Readers of the Ottawa Citizen have voiced a range of pressing concerns in letters to the editor, published on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. The correspondence tackles three distinct but significant issues: the escalating anxiety among renters, criticism of former municipal leadership, and outrage over the conduct of local soldiers.
A Renter's Plea: Housing Is a Right, Not a Business
One letter, from Steve Myers of London, argues passionately against treating housing as a commodity. Writing in response to a previous article, Myers expresses deep nervousness about provincial legislation that he says allows landlords to raise rent to any level. He fears this will force hard-working families to choose between shelter and putting food on the table.
Myers directly challenges the narrative that the federal government is solely to blame for record-high homelessness. He places responsibility squarely on the provincial government for policies he believes exacerbate the crisis. His proposed solutions include implementing a universal housing benefit, similar to models in other countries, and halting the practice of wealthy investors buying homes solely to rent them out at high rates.
"Homes are for people who want that place to call home. It should not be a business," Myers concludes, capturing the core sentiment of his argument.
Questioning City Hall's Priorities and Legacy
Another letter, from Judy Warren of Ottawa, takes aim at local governance and the recent awarding of the Order of Ottawa to former mayor Jim Watson. While acknowledging Watson's status as the city's longest-serving mayor, Warren questions how many residents genuinely support the honour.
She criticizes Watson's tenure for a focus on keeping property taxes low at the expense of city infrastructure. Cracked sidewalks, potholes, and deteriorating bridges and arenas are cited as the visible cost of this fiscal approach. Warren also connects Watson's administration to the ongoing troubles with the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, stating the former mayor is responsible for the "never-ending fiasco."
Warren extends her criticism to current city management, citing the recent decision to reduce regular sidewalk and intersection plowing after snowfalls as "appalling news for pedestrians." She characterizes it as another example of chronic poor planning, concluding that Ottawa residents deserve better from their civic leaders.
Outrage Over Military Misconduct Scandal
A third letter expresses profound disgust regarding a reported incident involving soldiers from the Ottawa area. The reader is responding to a news article titled "17 Ottawa soldiers counselled or warned about posting photos exposing their genitals, making racist comments."
The letter writer condemns the group, referred to as the "Blue Hackle Mafia," for behaviour described as vulgar, immoral, and disgusting. There is particular anger that the response so far has involved only warnings and counselling, with no charges laid. References within the reported misconduct to racial slurs and disturbing threats are highlighted as especially egregious.
The core of the outrage lies in the dishonour this case brings to the wider military community. The writer emphasizes how the actions of a few tarnish the reputation of the many who serve honourably, demanding greater accountability for such serious breaches of conduct.
These letters, published together, paint a picture of a citizenry engaged with critical issues at the provincial, municipal, and institutional levels, from the basic need for affordable shelter to the standards expected of public figures and national defenders.
