said the levy would cost the average homeowner an extra $28 per year and generate $25.5 million annually. He criticized incumbent Mark Sutcliffe for infrastructure neglect and voted against the 2024, 2025, and 2026 budgets. Leiper also promised to start the budget process earlier and avoid budgeting unapproved funds. He is one of 14 candidates in the race, with election day set for Oct. 26.