Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe is seeking a second term in the 2026 municipal election, pledging to build on his record of improving transit, enhancing public safety, and increasing housing affordability. Sutcliffe, who was first elected in 2022, says he inherited a city in crisis after the trucker convoy, the pandemic, and a dysfunctional council.
Campaign Priorities
At the unofficial launch of his campaign on May 25, Sutcliffe outlined his achievements and future goals. He emphasized collaboration over division, noting that his first two years were spent building consensus among councillors. “We went from division to collaboration, from gridlock to real progress,” he said. “But the work isn’t done.”
Transit Improvements
Sutcliffe highlighted the purchase of 500 new buses, including hybrid electric models, and the launch of LRT Lines 2 and 4. OC Transpo investments have increased by nearly 30% during his term. He also hired a new general manager and signed a memorandum of understanding with the province to upload LRT costs to Metrolinx. He acknowledged that many transit problems, such as aging buses and train car issues, stem from decisions by previous councils.
Public Safety and Housing
The mayor plans to continue focusing on public safety and building more affordable homes. He cautioned voters against a “U-turn” to divisive politics and risky ideas that could lead to huge tax increases.
“There were a lot of decisions made by previous terms of council, and those of us who joined in 2022 have been cleaning that up,” Sutcliffe said. “It took us years to get into this situation. It’s going to take time to get out.”
The Ottawa Citizen will continue to provide in-depth coverage of the municipal election ahead of voting day on Oct. 26.
