Ali Shayvard
"Reaching net zero by 2050 requires more than setting a target. We need to build the infrastructure that allows people and businesses to actually make the transition.
As Mayor, I will focus on preparing Ottawa for the future by expanding the infrastructure needed for electric vehicles, supporting reliable public transit, improving energy efficiency in our buildings, and making sure new development is planned with our long-term energy needs in mind.
I also see the transition to a cleaner economy as an opportunity to create good-paying jobs. I will work with the provincial and federal governments to attract electric-vehicle, battery and clean-technology manufacturing to Ottawa. We have the land, the workforce and the opportunity to bring more of these jobs here.
As a democratic socialist, I believe government has a responsibility to plan ahead and make the investments that benefit people. We can reduce emissions while creating jobs, strengthening our economy and building the infrastructure Ottawa will need for generations."
Jeff Leiper
"I support Ottawa's commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and have previously committed to fully implementing Energy Evolution.
Meeting that target requires us to focus on the areas where the City can make the biggest difference. That includes making our buildings more energy efficient, continuing to transition City vehicles and transit toward zero-emission alternatives, reducing organic waste going to landfill, supporting sustainable transportation and making it easier for residents and businesses to reduce their own emissions.
The City also needs to lead by example. We should continue retrofitting City buildings, improving the efficiency of our facilities and reducing emissions from our own operations.
But Ottawa cannot achieve net zero through municipal investment alone. As Mayor, I will work with the federal and provincial governments to secure the funding and policy support needed to make building retrofits, cleaner transportation and other emissions reductions affordable and achievable.
Finally, we need to measure our progress. I have previously supported more frequent reporting of Ottawa's emissions because commitments only matter if we are tracking whether we are actually meeting them."
Neil Saravanamuttoo
"My platform advances practical measures that can contribute to emissions reductions while saving residents money.
Neighbourhood-scale retrofits will make it easier for households to improve energy efficiency and install technologies such as heat pumps and rooftop solar. Coordinated purchasing, project management and financing will address barriers that prevent households from acting on their own.
City Hall must also reduce energy waste in its buildings. Staff will compare facility performance, accounting for weather and operating hours, to identify priority heating, cooling and lighting improvements.
These measures, alongside my transportation policies, provide concrete actions toward lower emissions."
Peter Westaway
"By getting more people out of cars and onto public transit and on bikes."