Ottawa politicians put baby showers, golf, bowling and Christmas parties on taxpayers’ tab

Ottawa’s mayor and city councillors charged taxpayers for everything from a baby shower and bowling outings to golf, Christmas parties, glow sticks and a Santa costume during the current term of council.

According to a CTV News Ottawa review of city expense records, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and 24 councillors spent a combined $28.9 million from their office budgets between November 2022 and May 2026.

Most of that money went toward staff salaries, websites, advertising and other routine office expenses, but the records also show tens of thousands of dollars in hospitality and a long list of smaller discretionary purchases.

The mayor and councillors spent more than $98,000 on hospitality during the period, including lunches, staff gatherings and community events. Another $28,000 went toward coffee, tea, juice, creamers and refreshments.

The taxpayer-funded outings come as Ottawa residents are paying higher property taxes, with council approving a 3.75-per-cent increase for 2026 after raising the overall levy the previous year.

Among the more unusual expenses, Sutcliffe’s office spent $191 on a baby shower for Coun. Wilson Lo in September 2025. His office also expensed $102 for Golden Palace egg rolls sent to Ontario cabinet minister Stan Cho and $25 for donuts for a meeting with Premier Doug Ford.

Coun. Laura Dudas charged $136 for a Santa costume for a holiday skate party, while Coun. Cathy Curry expensed hundreds of dollars for temporary Maple Leaf tattoos and candy for Canada Day events.

Coun. Catherine Kitts used her office budget for several staff outings, including bowling, golf, mini golf and dinners. Coun. Tim Tierney charged $198 for a team-building activity at a paint-your-own pottery studio.

Christmas spending was also substantial.

Sutcliffe’s office expensed more than $31,000 for the Mayor and City Manager’s All City Staff Christmas Reception in 2023 and another $23,000 for the event in 2025.

Councillors also billed taxpayers for tickets to various community and political events, including $1,000 for two tickets to a Gold Plate Dinner and another $1,000 for group tickets to a charity trivia night.

City rules allow councillors broad discretion over their office budgets, including spending to support community events, communicate with residents and represent the city at functions.