Mayoral Candidates

Ali Shayvard

"Ottawa needs a public transit system that people can actually depend on.

As Mayor, my priority will be to make OC Transpo reliable, frequent and affordable enough that taking transit becomes a real alternative to driving, not something residents use only when they have no other choice.

That starts with reliability. If a bus is scheduled to arrive, residents should be able to trust that it will show up. We need to focus resources on dependable service, better connections, realistic scheduling and enough service on the routes people rely on every day.

I will also introduce a $90 monthly adult transit pass. At a time when the cost of housing, groceries and everyday life continues to rise, public transit should help reduce the financial pressure on families and workers. A more affordable monthly pass will encourage more residents to choose transit regularly, helping increase ridership while putting money back into people's pockets.

But affordability only works if the service is worth paying for. My plan is to combine lower fares with better reliability and frequency so residents across urban, suburban and rural Ottawa have a system they can count on.

I am running for Mayor because I believe public services should work for the people who pay for them. Public transit is essential infrastructure, and Ottawa should have a system that is affordable, dependable and built around the needs of residents.

That is the kind of city I want to build."

Jeff Leiper

"For people to choose transit over driving, it has to be reliable, frequent and affordable. That means rebuilding the service before we can expect riders to come back.

I will reverse recent service cuts and restore frequency on the core routes people depend on most. I will introduce a Transit Service Guarantee, with clear and publicly reported standards for frequency and on-time performance, so riders know what level of service they should expect and OC Transpo is accountable when it falls short.

We also need to make buses faster and more reliable. I will expand dedicated bus lanes across Ottawa and move the Baseline BRT forward as a priority, allowing buses to spend less time stuck in traffic.

Finally, affordability matters. I will protect affordable fare options and make increasing ridership the priority. The goal is straightforward: a transit system that is reliable and convenient enough that leaving the car at home is a real choice for people across Ottawa."

Neil Saravanamuttoo

"Ottawa needs reliable, frequent and affordable transit. Delivering all three means fixing the service problems that frustrate riders while making transit a more affordable choice.

Cities across North America face long waits for new buses because of parts shortages, limited manufacturing capacity and financial pressures on suppliers. Getting more buses on the road and strengthening maintenance will take time. But riders need relief now.

My "Buck a Ride Citywide" proposal—$1 fares, capped at $40 a month at no additional cost to taxpayers—would provide immediate savings for existing riders and encourage people to return as service improves. Proposed financing draws on a provincial LRT upload and bridge savings identified through Open Books, 100 Days. Over the longer term, I'll establish City-owned real estate companies to develop public land along transit lines and generate an ongoing revenue stream to help fund transit.

Alongside affordability, I'll work to restore express routes as capacity allows, prioritize frequent service on key corridors, require accurate arrival and departure information and help buses move through traffic. Riders and front-line operators will shape a network redesign. I'll also pursue provincial operating support with other municipalities—so we can turn the page on this difficult chapter and deliver transit people can afford and trust.

Finally, we also need leadership and Truth in Transit: what is wrong with the LRT, what fixing it will cost and how long it will take. As mayor, I'll be clear about what we know, what remains uncertain and who is accountable, with honest updates on progress and setbacks."

Peter Westaway

"I would first offer one full week of free transit fares. Study the numbers to see what difference it would make and then ask everyone in Ottawa what would it take to get them to use transit. We should use small buses for after hours service so large buses aren't running around empty."

Ali Shayvard

"I believe Ottawa's infrastructure should work for everyone, whether you are walking, biking, rolling, taking transit or driving.

As Mayor, I will support safe, connected and accessible sidewalks, cycling routes and pathways, while fixing missing links and improving intersections so people can move around our city safely and comfortably. We also need to make sure these routes are properly maintained year-round and designed with accessibility in mind.

This should be a smooth transition that gives residents more safe and practical choices, not takes choices away. My goal is simple: build an Ottawa where everyone has a reliable and accessible way to get where they need to go."

Jeff Leiper

"Ottawa needs to make it easier and safer for people to get around without always having to rely on a car. That means promoting active transportation, including walking, biking and rolling, and making sure our transportation network gives people practical choices.

I will focus on improving connections between neighbourhoods, transit, schools, workplaces and other destinations, while addressing gaps that make walking, biking or rolling difficult or unsafe.

We also need to maintain the infrastructure we already have. Sidewalks, pathways and other active transportation routes need to be accessible and properly maintained year-round, including during the winter.

Ottawa already has commitments to increase the share of trips made by active and sustainable transportation. I will make sure those commitments are reflected in how we plan transportation projects, set priorities and invest in our infrastructure."

