Ottawa heads to the polls to decide the city's future on October 26
In short: The 2026 municipal election will determine the leadership of Ottawa, Ontario. Voters will choose a mayor, city councillors, and trustees for English and French public and Catholic school boards. As candidates vie for office, the debate centers on critical issues like housing affordability, transit, and the rising cost of living.
Scheduled for October 26, 2026, the election coincides with the broader Ontario municipal elections. The race for mayor features incumbent Mark Sutcliffe, 57, who has faced criticism from candidates like Jeff Leiper and Alex Lawson regarding the quality of city services. Sutcliffe has also been involved in debates over funding for transit and the controversial $418.8 million Lansdowne 2.0 redevelopment project, which the City of Ottawa expects to fund with a net cost of $130 million. The incumbent mayor has also faced scrutiny over his support for the Lansdowne 2.0 project. This redevelopment aims to renovate the TD Place Arena and construct new residential towers.
Public concern is clearly defined by recent polling data. An October 2025 poll by Liaison Strategies, which sampled 800 people, identified affordable housing (20%) as the top priority, followed by crime (19%), transit (18%), and homelessness (15%). Yet, a 1,000-person survey conducted by the Ottawa Real Estate Board in January 2026 identified living costs (37%) as the primary concern, ahead of housing affordability (19%) and transit dependability (11%). These findings highlight a divide in voter priorities. While housing remains a major concern, the cost of living has emerged as a dominant factor in recent surveys.
The candidate field is diverse, ranging from perennial candidates like Bernard Couchman, 47, to specialized figures like Peter Westaway, 63, who focuses on Greenbelt reform. In an unprecedented move since 2003, certain positions will be won via acclamation, notably David Brown in Rideau-Jock Ward and Riley Brockington in River Ward. This election represents a pivotal moment for the city as it navigates complex urban development and economic pressures. Other candidates include economist Neil Saravanamuttoo and actor Josh Rachlis. Additionally, several incumbents like Matthew Luloff are seeking to retain their current seats.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: 2026 Ottawa municipal election
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