Michael Tay
"For me, the practical question is how the City incorporates biodiversity into the decisions we make about land, development, waterways and infrastructure.
I support protecting significant forests, wetlands, waterways and wildlife habitat, maintaining connections between natural areas, expanding our tree canopy and restoring natural spaces where possible.
As Ottawa grows, we need to consider the environmental impact of development from the beginning rather than trying to address it after decisions have already been made.
The City also cannot accomplish this alone. We need to work with conservation authorities, Indigenous partners, the National Capital Commission, other levels of government, environmental organizations and local communities.
Biodiversity also exists within our neighbourhoods. Trees, pollinator gardens, parks, waterways, naturalized spaces and connected greenspace all contribute to a healthier city.
The broader Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework includes the goal of conserving at least 30% of land and water by 2030, with governments and other partners having roles in implementation."
Dillon Anderson
"Ensuring that Ottawa honors its commitment to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework—specifically the international goal to protect 30% of land and water areas by 2030 (the "30 by 30" target)—requires leveraging municipal land-use powers, protecting natural corridors, and investing in local ecological assets. While international treaties and federal strategies set the overarching framework, biodiversity protection is won or lost at the municipal level through concrete local actions: Protecting Natural Heritage Systems from Development: We must fiercely defend Ottawa’s Urban Boundary and our designated Natural Heritage System against encroachment. Allowing outward sprawl destroys vital wetlands, forests, and watersheds that form the ecological backbone of our region. Expanding Urban Greenspaces and Natural Assets: In built-up urban and inner-city wards like Somerset, meeting our biodiversity goals means actively creating and expanding local nature networks. This includes preserving precious urban green spaces (like Derby Place), restoring degraded local ecosystems, and expanding our urban tree canopy to create continuous ecological corridors for pollinators and urban wildlife. Partnering on Conservation and Watershed Management: Collaborating closely with local conservation authorities (such as the Rideau Valley and Mississippi Valley Conservation Authorities) and Indigenous communities to secure, restore, and properly manage ecologically sensitive lands, wetlands, and shorelines across the capital region."
Nicholas Golle
"At the municipal level, that means ensuring biodiversity and ecological connectivity are properly considered in the Official Plan, development and infrastructure decisions, management of City land, urban forestry, waterways and other relevant City programs. I would push to have policies crafted with this in mind, measure our progress, and adjust."
Ariel Troster
"Continue to defend the Greenbelt against encroachment/development, when possible buy land to make new parks in Somerset Ward, mandate more tree planting and fight for more resources for the forestry department."