2026 Ottawa municipal election
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The 2026 Ottawa municipal election will be held on October 26, 2026, to elect a mayor, city councillors, and trustees to the English and French public school boards and the English and French Catholic school boards in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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October 26, 2026
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Candidate nominations opened on May 1 and will close on August 21.[1] The election will be held on the same day as the 2026 Ontario municipal elections.
Background
As mayor, Mark Sutcliffe has criticized both provincial (Ford ministry) and federal (Trudeau and Carney ministries) for "short-changing" the City's funding, particularly for transit.[2] Sutcliffe supported Lansdowne 2.0, a controversial $418.8 million second phase of the redevelopment at Lansdowne Park which includes a new, smaller event centre for hockey and concerts, and new north-side stands for TD Place, along with two new residential towers.[3] The planned reduction in the capacity of the arena (from 8,268 to 6,600 for hockey) has resulted in the Professional Women's Hockey League stating that the city's team, the Ottawa Charge will no longer play in the arena, and may move the team to a different city.[4]
Incumbents not running for re-election
| Incumbent | Position | Ward/Zone | Date announced | New office holder |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeff Leiper | Councillor | Kitchissippi | June 25, 2025[5] | TBD |
| Glen Gower | Councillor | Stittsville | February 22, 2026[6] | TBD |
Issues
An October 2025 poll carried out by Liaison Strategies (sample size 800) found that the top issue for Ottawans in the next election were affordable housing (20%) followed by crime (19%), transit (18%), and homelessness (15%).[7]
A January 2026 poll commissioned by the Ottawa Real Estate Board (sample size 1000) found that the top issues in the upcoming election were the cost of living (37%), housing affordability (19%), and public transit reliability (11%). A majority of respondents thought that candidates should campaign on the cost of living as a high-priority issue.[8]
Declared candidates Jeff Leiper and Alex Lawson (who supported Sutcliffe in 2022) have criticized the incumbent mayor for overseeing a decline in the quality of city services.[9][10]
Mayoral candidates
Candidates
Registered candidates
Alex Lawson
Alex Lawson is a home builder, who owns a local framing company. He lives in Dunrobin, and grew up in Heron Gate. He previously served on the board of the Kanata—Carleton Conservative Association, and his campaign team includes Emrys Graefe, deputy campaign manager for the Conservatives in the 2015 federal election, Ontario Proud founder Jeff Ballingall, Fred DeLorey, Conservative campaign manager during the 2021 federal election, and Quito Maggi, CEO of Mainstreet Research. Lawson's priorities are housing, affordability, transit, traffic and public safety, and wants to "take Ottawa back to a time where the city worked better". Lawson stated he voted for Sutcliffe in the last election, but says city services have declined unacceptably.[9]
- Candidacy announced: January 23, 2026
- Candidacy registered: May 1, 2026
- Campaign website: alexanderlawson
.ca - Campaign slogan: Ottawa Needs a Builder
- Campaign slogan (French):
Jeff Leiper
Jeff Leiper, 55 or 56, is the incumbent city councillor for Kitchissippi Ward, having served in the position since 2014. Leiper has generally been described as a progressive during his time on city council.[11] Leiper stated he was concerned about inadequate city services, such as lack of sidewalk maintenance, delays in garbage collection, and especially the city's poor transit network.[12] Leiper noted budget disputes with the incumbent mayor – he thought the city was not putting enough funding towards municipal services – and opposed cutting train service frequencies.[10]
- Candidacy announced: July 24, 2025[13]
- Candidacy registered: May 1, 2026[14]
- Campaign website: leiper2026
.ca - Campaign slogan: A City That Works
- Campaign slogan (French): Une ville qui fonctionne bien
Neil Saravanamuttoo
Neil Saravanamuttoo, about 57,[15] is an economist, podcaster, and organizer. Economic advisor to Catherine McKenney in the 2022 mayoral election.[16] He co-founded CitySHAPES, a nonprofit organization focusing on housing, homelessness, transportation, climate change and municipal governance.[17][18]
- Candidacy registered: May 1, 2026
- Campaign website: neilformayor.ca/
- Campaign slogan: A Better Ottawa. By Us. For Us.
- Campaign slogan (French): Un meilleur Ottawa. Par nous. Pour nous.