Neil Saravanamuttoo

"My priority is to make existing transportation networks safer and easier to reach. Too many residents face dangerous gaps between their neighbourhoods and Ottawa's pathway network. I will focus on closing those gaps, particularly in the suburbs, so more people have a practical option to cycle for everyday trips.

My proposed Community Road Safety Councils will bring residents' knowledge together with professional engineering to identify dangerous intersections and prioritize improvements.

Participatory budgeting will also give residents a direct say in local investments, including safer crossings. These approaches give people who walk, cycle or use mobility devices a way to help shape neighbourhood priorities."

Peter Westaway

"I would promote cycling in many ways including holding many more organized family rides. Use incentives such as rewards donated by local bike shops. Focus on creating basic bike lanes on side streets and get rid of the Laurier and O'connor bike lanes."

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."

Ali Shayvard

"Climate change is already here, and Ottawa residents are feeling its effects through flooding, extreme heat, severe storms, wildfire smoke and other emergencies.

As Mayor, I will focus on making Ottawa more resilient by investing in the infrastructure that protects people. That means improving drainage and stormwater systems, strengthening roads and public infrastructure, preparing for extreme heat and smoke events, and making sure emergency services are ready to respond quickly, especially for seniors, low-income residents and other vulnerable people.

I am running as a democratic socialist because I believe government should work for the people. One of the most important responsibilities of City Hall is to protect residents and make sure our infrastructure is strong enough for the challenges we are already facing.

We cannot control every weather event, but we can make sure Ottawa is better prepared for them."

Jeff Leiper

"Climate change is already affecting Ottawa through flooding, extreme heat, severe storms and wildfire smoke. We need to prepare for those events before they happen, rather than simply responding after the damage is done.

We need to make our infrastructure more resilient. For too long, Ottawa has underfunded the maintenance and renewal of the infrastructure that protects our communities. I will prioritize investments in stormwater and flood protection, water and wastewater systems, and other critical infrastructure so our city is better prepared for severe storms and extreme weather.

We also need to protect people, particularly residents who are most vulnerable. That means expanding access to cooling and clean-air spaces, improving public communication and emergency supports, and working with community organizations that already serve seniors, people experiencing homelessness and lower-income residents.

We need to learn from recent extreme weather events, identify vulnerable areas and make the investments needed before the next emergency happens. Preparing now protects people, their homes and the infrastructure we all depend on, while reducing the much larger costs of doing nothing."

Neil Saravanamuttoo

"Protecting residents starts with fixing infrastructure problems we already know about. Following the Canada Day flooding and other storms, residents have faced enormous costs to remove mould, clear contaminated debris and repair their homes. Addressing overdue infrastructure needs has not been a priority of previous Councils, but it will be for me.

I will redirect hundreds of millions of dollars in infrastructure funding earmarked for the Tewin project toward upgrading stormwater systems in existing neighbourhoods. That means accelerating overdue sewer and drainage improvements alongside nature-based solutions, including native trees, plants and stormwater ponds that absorb and retain rainfall. We must invest in preventing damage before the next major storm.

I will also introduce neighbourhood-scale programs to help households install sump pumps and backwater valves, making these improvements easier and more affordable through coordinated purchasing, project management and financing. Home energy retrofits and expanded tree planting will further protect residents from extreme heat while helping lower their energy bills."

Peter Westaway

"Slowly rebuilding and strengthening our existing sewer system must be a priority."

Ali Shayvard

"Ottawa needs to protect the trees we already have while continuing to plant more trees in the right places.

As Mayor, I will support protecting healthy mature trees, expanding tree planting throughout our streets, parks and neighbourhoods, and making sure the City properly maintains the trees we plant so they survive and grow.

But we also need to plant the right trees. With Ottawa experiencing stronger storms and extreme weather, we should choose appropriate, resilient tree species and make sure they have the soil and space needed to develop strong root systems. The goal should be healthy trees that can withstand Ottawa's changing weather while reducing the risk of trees coming down and damaging homes or infrastructure.

I also want to prioritize neighbourhoods with less tree coverage so that every part of Ottawa can benefit from more shade, cleaner air and greener communities.

I strongly support planting more trees, but we need to do it properly: the right trees, in the right places, with the right care."

Jeff Leiper

"Ottawa's tree canopy is one of our greatest assets, and we need to treat it that way. Trees make our neighbourhoods more livable, provide shade during extreme heat, help manage stormwater and make our city more resilient to climate change.

I support Ottawa's goal of reaching 40% urban tree canopy. But we will not get there through planting alone. We need to protect the mature trees we already have while significantly increasing planting in areas of the city where the canopy is lowest.

