Ward 17- Capital

Farah Gulzar

"OC Transpo needs to become a service that residents can actually depend on. Reliability and frequency should be the first priorities. I would support reviewing routes and service levels based on actual community needs, ridership, population growth, and gaps in service, particularly in areas where residents have limited transportation options.

The City should prioritize frequent and reliable service on key routes, better connections between neighbourhoods and major destinations, and clear communication when service is disrupted. We also need to make transit accessible and affordable for families, seniors, youth, people with disabilities, and residents who rely on transit every day.

I also believe OC Transpo needs greater accountability. Residents should be able to see clear performance measures for on-time service, cancellations, frequency and customer experience. Major transit investments should be evaluated not only by their construction cost, but also by their long-term operating and maintenance costs.

The goal should be simple: if people can trust transit to get them where they need to go, they will have a real alternative to driving."

Shawn Menard

"Reliable, accessible, affordable public transit should be a cornerstone of any credible climate action plan and is key to building a vibrant and sustainable city. I have been a lifelong advocate for public transit, dating back to my days in student politics.

This past term, I moved a motion which secured free transit for youth 18-and-under on evenings, weekends, holidays, and all summer. As a result, affordability improved and OC Transpo reported that 28,000 youth transit riders made ~456,000 trips this summer (on existing routes)—whereas in summer 2025, 8,000 youth made ~130,000 trips. City council must build on this success by continuing to reduce fares. 

If we want to keep these new riders and retain existing ridership, it is imperative that we commit to improving reliability and accessibility of service. We have and will continue to advocate for expanding bus lanes and purchasing new buses so we have a fleet that can meet the growing demands of our City. We must also improve scheduling across the system and ensure that OC Transpo has the funding it needs to operate a transit system befitting of a G7 capital."

Farah Gulzar

"Ottawa should treat walking, cycling and rolling as essential transportation—not simply as recreational options. Our transportation system should allow people of different ages and abilities to move around their neighbourhoods safely, whether they drive, take transit, walk, cycle or use a mobility device.

I would prioritize completing gaps in sidewalks and cycling infrastructure, improving accessibility, creating safer crossings, and addressing dangerous intersections and streets. Infrastructure should be connected and practical rather than isolated pieces that do not form a usable network.

Safety must be a central consideration. Residents should not have to choose between taking a car and putting themselves at risk walking or cycling.

I would also support transparent reporting on the City’s sustainable transportation commitments so residents can see what has been promised, what has actually been built, what it cost, and whether it is improving safety and mobility.

A sustainable transportation system is one that gives residents real choices."

Shawn Menard

"Climate change is the greatest threat facing Ottawa, and city council must act accordingly. That means taking bold steps to reduce emissions in Ottawa, and one of the key ways we must do so is by shifting the majority of trips away from cars and towards active and public transit.

In the 2018 to 2022 term of council, my office put forward the motion which spurred on the development of Ottawa’s bike share. This past term, I also passed a motion directing staff to look at a city-owned model. To promote a greater share of trips taken by bike, I will continue to push for and support a permanent, city-wide, and publicly-owned bike share for Ottawa. 

Our motion securing free transit for youth 18-and-under on weekends, weekday evenings, holidays, and all summer was an important step towards creating lifelong transit riders. WeI also pushed back against the ridiculous large hikes proposed for older adults and fought to maintain Wednesday and Sunday free service. More is needed to further reduce transit fares and to improve the system’s reliability. For example, I am committed to pushing to continue expanding free transit for youth 18-and-under, and fighting to reduce fares for all residents, as well as continuing to push to increase bus service and reliability in Capital Ward, building off improvements to the 6, 7, 10, and 18.

Another important aspect of building a walkable, ridable, rollable city is investing in infrastructure maintenance and improvement, including winter maintenance such as plowing and salting to ensure that sidewalks, bike lanes, pathways, and multiuse pathways are accessible. The experience of walking, biking, and rolling is not only possible but also safe and enjoyable. After all, Ottawa is a winter city. That means residents must be able to work, play, and live in the city during the winter as they do during the summer, spring, and fall. Back in 2020, my office held a public forum and conducted a survey of more than 500 residents asking about their experience of winter maintenance in Ottawa. The resulting report, titled Staying Active in the Snow: Active Transportation Winter Maintenance Survey highlighted a real dissatisfaction from residents about winter maintenance practices for sidewalks, paths, and bike lanes. We used these results to work with the city to achieve a review of the Winter Maintenance Quality Standards and improve winter maintenance at bus stops and in intersections. More work is needed here and I am committed to working alongside residents to continue our emphasis on safe use of public infrastructure 12 months of the year."