Declared
Mark Sutcliffe
Mark Sutcliffe, 57,[19][20] is the incumbent Mayor of Ottawa, having served in the position since being elected in 2022. Prior to being elected to office, he was an “entrepreneur & business consultant”, as well as a former local radio, “print, & television media personality”.[21] Sutcliffe has been described as centrist;[22][23][24] an Ottawa Citizen article described his governance style as "middle-of-the-road" but "socially conscious".[25]
- Candidacy announced: June 24, 2025[26]
- Candidacy registered:
- Campaign website: marksutcliffe.ca
- Campaign slogan:
- Campaign slogan (French):
Declined or dropped out
- Tim Tierney, incumbent city councillor for Beacon Hill-Cyrville[27]
Endorsements
| Lawson | Leiper | Saravanamuttoo | Sutcliffe | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| City councillors | ||||||||
| Federal politicians | ||||||||
| Provincial politicians | Catherine McKenney | [28] | ||||||
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| Media | ||||||||
| Other | ||||||||
Polls
- Voting intentions for Mayor of Ottawa
| Polling firm | Source | Last date of polling |
Sample Size | MoE | Alex Lawson | Jeff Leiper | Mark Sutcliffe | Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liaison Strategies | HTMLHTML | April 12, 2026 | 1,000 | ± 3.09% | 13% | 37% | 46% | 4% | (DV)[a] |
| 7% | 19% | 24% | 2% | 48% |
Approval
Issues
| Polling company | Date | Housing affordability | Cost of living | Crime | Public transit | Homelessness | Other | Sample size | Method | Margin of error |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abacus Data[8] | 10–22 December, 2025 | 19% | 37% | N/a | 11% | 10% | 23% | 1000 | ±2.77 pp | |
| Liaison Stretagies[7] | 22–23 October, 2025 | 20% | N/a | 19% | 18% | 15% | 28% | 800 | IVR | ±3.46% |
City Council
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1. Orléans East-Cumberland Ward
2. Orléans West-Innes Ward
3. Barrhaven West Ward
4. Kanata North Ward
5. West Carleton-March Ward
6. Stittsville Ward
7. Bay Ward
8. College Ward
9. Knoxdale-Merivale Ward
10. Gloucester-Southgate Ward
11. Beacon Hill-Cyrville Ward
12. Rideau-Vanier Ward
13. Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward
14. Somerset Ward
15. Kitchissippi Ward
16. River Ward
17. Capital Ward
18. Alta Vista Ward
19. Orléans South-Navan Ward
20. Osgoode Ward
21. Rideau-Jock Ward
22. Riverside South-Findlay Creek Ward
23. Kanata South Ward
24. Barrhaven East Ward
Ward candidates
Orléans East-Cumberland Ward
Incumbent city councillor Matthew Luloff was re-elected in 2022 with 74.17% of the vote. Luloff was initially slated to run as a candidate for the Conservative Party of Canada in the 2025 federal election, but withdrew due to being charged with impaired driving.[29] He intends to run for re-election.[30]
- Nominated Candidates
- Barbara Daniela Gandolfo,[14] designer, educator, "well known in east-end Liberal circles".[30]
- Sherif Rizk[14], civil fraud and personal injury lawyer
Orléans West-Innes Ward
Incumbent city councillor Laura Dudas was re-elected in 2022 with 71.43% of the vote. She will be seeking re-election.[31]
- Nominated Candidates
- Laura Dudas, incumbent councillor[14]
Barrhaven West Ward
Incumbent city councillor David Hill was elected in 2022 with 43.97% of the vote. He will be seeking re-election.[31]
Kanata North Ward
Incumbent city councillor Cathy Curry was elected to a full term in 2022 with 76.75% of the vote, having been appointed to the seat in 2021 following the resignation of her predecessor, Jenna Sudds.[32] She will be seeking re-election.[31]
- Nominated Candidates
- Cathy Curry, incumbent councillor[14]
West Carleton-March Ward
Incumbent city councillor Clarke Kelly was elected in 2022 with 27.40% of the vote. He will be seeking re-election.[31]
- Nominated candidates
Stittsville Ward
Incumbent city councillor Glen Gower was re-elected in 2022 with 58.67% of the vote. He announced he will not be seeking re-election.[34]
- Nominated candidates
- Nagmani Sharma, software engineer, ran in West Carleton-March Ward in 2022[14]
- Chelsea Walton, Program and Project Management Officer at the City of Ottawa, former Councillor's Assistant to Laine Johnson[14]
- Narwal Sheetal, cybersecurity professional[14]
- Adriana Galan,[14] president of the Stittsville Business Association
- Tanya Hein, paralegal, former president of the Stittsville Village Association, ran in this ward in 2022[14]
Bay Ward
Incumbent city councillor Theresa Kavanagh was re-elected in 2022 with 82.79% of the vote. She will be seeking re-election.[31]
College Ward
Incumbent city councillor Laine Johnson was elected in 2022 with 52.64% of the vote. She will be seeking re-election.[31]