As Ottawa grows, we need to be smarter about how we build. New development should protect existing trees wherever possible and provide enough space and soil for new trees to actually survive and mature. We also need to keep expanding planting along streets, in parks and on other City-owned land.

This is ultimately about taking care of what we have while building a greener, more resilient Ottawa for the future."

Neil Saravanamuttoo

"I will roll out proactive tree planting and put communities at the centre of deciding where trees are most needed. Trees provide shade, help reduce building cooling needs and absorb rainfall that might otherwise overwhelm drainage systems. Focus will be on native species.

I will establish local community tree councils to identify neighbourhood planting priorities. We will support this by scoring tree viability zones to ensure that the best areas for public tree planting are communicated and inform these efforts. This will make tree programs easier to understand, allow communities to take clear roles, and help direct investment toward places where residents will benefit most.

Proactive planting is only the beginning. I will require five-year tree survival contracts, with full payment tied to trees surviving and thriving after five years. Small grants will support neighbourhood groups and local businesses in watering and protecting young trees during hot summer months.

The objective is a lasting increase in canopy, supported by ongoing care and the involvement of community members."

Peter Westaway

"I want trees planted around the massive farms in the Greenbelt as well as the large fields in the Central Experimental Farms. For the sake of rebuilding our canopy and making the roads safer in the winter. We should use various volunteer groups to get out and plant these rows so that the citizens become more emotionally invested in their communities."

Ali Shayvard

"Ottawa cannot keep burying our garbage and simply pushing the problem onto the next generation.

Our Trail Waste Facility is expected to reach capacity around 2034–2035 if we continue with current disposal habits. As Mayor, I will not wait until we are facing a crisis. I will move quickly to advance a modern waste-management facility that can recover reusable and recyclable materials and convert suitable remaining waste into energy.

The technology already exists, including here in Ontario. I want Ottawa to seriously pursue it, through a competitive and responsible process, while creating local jobs and planning for our city's long-term growth.

At the same time, a true circular economy means reducing waste before it ever reaches that facility. I will support more reuse, repair, recycling, composting and recovery of valuable materials so we keep resources in circulation instead of throwing them away.

My goal is simple: dramatically reduce what Ottawa sends to landfill, recover value and energy from what remains, create jobs, and build a waste system that can serve our city for generations."

Jeff Leiper

"Ottawa needs to fundamentally reduce how much waste we send to landfill. I have supported stronger waste diversion throughout my time on Council, including expanding the use of the green bin, improving recycling and putting greater emphasis on reducing waste in the first place.

We should not be sending organic material to landfill when we have a mature green bin program that can divert it. I want to see greater participation in the green bin program, including in multi-residential buildings, alongside better education and practical tools that make it easier for residents to reduce their waste.

But ultimately, we need to consume less and reuse more. A circular economy means keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible through reuse, repair, recycling and better procurement. The City can help by using its own purchasing power, supporting community reuse and repair initiatives, and diverting more construction and recoverable materials from landfill."

Neil Saravanamuttoo

"I will make it easier for residents to keep difficult materials out of landfill through regular neighbourhood collection events.

Many households want to dispose of electronics, paint, batteries and textiles responsibly, but travelling across the city can be a barrier. My plan will empower community associations to organize local collection events, building on community-led approaches already identified in my platform.

The City's role will be to help scale this model across Ottawa so responsible disposal becomes more convenient. This provides a practical starting point for recovering materials and reducing waste."

Peter Westaway

"We should start building a modern waste to energy incinerator at the Trail Road dump. And our recycling and green bin programs are terrible and should be overhauled."

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."

Ali Shayvard

"As Mayor, I will support Ottawa continuing to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, and I believe that transition has to be practical, responsible and built around the needs of residents.

Ottawa has very cold winters and hot summers, so reliable heating, cooling and energy are essential. We cannot simply remove one source of energy without first making sure the infrastructure and alternatives are ready.

My approach will be to invest in the infrastructure that allows Ottawa to transition properly, including cleaner energy, more efficient buildings, electric-vehicle infrastructure and reliable public transit.

I support moving away from fossil fuels over time, but I want to do it in a way that protects families, workers and our economy. Good government plans ahead, builds the alternatives first, and makes sure nobody is left behind during the transition."

Jeff Leiper

"Ottawa endorsed the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty in 2022. I support the intent behind that decision and the broader goal of reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, while recognizing that Ottawa's role has to focus on the areas where a municipality can realistically make a difference.

For Ottawa, that means making practical progress toward the emissions reductions we have already committed to through Energy Evolution and considering those commitments as we make decisions about transportation, buildings, infrastructure and City operations.

