5 Questions with Beacon Hill-Cyrville Council Candidate Cathryne Milburn

The following are 5 questions that we sent out to every Ottawa City Council candidate in hopes of getting to know them better. We publish the responses exactly as we receive them, in the order that they were sent to us. Here are the responses from Beacon Hill-Cyrville (ward 11) Council candidate Cathryne Milburn.

1. Who are you? Where are you from? What relevant experience do you have for the job?

I am Cathryne Milburn, a community advocate and former School Board Trustee for Zone 12, representing Orléans West-Innes and Beacon Hill-Cyrville. I was elected in 2022 and served as Vice Chair, helping shape the Board’s Strategic Plan and Elementary Program Review, and while advocating for strong, equitable education.

I also bring seven years of experience working for the City of Ottawa, most recently with Transit Services (OC Transpo), where I worked in public engagement, communications, and my career in government has strengthened my passion for listening to residents, clear communication, and building inclusive communities.

This work has shown me the importance of public engagement, consultation, and how important it is for residents to be included in decision-making every step of the way.

I am running for City Council because I believe this city deserves better. I want to bring a fresh perspective to represent this ward to improve our broken transit system, help make life more affordable for everyone, and put residents at the heart of local decision-making.

2. The city spends nearly $1B/y on OC Transpo, though many constituents remain dissatisfied with the state of Ottawa’s public transportation. What would you do as a councillor to improve the city’s transportation system?

I would ensure staff update bus routes and schedules so they reflect actual travel times, traffic patterns, and rider experiences, including routes such as the 12, 24, and 26. I would also push for transit service levels that reflect realistic maintenance schedules and staffing capacity, rather than relying on schedules the system cannot consistently deliver.

Affordability is also essential. I would continue the freeze on the cost of the EquiPass and pursue reduced fares for families and seniors, while advocating for same-day booking for Para Transpo users.

3. In a December 2025 poll from Abacus Data, 37% of respondents said that cost of living was the most important issue facing the city; another 19% responded ‘housing affordability.’ What would you do as a councillor to make the city of Ottawa more affordable?

Times are tough right now. You can see it every day as the cost of food rises, dreams of owning a home for young families are further out of reach, and older adults are seeing their savings dwindle. I would focus on practical and proactive investments that help reduce household expenses and improve quality of life.

Transit: I would advocate for reliable and affordable public transit, including freezing the EquiPass cost and reducing fares for families and seniors. Better routes and schedules can also make transit a more practical alternative to driving.

Housing: We need more affordable housing, particularly around major transit stations. Responsible development can increase supply while maintaining our neighbourhoods’ character and infrastructure..

Community services: I would support proactive investments in social services that address the root causes of homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges. Supporting people earlier can improve outcomes while reducing pressure on emergency services.

Infrastructure: Proactive investment in roads, parks, and community amenities helps avoid costly repairs later and ensures residents receive value from their tax dollars.

4. Certain city services like OC Transpo and the OPS have run significant deficits in recent years. Is there anything that you would do as a councillor to try to balance the city’s budget?

I would focus on practical and proactive investments to ensure every dollar is delivering value for residents.

Transit (OC Transpo): I would prioritize improving reliability and ensuring service levels reflect realistic maintenance schedules, staffing capacity, and actual rider needs. A more reliable system can help improve ridership and make better use of existing resources. I would also review routes and schedules to ensure resources are focused where they are most needed.

Ottawa Police Service: I would maintain appropriate staffing and funding while ensuring resources are being used effectively. Community safety also requires proactive investments in social services that address the root causes of homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges, helping reduce pressure on emergency services over the long term.

5. Why are you running for Council? What do you think is the biggest issue facing your ward today?

I am running for City Council because I want to build a vibrant, connected community where residents are at the heart of decision-making, and local businesses can thrive. The biggest issues I hear from residents are the need for proactive infrastructure investment, more housing options, and better transit that connects our communities.

Our roads, parks, and green spaces need continuous, proactive investment rather than waiting until infrastructure reaches a critical point. This includes improving roads such as City Park Drive and Blair Road, maintaining community spaces, and investing in amenities like pathways in our parks that residents use every day.

Transit needs to better serve residents within the ward, not simply focus on getting people downtown. We need reliable, accessible, and affordable community bus routes and schedules that reflect actual travel patterns and resident needs. Improving routes such as the 12, 24, and 26, while ensuring adequate service, safer and more accessible bus stops, and affordable fares, will help create a more connected community.

We also need responsible housing growth that meets the needs of current and future residents. This means increasing affordable housing and building more housing near major transit stations while ensuring new development is supported by the necessary infrastructure and respects existing communities.