Larry O’Brien, CALIAN Technologies Ltd., was elected mayor of Ottawa in November 2006.
His promises in his first term as mayor included securing financial stability for the city and implementing a zero per cent tax increase policy, according to his campaign website. Though taxation rose 14 per cent during his tenure, O’Brien is still committed to achieving his “zero-means-zero” goal by controlling, spending and freezing the city’s wage envelope.
Also, in April 2007, he revealed his “1,000 Days of Transformation” to work towards a sustainable financial model.
Since elected, O’Brien has implemented plans to resolve traffic congestion and provide practical transit for commuters with the Light Rail Transit plan, and an underground tunnel, his site says.
O’Brien also plans to revamp Lansdowne Park as a centre for entertainment, community events, and green space. He proposed the construction of a new Convention Centre and has seen to the development of infrastructure in the city, including the Strandherd-Armstrong Bridge, as well as extensions of Limebank Road, and Terry Fox Drive, according to his campaign website. He also plans to restore older sewage systems to protect the Ottawa River from contamination.
O’Brien said he wants to rethink city planning by creating height restrictions for buildings, and implementing affordable housing so “young people have the opportunity to buy their first home.”
He also wants to make Sparks Street a place for visitors to gather for entertainment; according to his site, this plan features the addition of an outdoor music venue, and safe bike pathways.