Candidates overwhelmingly support more funding for cycling, walkabilty, and public transit

We’ve asked them. We’ve polled them. We’ve heard them loud and clear:

Nine out of ten Ottawa City Council candidates say they will prioritize investing in pedestrian, cycling and affordable public transit infrastructure in the urban area if they are elected according to a new survey conducted by Ecology Ottawa. And about eighty percent support accelerated funding for safer cycling in the city.

Ecology Ottawa has sent its Ottawa Elections 2014 survey to all candidates to find out where they stand on Ottawa’s most pressing environmental issues. Our report analyzing candidates’ responses on Complete Streets is just the first of six reports we plan on releasing as we get closer to Election Day on October 27^th.

Want to find out what candidates in your ward said about Complete Streets? Click here to read a copy of our first Your Decision, Your Vote - Towards a green and healthy Ottawa, Election 2014 report.

While eighty-eight percent of candidates who completed our survey stated they will support adopting Complete Streets principles, there are still a few candidates who don’t quite get how important making streets safe and accessible for people of all ages, genders and abilities is.

If you are disappointed with the responses of candidates in your wards or you are wondering why they did not fill out the survey at all go to the Ecology Ottawa website to find out what you can do about it:

And if you live in Lowertown, Vanier or Sandy Hill, come out to tonight’s all-candidates debate on transportation in Ward 12 (Rideau-Vanier)!

Ecology Ottawa also has LOTS of elections events for you to get involved in. See list below!

Thanks,

Graham Saul

Ecology Ottawa Elections Events 2014 List:

15^th September at 7pm – 9pm

Guigues Centre, 159 Murray St, Ottawa, K1N 5M7

An all candidates debate focusing on safe streets, walkable communities, cycling, public transportation and getting the trucks out of the downtown core.

EcoDistricts Electric Vehicle Showcase

19^th September at 11am to 7pm

Sparks St Mall between Bank St and O’Connor St. (Block 3), Ottawa

Ecology Ottawa is participating with the Ottawa Centre EcoDistrict. Volunteer and Chevy Volt owner Charles Hodgson will be on hand to answer questions and tell you why he loves being an electric car owner and how electric vehicles fit into the city's Air Quality and Climate Change Management Plan. Click for Details.

Mayoral All Candidates Debate on the Environment

September 24^th - 7 PM - 9 PM

Ottawa Convention Centre (Room 102) - 55 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1N 9J2

Mayoral candidates face off in a public debate on environmental issues that are shaping the City today and in the coming years. Seating is limited and you must RSVP to get on the guest list. Please RSVP here.

Tree Ottawa Launch

Date and location to be confirmed.

The official launch of Ecology Ottawa's new program to plant a million trees by 2017 in the City of Ottawa as our collective gift to Canada on its 150th Birthday.

Rideau-Rockcliffe (ward 13) All Candidates Meeting on Climate Change

 2^nd October at 7pm

Governors Walk Retirement Residence, 150 Stanley Ave, Ottawa, K1M 1P1

Candidates will discuss the importance of acting on climate change and what the city of Ottawa can do about it. You must RSVP to attend. RSVP here.

Community Tree Planting in Blackburn Hamlet

4^th October at 9am – 12pm

Diceman Park, Blackburn Hamlet, Ottawa

The next phase of a multi year project to naturalise parks and restore trees that have been lost to the emerald ash borer infestation. Click for Details.

Sawmill Creek Clean up

4^th October at 10am - 12pm

Hunt Club Rd at Dazé St, Ottawa

Our annual creek clean up where volunteers and impassioned locals go to the creek and clean up the garbage and litter. Volunteers are welcome! RSVP here.

Ecology Ottawa's Annual EcoGala Dinner

9^th October, doors open at 5:30pm

Former Toronto mayor and current president and CEO of WWF Canada David Miller will be the keynote speakers. Steven Guilbeault, director of Equiterre will also be speaking. Get your tickets now!

Capital Ward (ward 17) All-Candidate Event on the Environment

15^th October at 7pm – 9:30pm

Southminster United Church, 15 Aylmer Ave, Ottawa, K1S 3X1

Join us as we meet and learn about our candidates in Capital ward hoping to represent us at City Council. Listen to them explain their platforms, debate issues and answer your questions on the environment. It looks to be a very informative evening! Click for Details.

Healthy Watersheds - Public Meeting

Date, time and Location to be confirmed.

A public meeting on the City of Ottawa’s draft plan to protect property from flooding and improve water quality and streams in the area.