We also need to recognize that municipalities cannot make this transition alone. It will require significant action and investment from the federal and provincial governments, and Ottawa should continue to advocate for that support.

As Mayor, my focus will be on making steady, practical progress toward Ottawa's climate goals while ensuring the decisions we make are achievable and affordable for residents."

Neil Saravanamuttoo

"My environmental approach focuses on practical steps that reduce energy waste and make alternatives more accessible. Neighbourhood-scale retrofits will help participating households improve efficiency and adopt technologies such as heat pumps and rooftop solar. Retrofitting municipal buildings will allow the City to lead by example.

I will also propose a moratorium on new data centres until we better understand their long-term impacts on electricity and water infrastructure.

These are the specific actions in my platform relevant to energy demand and reducing dependence on fossil fuels."

Peter Westaway

"By getting more people out of cars and onto public transit and on bikes."

Ali Shayvard

"Protecting Ottawa's natural areas, biodiversity and wildlife habitat is very important to me.

As Ottawa grows, we need to build around and alongside nature, not simply remove it. Forests, wetlands, waterways, green spaces and wildlife corridors should be considered from the beginning when new communities are planned.

I also believe we can create and restore natural spaces where they are missing. Growth and environmental protection do not have to work against each other if we plan properly.

As Mayor, I will work with developers, planners and communities to make sure protecting and expanding natural spaces is part of the development process. Ottawa will continue to grow, and my goal is to make sure nature grows with us.

We can build the housing and infrastructure people need while protecting the natural Ottawa we want future generations to enjoy."

Jeff Leiper

"Ottawa is fortunate to have significant greenspace, forests, wetlands and waterways, and I have consistently supported protecting those natural areas as our city grows.

Throughout my time on Council, I have supported stronger protection for greenspace and mature trees, protecting watersheds and preserving natural environments. I have also opposed expanding the urban boundary where we can accommodate growth within the existing urban area.

I support the goals of protecting and restoring biodiversity in Ottawa. As we grow, we need to make sure our planning decisions protect important natural areas and that we use the tools available to the City to preserve greenspace.

This also needs to be part of how we think about growth more broadly. We can build the housing Ottawa needs while protecting the natural areas, farmland and waterways that are an important part of our city."

Neil Saravanamuttoo

"My approach connects biodiversity protection with practical investments that protect residents from flooding and extreme heat.

City tree planting will prioritize a diverse mix of native species suited to local conditions and a changing climate, providing food and shelter for birds, pollinators and other wildlife. Community tree councils will help identify planting priorities, while five-year tree survival contracts and support for neighbourhood tree care will ensure these investments deliver lasting benefits.

Rain gardens and other nature-based stormwater projects will also use native species. These projects will absorb and slow excess runoff, reduce flood risks and restore habitat in existing neighbourhoods.

Prioritizing growth and infrastructure investment within existing communities will also help reduce pressure to develop natural areas. Together, these measures will contribute to Ottawa's biodiversity objectives, alongside the broader land and water protection measures needed to achieve the 30% commitment."

Peter Westaway

"Mostly by aggressively planting trees and building a large proper greenbelt outside of the city."

Ali Shayvard

"I am running for Mayor because I believe City Hall should work for the people, and residents should have a real voice in the decisions that affect their communities.

When Ottawa is making important decisions about our parks, trees, waterways, natural areas or environment, residents should be consulted early, before the decisions have already been made. I will support accessible community meetings, online consultations and other opportunities for residents to participate and be heard.

I also encourage every resident to remember that we live in a democracy. If something is happening in your neighbourhood that concerns you, contact your Ward Councillor. They are elected to represent you, listen to you and bring your concerns to City Hall.

As Mayor, I will work with Councillors, community organizations and residents across Ottawa, and I will expect the City to report back so people can see how their input was considered.

Government works best when it listens. Together, we can build an Ottawa we can all be proud of."

Jeff Leiper

"I believe in real public consultation, not consultation for the sake of checking a box. Residents and community organizations often have valuable knowledge about their neighbourhoods and the natural environment around them, and they should have a meaningful opportunity to shape decisions before they are made.

As Mayor, I will make sure residents have clear information about the decisions being considered, understand the trade-offs involved and have opportunities to participate early enough in the process for their input to actually matter.

That participation also needs to include people whose voices have too often been left out of City decision-making. I have previously committed to working in partnership with Algonquin Anishinaabe people and other Indigenous people on environmental policy, and to meaningful consultation with equity-seeking communities.