Farah Gulzar

"I would take a cautious approach to expanding Ottawa’s urban boundary. Before expanding outward, the City should make the best possible use of land and infrastructure that already exists within the urban area.

Urban expansion can create significant long-term costs because new roads, water and wastewater infrastructure, transit and other services must eventually be maintained and replaced. Those future costs need to be fully understood before decisions are made.

I support allowing appropriate growth within existing communities through a broader range of housing types, gentle density, mixed-use development and development near existing infrastructure and transit.

If expansion is ultimately considered, the City should demonstrate that it is financially and environmentally sustainable over the full life cycle of the infrastructure—not simply that the initial development can be financed.

Growth should strengthen Ottawa’s existing communities rather than creating an ever-growing infrastructure and environmental burden."

Shawn Menard

"It is a reality that the inner greenbelt continues to subsidize sprawl and expensive outer edge speculative development in Ottawa. At every opportunity, I have raised this at council and underscored the high costs, pressure on taxes, and the negative environmental effects. 

We don’t need to sprawl outwards. In 2025, city staff reports showed that Ottawa already has a 24-year supply of available greenfield lands, which exceeds the 15-year provincial requirement, and less greenfield development has occurred over the past 5 years than was initially forecast.

I will continue to be a vocal opponent of risky, expensive mega projects and urban boundary expansions such as the Tewin development."

Farah Gulzar

"Protecting Ottawa residents from climate change requires both prevention and preparedness. The City should prioritize practical measures that protect people from flooding, extreme heat, severe storms, wildfire smoke and other increasingly frequent extreme weather events.

We need stronger stormwater management, better drainage and flood mitigation, more trees and green infrastructure, and sufficient shaded and cooling spaces in our neighbourhoods. Parks, community facilities and other public spaces can play an important role in providing safe places for residents during extreme heat and other emergencies.

Particular attention should be given to seniors, children, people with disabilities, low-income households and residents who may not have access to air conditioning, reliable transportation or other resources during an emergency.

Ottawa should also improve emergency communication so residents receive clear, timely and accessible information about extreme weather, available cooling centres, air-quality risks and other public safety measures.

Climate resilience should be built into everyday municipal planning—not treated as an emergency response only after a disaster occurs."

Shawn Menard

"Building resiliency to the effects of climate change, including worsening storms, heat, and smoke is critical. These measures must include improved emergency planning, retrofitting city and community buildings, expanding and preserving city tree canopy, prioritizing green and permeable infrastructure, and creating more public spaces to cool off in extreme heat. 

This summer’s catastrophic flooding in the west end of the city provided a stark example of how existing infrastructure is, in my cases, inadequate in the face of increased pressure from extreme weather events. In the past I have advocated for burying Hydro wires to prevent the lengthy power outages which are becoming all too common in our city. We should continue to push for that wherever possible, especially in road renewal projects.

My office has also been able to secure the funding to open wading pools, pools, and beaches earlier and longer. Ensuring that residents, particularly the most vulnerable, have access to places to cool off in the increasingly hot summer months is important. It also has the added benefit of providing more safe and fun recreational options."

Farah Gulzar

"Ottawa should treat its tree canopy as essential public infrastructure. Trees provide shade, reduce urban heat, improve air quality, manage stormwater, support biodiversity and make neighbourhoods healthier and more enjoyable.

I would support protecting mature and healthy trees wherever reasonably possible, increasing tree planting on streets and in parks, and ensuring that new development includes meaningful opportunities for trees and green space.

The City should prioritize areas with low tree canopy and high exposure to extreme heat, so that tree planting benefits are distributed equitably across Ottawa rather than concentrated in already well-treed neighbourhoods.

We also need to ensure that newly planted trees are properly maintained so that planting targets translate into healthy, long-term canopy rather than simply numbers on a report.

The goal should be not only to plant more trees, but to grow and protect a healthy, resilient urban forest for future generations."

Shawn Menard

"Unlike rural areas, where trees can be planted with ease, in Capital Ward we must make space for large, mature trees in our existing urban landscape. To achieve this, we must install soil cells in sidewalks, add new plantings in parks and during road renewals, and protect our existing mature canopy wherever possible. I passed motions to increase protection for distinctive trees in both urban and suburban areas, and passed bylaws to ensure the automatic replanting of downed street trees. We also changed the new zoning bylaw, thanks to excellent work of Old Ottawa East residents, to ensure enough yard space for larger trees. Greater resources are needed for tree planting and protection, and partnering with volunteer community groups to do so is vital."

