Ward 3 - Barrhaven West

Jeff Balys

"For too many Barrhaven residents, OC Transpo's unofficial slogan feels like, "You can't get there from here."

You can get to the station, wait for a bus, transfer to another bus, hope the train is running, and still arrive late. That is not a transit system people will choose. It is an obstacle course with a fare box.

I will fight for Barrhaven Ward 3 to get the buses we need and already pay for through our taxes. We need honest schedules, more buses where they are packed, and express service that gets people to work, school, appointments and home without turning every trip into a half day adventure.

A bus schedule should be a promise, not a suggestion."

Jeff Balys

"Walking, biking and rolling should be safe, practical choices for Barrhaven families, not an obstacle course or something we only talk about when the weather is nice.

I will fight for Barrhaven Ward 3 to get the sidewalks, crossings, paths and buses we need and already pay for with our taxes. That means safe connections to schools, parks, shops and transit, with proper maintenance through the winter.

People should not need a map, hiking boots and good luck just to get across their own community."

Jeff Balys

"I believe Ottawa needs to grow responsibly, but we should not expand the urban boundary simply because it is easier than planning properly.

Before we spread the city farther out, we must make better use of the land and infrastructure we already have. New roads, sewers, transit, schools and emergency services cost real money. If they are not fully planned and funded, taxpayers pay the price for decades.

I will support urban-boundary expansion only when there is a proven need, a full cost plan, and a clear commitment that existing communities will not be neglected. Growth should make Ottawa stronger, not bigger for the sake of being bigger."

Jeff Balys

"We cannot control the weather, but we can make sure Ottawa is better prepared for it.

That means keeping our drains, ditches and stormwater systems in good shape before the next major rainstorm. It means more trees and shade in our neighbourhoods, and clear emergency plans for seniors, people with disabilities and anyone who needs a safe place to cool down or breathe clean air during wildfire smoke.

When a storm hits, people do not need City Hall telling them what went wrong. They need help, clear information and a City that is ready before the damage is done."

Jeff Balys

"Ottawa should grow, but it should not grow into an urban jungle of concrete and asphalt.

A strong tree canopy keeps neighbourhoods cooler, helps manage heavy rain, improves the air we breathe and makes our streets more welcoming. Frankly, a tree does more for a community than another patch of blacktop ever will.

I will fight to protect mature trees, replace those that are removed, and require new development to include real tree cover from the start. Green space is not an afterthought. It is part of what makes Ottawa a great place to live."

Jeff Balys

"We need to stop treating landfill as the only answer. Burying our waste may be easy, but it is not much of a plan for the future.

Ottawa should make it easier to compost, recycle, repair and reuse. That keeps useful materials out of the dump, supports local jobs and helps control costs for taxpayers.

It is also time to take a serious look at newer, environmentally responsible waste systems. We should study what is working elsewhere and choose options that are clean, proven and affordable. A circular economy simply means using things longer and wasting less. That is common sense."

Jeff Balys

"I support Ottawa moving toward a cleaner, more efficient future. Better transit, energy efficient buildings, smarter infrastructure and protecting our tree canopy are all practical ways to reduce emissions and make our city stronger.

But promises on paper are easy. The real test is whether the plan works for the people paying the bills.

I will support sensible action that protects our environment, keeps life affordable and delivers measurable results. Ottawa can move forward without asking families and small businesses to carry the whole load."

Jeff Balys

"Ottawa signed on because cities have a role to play in protecting our environment. I agree with that.

My job on Council would be to focus on the things a city can actually control: cleaner and more reliable transit, efficient City buildings, practical energy upgrades and better planning.

We should make real progress, not just make grand promises. If a plan reduces pollution, saves money and makes Ottawa stronger, it is worth pursuing. But we also have to be honest about the cost and make sure families, seniors and local businesses are not asked to carry the burden alone."

Jeff Balys

"We cannot protect what we do not measure and plan for.

I support a clear public map of Ottawa's forests, wetlands, waterways and wildlife corridors, with regular reporting on progress. We should protect important natural areas before they are paved over, restore damaged habitat and make sure new development respects the green spaces that keep Ottawa healthy and beautiful.

That is not bureaucracy. It is common sense."

Jeff Balys

"Residents should be heard before a decision is made, not after the paperwork is signed.

I will push for early, plain language consultation with residents, community groups and local businesses, and clear feedback on how their input shaped the final plan.

City Hall makes better decisions when it listens first."

Jeff Balys

(No response provided)