Knoxdale-Merivale Ward
Incumbent city councillor Sean Devine was elected in 2022 with 39.20% of the vote. He will be seeking re-election.[31]
- Nominated candidates
- Peter Westaway, ran in this ward in 2022 and in the 2025 Osgoode Ward by-election. Independent candidate in Nepean in the 2025 Ontario general election. Nepean resident. Single issue candidate focused on the Ottawa Greenbelt[14]
Gloucester-Southgate Ward
Incumbent city councillor Jessica Bradley was elected in 2022 with 42.24% of the vote. She will be seeking re-election.[31]
- Nominated Candidates
- John Redins, disability rights advocate and perennial candidate[14]
Beacon Hill-Cyrville Ward
Incumbent city councillor Tim Tierney was re-elected in 2022 with 81.96% of the vote. After briefly considering running for mayor,[35] he announced his intention for re-election.[36]
- Nominated candidates
- Cathryne Milburn, OCDSB Trustee for Zone 12 - Orléans West-Innes/Beacon-Hill Cyrville[14]
- Tim Tierney, incumbent city councillor[14]
Rideau-Vanier Ward
Incumbent city councillor Stéphanie Plante was elected in 2022 with 37.15% of the vote. She will be seeking re-election.[31] She is being challenged by Ottawa-Carleton District School Board trustee Lyra Evans.[37]
- Nominated candidates
- Lyra Evans,[14] Ottawa-Carleton District School Board trustee for Zone 6
Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward
Incumbent city councillor Rawlson King was re-elected in 2022 with 80.14% of the vote. He will be seeking re-election.[31]
- Nominated candidates
- Peter Jan Karwacki, candidate for this ward in the 2022 election and 2019 by-election[14]
Somerset Ward
Incumbent city councillor Ariel Troster was elected in 2022 with 61.28% of the vote. She will be seeking re-election.[31]
- Nominated candidates
- Robert Dekker,[14] president of the Centretown Community Association, Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario candidate in Ottawa Centre in the 2011 and 2014 Ontario general elections.
Kitchissippi Ward
Incumbent city councillor Jeff Leiper was re-elected in 2022 with 71.97% of the vote. He has announced that he will not be seeking re-election in order to run for Mayor.[13]
- Nominated candidates
- Joanne Chianello, former journalist for the Ottawa Citizen and CBC Ottawa[38][14]
- Subhir Uppal, Entrepreneur, [39] Ethics Instructor [40] & Board Member [41]
- Declared candidates
- Michelle Groulx, chief advocate for the Ottawa Coalition of Business Improvement Areas.[42]
River Ward
Incumbent city councillor Riley Brockington was re-elected in 2022 with 73.08% of the vote. He will be seeking re-election.[31]
Capital Ward
Incumbent city councillor Shawn Menard was re-elected in 2022 with 78.81% of the vote. He will be seeking re-election.[31]
Alta Vista Ward
Incumbent city councillor Marty Carr was elected in 2022 with 47.12% of the vote. She has not announced whether or not she will be seeking re-election.
- Nominated candidates
- Tressy El-Hawi[14]
Orléans South-Navan Ward
Incumbent city councillor Catherine Kitts was re-elected in 2022 with 76.47 % of the vote. She will be seeking re-election.[31]
Osgoode Ward
Incumbent city councillor Isabelle Skalski was elected to this seat in a by-election held on June 16, 2025, with 34.01% of the vote, after her predecessor, George Darouze, resigned after being elected as the MPP for Carleton in the 2025 provincial election. She has announced she will be seeking re-election.[43]
- Declared candidates
- Isabelle Skalski, incumbent city councillor[43]
Rideau-Jock Ward
Incumbent city councillor David Brown was elected in 2022 with 66.64% of the vote. He will be seeking re-election.[31]
Riverside South-Findlay Creek Ward
Incumbent city councillor Steve Desroches was elected in 2022 with 67.89% of the vote. He will be seeking re-election.[31]
- Nominated candidates
- Muyiwa Ojo[14]
- Steve Desroches, incumbent city councillor[14]
Kanata South Ward
Incumbent city councillor Allan Hubley was re-elected in 2022 with 33.86% of the vote. He will be seeking re-election.[31]
- Nominated Candidates
- Erin Coffin, senior advisor at Health Canada and President of the Bridlewood Community Association, ran in this ward in 2022[14]
Barrhaven East Ward
Incumbent city councillor Wilson Lo was elected in 2022 with 36.82% of the vote. He will be seeking re-election.[31]
- Nominated Candidates
Endorsements
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School Board
Ottawa Catholic School Board
Zone 1 - Stittsville/Osgoode/Rideau-Jock
Incumbent trustee Scott Phelan was elected in 2022 with 44.27% of the vote. He has not announced whether or not he will be seeking re-election.