Farah Gulzar

"Ottawa should focus first on reducing waste at the source and making reuse, repair, recycling and composting easier and more convenient for residents.

I would support expanding opportunities for residents to repair, reuse and share goods rather than automatically sending them to landfill. The City can work with community organizations and local businesses to promote repair cafés, reuse programs, community swap events and better access to recycling and composting.

We should also make waste reduction easier for families by providing clear information about what can be reused, recycled, composted or disposed of, and by improving convenient collection options where gaps exist.

A circular economy means keeping materials in use for as long as possible. Ottawa should use its purchasing power to support durable, repairable and reusable products and reduce unnecessary waste in municipal operations.

The goal should be to treat waste as a resource whenever possible, while making sustainable choices practical and affordable for residents."

Shawn Menard

"We advocated for the expansion of the 3-stream bins added to parks; more is needed to make sure every park in the city is outfitted with garbage, recycling, and compost bins. 

We will push for a permanent Household Hazardous Waste depot in Ottawa. The current micro-events should be maintained and expanded to ensure that these items are diverted from the landfill, however a permanent depot should be established.

The city should support more reuse and repair projects, including the extremely successful Ottawa Tool Library Repair Cafes.”

Farah Gulzar

"Ottawa needs a clear, measurable and accountable path toward its net-zero commitments. Long-term climate goals should be translated into specific actions, timelines, budgets and measurable targets, with regular public reporting on progress.

I would prioritize practical measures that reduce emissions while also improving affordability and quality of life. This includes improving building energy efficiency, supporting energy-efficient homes and businesses, expanding clean transportation options, reducing unnecessary car dependency, and increasing the use of renewable and low-carbon energy where feasible.

The City should also lead by example by improving the energy efficiency of municipal buildings, facilities and operations and by considering life-cycle costs when making major infrastructure and energy decisions.

Climate action must be financially responsible and equitable. Residents should not be left behind because they cannot afford the upfront cost of energy improvements or cleaner transportation.

Ottawa should measure progress openly, report results to residents, and adjust its approach when targets are not being met."

Shawn Menard

"Climate change is the greatest threat facing Ottawa, and city council must act accordingly. That means taking bold steps to reduce emissions in Ottawa, especially in our highest emitting sectors: buildings and transportation. Over my years as councillor, I have helped to grow our annual Climate Change Master Plan budget from unstable Hydro allocations of $1 million per year to $6 million in annual permanent funding. I am proud of this work but will be the first to acknowledge that more is needed.

We helped launch Ottawa’s first electric bus pilot which will see hundreds of Zero-Emission Buses in operation by the end of 2027 and passed the first modernized Idling Bylaw since 2007.

The city has to increase retrofits in city buildings to mitigate emissions and achieve operational savings. However, we can’t do this work alone. We have to advocate for upper tier levels of government to do their part and provide funding for these critical undertakings- emissions know no jurisdiction so if they want to meet their emissions reductions goals they have to step and help us reach ours.

Expanding and preserving our city tree canopy will not only make our city more beautiful and more livable but it is also a critical aspect of any credible emissions mitigation strategy.

We support the creation of renewables in Ottawa, including battery energy storage systems (BESS). Our city is filled with brilliant innovators—we should listen to what the experts are telling us is possible and support that work when it contributes to reducing emissions here and across Canada.

Unfortunately, the province has tied our hands on being able to require new builds to be off natural gas, but I would love to see more support from the city for residents to be able to switch their homes to renewable energy."

Farah Gulzar

"Ottawa should take its commitment seriously by aligning municipal policies, investments and procurement decisions with the goal of reducing dependence on fossil fuels and accelerating the transition to clean energy.

The City should focus on areas where it has direct influence, including municipal buildings and fleets, transportation planning, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and procurement. Major decisions should consider both their climate impact and their long-term financial costs.

Ottawa should also work collaboratively with other municipalities, residents, businesses and higher levels of government, because the transition away from fossil fuels cannot be achieved by municipal government alone.

At the same time, the transition must be practical and fair. Climate policies should not disproportionately burden low-income households, seniors, people with disabilities or residents who have limited transportation and housing choices.

Ottawa should turn its commitment into measurable municipal action, with transparent reporting so residents can see what progress is actually being made."

