In the midst of Ottawa’s 2026 mayoral race’s final stretch, four prominent candidates showcased their best in a CBC Ottawa studio on Wednesday evening. Hosted by Omar Dabaghi-Pacheco from CBC News Ottawa at 6 and Rebecca Zandbergen from CBC Radio’s Ottawa Morning, the discussion included Alex Lawson, Jeff Leiper, Neil Saravanamuttoo, and Mark Sutcliffe.
This debate marked the last major showdown before the upcoming Oct. 26 election. Here are some highlights from the event:
### Performance Evaluation
Sutcliffe, vying for a second term as mayor, highlighted the achievements made by the city since 2022. However, his competitors questioned his plans for the future, pointing out the lack of progress in areas such as crime, transit, traffic, and affordability.
### Past Actions
Sutcliffe attempted to portray Leiper as inactive during his 12-year tenure on the city council, suggesting a lack of proactive ideas from his opponent. Both candidates faced scrutiny regarding their track records.
### Action Plans
Lawson positioned himself as a pragmatic leader with actionable plans, emphasizing immediate cost-saving measures and increased police funding. Saravanamuttoo proposed significant changes, including town halls to inform policies and a thorough review of city spending.
### Key Issues
Candidates discussed topics like the need for a data center moratorium and the potential use of strong mayor powers if elected. Lawson stood out by directly addressing issues like parking requirements and waste management.
### Future Vision
In closing statements, each candidate outlined their vision for Ottawa in 2030. Sutcliffe focused on affordability and tax management, while Lawson emphasized improved public services. Saravanamuttoo pledged to prioritize community interests and infrastructure development, and Leiper promised a city hall aligned with residents’ needs.
With the election approaching on Oct. 26, Ottawa residents will have the opportunity to vote for their preferred candidate. Stay tuned for comprehensive coverage of the election results on CBC Ottawa.
Polling stations will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., featuring not only the mayoral candidates but also those running for city council and school trustee positions.