OETS Budget Update

Hi everyone,

I want to keep everyone up to date as we enter this year's budget process. Last Wednesday the Public Works budget was released to the media and public. We had very favorable coverage due primarily to John Manconi's pre-release efforts. For our Branch we are going in staying even with last year, plus a small increase in the Traffic and Stakeholder areas. I'm confident we will come out in good shape.

One of the highlights of the budget was the casual labour pool program which was successful partially through the initial efforts of Eric Katmarian, Sam Bowers and Marc Kileen - well done! It was fully endorsed by CUPE 503 - Press Release. This initiative replaces contractors with casual employees driving city equipment, thereby saving substantial funds.

I will send more out on the budget after it passes through committee on November 9th.

Kevin Wylie, Manager of Operations, Engineering and Technical Support