The principle is simple: decisions should not be made first and explained to residents afterward. Good public engagement means listening early, being transparent about the choices in front of us and showing people how their input informed the final decision."

Neil Saravanamuttoo

"Community participation is central to my approach. Residents should be involved before plans are drawn and options narrowed.

My environmental platform gives communities concrete roles: tree councils will set local planting priorities; neighbourhood groups and businesses will receive support for caring for young trees; and community associations will help organize collections for hard-to-recycle materials.

My broader local control platform includes participatory budgeting, through which residents propose projects and vote on feasible investments. It also provides for earlier community involvement in planning decisions. These mechanisms can help residents shape environmental improvements that reflect local needs.

The City will support participation with coordination and clear information, including annual reporting on energy and financial savings from municipal building retrofits."

Peter Westaway

"By creating an army of volunteers to work on the tree planting and other new creative objectives."

Ali Shayvard

"My environmental platform is also about building Ottawa's economy for the future.

As Mayor, I will work with the federal and provincial governments to attract new clean manufacturing, electric-vehicle, battery and green-technology jobs to Ottawa. Our city has land, a skilled workforce, strong educational institutions and enormous potential. We should be competing for the industries and good-paying jobs of the future instead of waiting for opportunities to pass us by.

With economic and manufacturing changes happening across North America, Ottawa needs leadership that plans ahead. I want to actively approach companies looking to invest in Canada and show them why Ottawa should be their home.

For me, environmental responsibility and economic growth are not opposites. We can reduce emissions, build cleaner infrastructure, create well-paying local jobs and make Ottawa more economically resilient at the same time.

As a democratic socialist, I believe government should work with people, workers and responsible businesses to build a stronger future. My goal is an Ottawa that grows, creates opportunity and protects the environment we are leaving to the next generation."

Jeff Leiper

"Ottawa's environmental goals cannot be treated as separate from the other decisions we make as a city. They are connected to how we grow, how we move people, how we maintain our infrastructure and how we protect the natural areas that make Ottawa such a great place to live.

Throughout my time on Council, I have supported stronger climate targets, Energy Evolution, protecting greenspace and limiting outward urban expansion. I have also consistently believed that two of the most important tools available to municipalities are land-use planning and transportation. Where and how we build our communities, and how people are able to move around them, have enormous consequences for our environment.

As Mayor, I want Ottawa to grow in a way that makes better use of the infrastructure and land we already have, protects our farmland and natural areas, improves public transit and gives people more practical transportation choices.

And as we have seen with flooding, severe storms and extreme heat, environmental policy is also about protecting people. We need to invest in the infrastructure we already own and prepare Ottawa for a changing climate.

These are not separate priorities. They are part of building a city that works well today and that we can afford, maintain and be proud to leave to the next generation."

Neil Saravanamuttoo

"I will also accelerate the exploration and adoption of new and existing technologies through partnerships and a "municipal living lab" approach.

Ottawa is uniquely positioned to lead in municipal environment and energy innovation because of the concentration of federal research facilities, public utilities, universities, technology companies, non-government organizations and building owners that exist here. Rather than solely relying on City staff, I will bring these sources of expertise together in an innovation partnership to identify promising technologies for testing and scale up in a "municipal living lab" of City facilities. Living labs accelerate adoption and improvement of technologies through demonstration in real world operational conditions. Both new, and existing technologies used in other countries, such as the use of thermal energy from waste heat, will be tested and, where appropriate, adopted to bring environmental and financial benefits to Ottawa residents much sooner than before. The City will become a leader, rather than a follower, in municipal environment and energy innovation.

My environmental priorities are protection and savings: protecting residents from extreme weather impacts by improving our infrastructure and expanding the tree canopy, protecting the environment by mitigating greenhouse gases and reducing household and municipal energy costs.

I want City Hall to make participation easier. Residents should not have to navigate a complicated retrofit process alone, travel across Ottawa to recycle a few difficult items, or struggle to understand how to get trees planted in their neighbourhood.

Through coordinated retrofits, better flood protection, community-led recycling, lasting tree planting and more efficient City buildings, we can make environmental action a practical part of everyday life in Ottawa. We can also make our City a leader in environment and energy innovation through partnership arrangements that can harness the significant expertise that exists in Ottawa outside of City Hall."

Peter Westaway

"Our Ottawa Greenbelt is a failure. The NCC admits on the front page of their two previous Master Plan Reviews that it has failed at preventing urban sprawl which was clearly its main purpose, but then insists it is wonderful as it is. It must be a priority to change the greenbelt in the ways I have outlined on my website PeterWestaway.ca and then start creating a new proper large greenbelt that we don't need the NCC to be involved in any way."