12 September 2016Councillors to host pre-budget consultations starting this week_ (press release) _ ** Ottawa **– Ottawa residents will have several opportunities in the coming weeks to take part in pre-budget consultations, as part of the City of Ottawa’s 2017 budget development process. Starting with a session on Thursday, September 15, City Councillors will work together in groups, inviting residents from their wards to share their comments on the 2017 budget, including suggested priorities and potential areas for savings. To assist residents in preparing for these meetings, background information and budget resource materials are available at [ ottawa.ca ](http://ottawa.ca/en/city-hall/budget-and-taxes/understanding-your-city-budget), including an [ interactive consultation tool ](http://ottawa.citizenbudget.com/)which allows residents to plan a simulated municipal budget. Residents are invited to contribute to the conversation at one of these consultations: ** Thursday, September 15 **7 to 9 p.m. Kanata Recreation Complex Councillors Allan Hubley (Kanata South), Shad Qadri (Stittsville) and Marianne Wilkinson (Kanata North) **** ** Saturday, September 17 **10 to 11:30 a.m. ** **Place d ’Orl éans Shopping Centre, Community Kiosk ** **Councillors Stephen Blais (Cumberland), Jody Mitic (Innes), Bob Monette (Orléans) and Tim Tierney (Beacon Hill-Cyrville) ** Wednesday, September 28 **7 to 9 p.m. ** **Kinburn Community Centre ** **Councillor Eli El-Chantiry (West Carleton-March) ** Wednesday, October 5 **7:30 to 9 p.m. Rideauview Community Centre Councillors George Darouze (Osgoode), Scott Moffatt (Rideau-Goulbourn) and Michael Qaqish (Gloucester-South Nepean) ** Thursday, October 6 **6 to 8 p.m. ** **Jim Durrell Recreation Centre ** **Councillors Riley Brockington (River), Jean Cloutier (Alta Vista) and Diane Deans (Gloucester-Southgate) ** Tuesday, October 18 **6 to 8 p.m. ** **Nepean Sportsplex ** **Councillors Rick Chiarelli (College), Keith Egli (Knoxdale-Merivale), Jan Harder (Barrhaven) and Mark Taylor (Bay) New consultation dates may be added in the coming weeks. Please check the [ online consultation schedule ](http://ottawa.ca/en/city-budget-have-your-say) for updates. Residents may also offer budget input by sending an email directly to budget@ottawa.ca , by contacting their [ City Councillor ](http://ottawa.ca/en/city-council) or by t ** weeting ** @ottawacity using the hashtag #ottbudget. Learn more about the City’s budget process with the resources at [ ottawa.ca ](http://ottawa.ca/en/city-hall/budget-and-taxes/budget/) .