Shawn Menard

"The city must phase out the use of fossil fuels; in our buildings, through retrofitting, and in our fleet—buses and equipment. New city buildings should not rely on fossil fuel infrastructure, but should be built with features such as air source heat pumps, electric generators, and other energy-saving, emissions-reducing technology.

We should work with other levels of government to offer support to residents in retrofitting their existing homes - this is something that people really want to do but the financial burden is significant.

It is also important that our progress in this regard is being monitored and measured. We can’t allow these commitments to be merely symbolic. Ottawa has to do its part in addressing the existential threat presented by climate change. I commit to continuing to lead on this issue if I am re-elected to Council in October."

Farah Gulzar

"Ottawa should have a clear, measurable plan for protecting and restoring natural areas, with regular public reporting on progress toward the City’s biodiversity commitments.

I would prioritize protecting existing natural areas, wetlands, waterways, forests and other important habitats from unnecessary loss or fragmentation. The City should also expand and connect green spaces where possible, so that biodiversity protection is not limited to isolated parks.

New development should consider its impact on natural areas, wildlife habitat, trees, waterways and stormwater management. Where development is approved, the City should require strong environmental protections and meaningful mitigation.

I also believe residents should be involved in identifying and protecting important natural spaces in their communities. Protecting biodiversity is not only about meeting a percentage target; it is about preserving healthy ecosystems that make Ottawa a healthier and more resilient city."

Shawn Menard

"Living in Ottawa, we have the benefit of lots of green space in the region. However, we can’t take it for granted. We have a responsibility to maintain and protect our urban and rural greenspaces for the good of our residents and the plant and animal life that depend on it. Reining  in sprawl and protecting the greenbelt is an obvious and much needed measure to protect biodiversity. 

I will also advocate for the City to continue to acquire ecologically significant land for conservation, as was done in Fitzroy Harbour this past term of council."

Farah Gulzar

"Environmental decisions are stronger when residents are genuinely involved from the beginning—not simply informed after decisions have already been made.

I would support accessible and meaningful public consultation on environmental projects and policies, including opportunities for residents to participate both online and in person. Consultation should be available in accessible, plain language and should reach residents who may not normally participate in City processes.

I would also support stronger neighbourhood-level engagement through community associations, schools, seniors’ groups, youth, environmental organizations and other local groups.

Most importantly, the City should close the feedback loop. Residents should be able to see “What We Heard, What We Did, and Why.” Public participation has little value if people never know what happened to their input.

My approach is simple: listen, explain, act, and report back to the community."

Shawn Menard

"In 2023, I moved a successful motion to create an interdepartmental working group on environment and climate change, which is now operational. I see this as a key structure for the city to work with community members in order to further our climate and ecological goals.

Much like the budget process, I will continue to push for staff to incorporate meaningful consultation at the outset of major projects including initiatives and reports, ensuring that community input helps shape major projects from day one, rather than being sought only after key decisions have already been made. When it comes to decisions affecting the environment, these are not decisions that can be easily undone. We need to ensure that residents fully understand the consequences of activities and decisions that are being contemplated and have their say rather than allowing irreversible decisions are forced through Council. I will always do my part to ensuring that residents are fully informed and can have their say."

Farah Gulzar

"My environmental priorities are closely connected to the quality of everyday life in Ottawa. A cleaner, greener and more resilient city should also be a safer, healthier and more affordable city.

I want to see more accessible and well-maintained parks, safer walking and cycling routes, cleaner public spaces, more trees and community gardens, better protection of natural areas, and practical action to prepare neighbourhoods for extreme weather.

I also believe environmental policy must be fair and financially responsible. We should prioritize solutions that provide long-term value for residents rather than simply announcing ambitious targets without a clear plan for implementation, measurement and maintenance.

Finally, residents should have a meaningful voice in environmental decisions. As a councillor, I would work to make consultation more transparent and ensure that residents can see what was heard, what action was taken, and what results were achieved.

My vision is an Ottawa where environmental responsibility is part of good municipal governance—and where protecting our environment goes hand in hand with protecting residents, communities and the future of our city."

Shawn Menard

"The National Capital Commission has been doing incredible work in striving to increase recreational access to our City’s waterways. I will work to improve access to the Rideau River, including improved swimming access.

I also intend to investigate and work with city staff and residents on Combined Sewage Overflows at Brantwood Park. Ottawa’s waterways are precious and should be protected from sewer overflows wherever possible. I will be working with the community to review options and advocate for action by the city."