- Nominated candidates
| OCSB Zone 1 | Vote | % | ±% |
|---|---|---|---|
Zone 2 - West Carleton-March/Kanata North/Kanata South
Incumbent trustee Sandra Moore was re-elected in 2022 with 77.95% of the vote. She has not announced whether or not she will be seeking re-election.
- Nominated candidates
| OCSB Zone 2 | Vote | % | ±% |
|---|---|---|---|
Zone 3 - Orléans East-Cumberland/Orléans South-Navan
Incumbent trustee Brian Coburn was re-elected in 2022 with 59.87% of the vote. He has not announced whether or not he will be seeking re-election.
- Nominated candidates
| OCSB Zone 3 | Vote | % | ±% |
|---|---|---|---|
Zone 4 - Barrhaven West/Riverside South-Findlay Creek/Barrhaven East
Incumbent trustee Spencer Warren was re-elected in 2022 with 48.49% of the vote. He has not announced whether or not he will be seeking re-election.
- Nominated candidates
| OCSB Zone 4 | Vote | % | ±% |
|---|---|---|---|
Zone 5 - Orléans West-Innes/Beacon-Hill Cyrville
Incumbent trustee Joanne MacEwan was re-elected in 2022 with 72.79% of the vote. She will be seeking re-election.
- Nominated candidates
- Joanne MacEwan, incumbent trustee[14]
- Nominated candidates
| OCSB Zone 5 | Vote | % | ±% |
|---|---|---|---|
Zone 6 - College/Knoxdale-Merivale
Incumbent trustee Eugene Milito was elected in 2022 with 35.71% of the vote. He has not announced whether or not he will be seeking re-election.
- Nominated candidates
| OCSB Zone 6 | Vote | % | ±% |
|---|---|---|---|
Zone 7 - Bay/Kitchissippi
Incumbent trustee Jeremy Wittet was re-elected in 2022 with 68.12% of the vote. He will be seeking re-election.
- Nominated candidates
- Jeremy Wittett, incumbent trustee[14]
| OCSB Zone 7 | Vote | % | ±% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeremy Wittet | |||
Zone 8 - Gloucester-Southgate/Alta Vista
Incumbent trustee Mark D. Mullan was re-elected in 2022 with 67.52% of the vote. He has not announced whether or not he will be seeking re-election.
- Nominated candidates
| OCSB Zone 8 | Vote | % | ±% |
|---|---|---|---|
Zone 9 - River/Capital
Incumbent trustee Luka Luketic-Buyers was appointed to the seat on August 24, 2023, after his predecessor, Shelley Lawrence, died on May 29, 2023.[44][45] He has not announced whether or not he will be seeking re-election.
- Nominated candidates
| OCSB Zone 9 | Vote | % | ±% |
|---|---|---|---|
Zone 10 - Rideau-Vanier/Rideau-Rockcliffe/Somerset
Incumbent trustee Cindy Desclouds-Simpson was elected in 2022 to a full term with 59.67% of the vote after being appointed in 2019. She will be seeking re-election.
- Nominated candidates
- Cindy Desclouds-Simpson, incumbent trustee[14]
- Cameron Bonesso, ran in this zone in 2022, Political Consultant[14]
| OCSB Zone 10 | Vote | % | ±% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cameron Bonesso | |||
| Cindy Desclouds-Simpson | |||
Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
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Zone 1 - West Carleton-March/Stittsville/Rideau-JockIncumbent trustee Lynn Scott was re-elected in 2022 with 63.03% of the vote. She has not announced whether or not she will be seeking re-election.
Zone 2 - Kanata North/Kanata SouthIncumbent trustee Julia Fortey was appointed to the seat on October 30, 2024, after her predecessor, Alysha Aziz, resigned on July 29, 2024. She has not announced whether or not she will be seeking re-election.
Zone 3 - Barrhaven West/Barrhaven EastIncumbent trustee Donna Blackburn was re-elected in 2022 with 45.27% of the vote. She will be seeking re-election.
Zone 4 - Bay/KitchissippiIncumbent trustee Suzanne Nash was elected in 2022 with 67.12% of the vote. She has not announced whether or not she will be seeking re-election.
