Ali Shayvard
"I am not opposed to expanding Ottawa's urban boundary when it is genuinely needed, but expansion should not be our first response.
Ottawa already has significant land and development opportunities within the existing urban area. We should focus first on using that land responsibly, building more housing where infrastructure and services already exist, and making better use of underused properties.
Expanding simply for the sake of expanding can create additional costs for roads, transit, water and other services. My approach would be responsible growth: use the land we already have effectively, and expand the boundary when population growth and housing needs clearly justify it."
Jeff Leiper
"I do not support expanding Ottawa's urban boundary as a first response to growth. Ottawa has significant opportunities to accommodate new housing within the existing urban area, particularly around transit and in communities where infrastructure and services already exist.
Continued outward expansion comes with long-term costs. New roads, pipes, transit routes and other infrastructure have to be built and maintained, adding pressure to City finances and services. It can also put increasing pressure on Ottawa's farmland, agricultural communities and rural lands. Protecting those lands is important to Ottawa's long-term future.
My priority will be making better use of the land and infrastructure we already have, supporting more housing within existing communities and around transit, while protecting farmland and ensuring growth is accompanied by the services and infrastructure residents need."
Neil Saravanamuttoo
"I am opposed to expanding the urban boundary. My priority is to invest in existing neighbourhoods and upgrade the infrastructure residents already depend on. Expanding development into new areas creates additional infrastructure that future generations must maintain, while existing communities still need sewer replacements and other essential improvements.
Furthermore, Ottawa needs to revisit the growth assumptions behind its housing and infrastructure forecasts before using them to justify further urban expansion. With reduced immigration targets, declining birth rates and federal public service cuts, we cannot assume that past population growth will continue unchanged. Our planning must reflect current evidence."
Peter Westaway
"My main priority if for us to start some smart development in the Ottawa Greenbelt so there will be no need to expand the urban boundary and start protecting it by creating a large proper greenbelt outside of the boundary modelled after the very successful huge Ontario Greenbelt around Toronto."