Zone 5 - College/Knoxdale-MerivaleIncumbent trustee Amanda Presley was elected in 2022 with 57.20% of the vote. She has not announced whether or not she will be seeking re-election.
Zone 6 - Rideau-Vanier/Rideau-RockcliffeIncumbent trustee Lyra Evans was re-elected in 2022 with 54.45% of the vote. She has not announced whether or not she will be seeking re-election.
Zone 7 - Osgoode/Riverside South-Findlay CreekIncumbent trustee Jennifer Jennekens was re-elected in 2022 with 68.81% of the vote. She will be seeking re-election.
Zone 8 - Orléans East-Cumberland/Orléans South-NavanIncumbent trustee Donna Dickson was elected in 2022 with 55.75% of the vote. She has not announced whether or not she will be seeking re-election.
Zone 9 - Capital/Alta-VistaIncumbent trustee Nili Kaplan-Myrth resigned on June 4, 2025, no trustee was appointed due the Ministry of Education placing the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board under supervision. This zone has been vacant since.
Zone 10 - SomersetIncumbent trustee Justine Bell was re-elected in 2022 with 89.13% of the vote. She has not announced whether or not she will be seeking re-election.
Zone 11 - River/Gloucester-SouthgateIncumbent trustee Matthew Lee was elected in 2022 with 31.99% of the vote. He has not announced whether or not he will be seeking re-election.
Zone 12 - Orléans West-Innes/Beacon-Hill CyrvilleIncumbent trustee Cathryne Milburn was elected in 2022 with 45.04% of the vote. She announced she will not be seeking re-election in order to run for Council.
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Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est
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The Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE)'s boundaries for Zones 1, 2, and 3 are outside of Ottawa, and are thus not included on this list. Zone 4Incumbent trustee Jolène Savoie-Day was re-elected by acclamation in 2022. She will be seeking re-election.
Nominated candidates
Zone 5Incumbent trustee Olivier Tremblay-Venneri was appointed to the seat on June 17, 2025, after his predecessor, Claude Lalonde, resigned earlier. He has not announced whether or not he will be seeking re-election.
Zone 6Incumbent trustee Denis Forget was elected in 2022 with 82.30% of the vote. He has not announced whether or not he will be seeking re-election. Nominated candidates
Zone 7Incumbent trustee Robert Rainboth was elected by acclamation in 2022. He has not announced whether or not he will be seeking re-election.
Zone 8Incumbent trustee Dan Boudria was elected by acclamation in 2022. He has not announced whether or not he will be seeking re-election. Nominated candidates
Zone 9Incumbent trustee Johanne Lacombe was elected by acclamation in 2022. She has not announced whether or not she will be seeking re-election. Nominated candidates
Zone 10Incumbent trustee Monique Briand was re-elected in 2022 with 75.11% of the vote. She has not announced whether or not she will be seeking re-election. Nominated candidates
Zone 11Incumbent trustee André Thibodeau was elected by acclamation in 2022. He has not announced whether or not he will be seeking re-election. Nominated candidates
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Conseil des écoles publiques de l'Est de l'Ontario
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The Conseil des écoles publiques de l'Est de l'Ontario (CEPEO)'s boundaries for Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 are outside of Ottawa, and are thus not included on this list. Zone 6Incumbent trustee Marc Roy was re-elected by acclamation in 2022. He has not announced whether or not he will be seeking re-election. Nominated candidates
Zone 7Incumbent trustee Philippe Landry was elected in 2022 with 74.94% of the vote. He has not announced whether or not he will be seeking re-election.
Zone 8Incumbent trustee Denis Labrèche was elected in 2022 with 64.72% of the vote. He has not announced whether or not he will be seeking re-election. Nominated candidates
Zone 9Incumbent trustee Joël Beddows was elected in 2022 with 48.43% of the vote. He has not announced whether or not he will be seeking re-election. Nominated candidates
Zone 10Incumbent trustee Sonia Boudreault was elected in 2022 with 76.62% of the vote. She has not announced whether or not she will be seeking re-election. Nominated candidates
Zone 11Incumbent trustee Jacinthe Marcil was re-elected by acclamation in 2022. She has not announced whether or not she will be seeking re-election. Nominated candidates
Zone 12Incumbent trustee Samia Ouled Ali was re-elected by acclamation in 2022. She has not announced whether or not she will be seeking re-election. Nominated candidates
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Endorsements
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Notes
- Key:
DV – decided voters
AV – all voters