Local economy

A strong local economy depends on a city that works. Businesses need reliable transit so employees and customers can get around, housing their workers can afford, well-maintained infrastructure and City services that are straightforward to navigate.

I have committed to reviewing City fees and charges, and I am open to practical changes that reduce unnecessary costs, delays and red tape for local businesses. I also believe Council needs to listen to businesses, BIAs and entrepreneurs and understand the economic consequences of its decisions before making them.

As Mayor, I want Ottawa to be a city where local businesses can invest, grow and succeed, supported by reliable services and a City that is responsive when problems arise.

Safe, clean & welcoming districts

Our mainstreets need to be places where residents, workers and visitors feel safe and businesses can succeed. That means maintaining clean, welcoming public spaces while responding effectively and compassionately when people are in crisis.

I have committed to making ANCHOR permanent so appropriate calls can be handled by trained mental-health and crisis-response professionals, while ensuring police can focus on violence, criminal activity and immediate threats to public safety. I also support strengthening by-law capacity and investing in housing and supports that address the underlying challenges we see on our streets.

Transit & connectivity

You cannot have a growing city and expect everyone to drive everywhere. Reliable transit is one of the most effective ways to reduce congestion while connecting people to jobs, businesses and services.

I have committed to reversing the cuts to OC Transpo, restoring frequency on core bus routes and the LRT, and making transit faster and more reliable. When transit works, more people choose it, which means fewer cars competing for limited road space.

We also need safe walking and cycling connections to business districts, while recognizing that transportation needs are different in urban, suburban and rural Ottawa. The goal should be practical: give people more reliable ways to get where they need to go and keep Ottawa moving as we grow.

Public space & infrastructure

A City That Works takes care of what it owns. Ottawa faces an $11-billion infrastructure gap over the next decade, and continuing to defer maintenance only makes the problem more expensive. I have proposed a dedicated 1% infrastructure levy to begin addressing that backlog and invest in the roads, sidewalks, parks and public spaces our communities and businesses rely on.

That investment matters directly to our mainstreets. At the same time, when the City undertakes major work in a business district, BIAs need to be involved early. I would expect meaningful consultation before and throughout construction, clear communication about timelines and disruptions, and practical mitigation to maintain access and reduce the impact on local businesses.

BIAs as partners

BIAs know their districts and the businesses they represent better than City Hall does. I want the City to treat them as partners, particularly when decisions on infrastructure, transportation, public space, permitting or construction will directly affect their members.

That means engaging BIAs early enough that their input can actually shape decisions, rather than consulting after plans are largely complete. It also means maintaining regular communication between BIAs, councillors and City staff so issues can be identified and resolved before they become bigger problems.

As Mayor, I would work directly with Ottawa’s BIAs and make sure their experience on the ground is part of how the City approaches decisions affecting our mainstreets and business districts.

How BIAs are funded

BIAs do work that benefits the entire city: supporting local businesses, organizing events, improving commercial areas and helping attract people to our mainstreets. They need enough predictability to plan beyond the next event or funding cycle.

I would support a review of how the City funds and supports BIAs, with fairness and predictability as the objective. I would not want to prescribe the outcome before that work is done, but Ottawa should have a model that recognizes the different sizes and circumstances of BIAs and allows them to plan effectively.

Local economy

I feel that local businesses are vital to maintaining the character of a neighbourhood, and to helping people have human connections. Visiting a big box store or ordering something delivered doesn't have the same feeling as catching up with your local store owner or running into a friend while shopping. Connections like these are important for mental health. Whenever I visit a mainstreet, I vlog about the street and film interviews with the staff at the local shops - It's my small way of trying to promote those businesses.

But the City can do more than my social media videos can. So we should make it easier for businesses to work with the City. Running a business is hard enough without having to chase different City departments for answers. I would work with local businesses and BIAs to identify unnecessary delays, confusing requirements and duplicated paperwork. I would advocate for a clear point of contact, plain-language guidance and published timelines for permits and approvals. Before major decisions affecting mainstreets, I would ask for an explanation of the likely effects on businesses, including costs, customer access and construction disruption.

I also want Ottawa to make it easier to bring empty storefronts back into use and welcome the businesses that give our neighbourhoods their character. It breaks my heart when I see beautiful old buildings sitting empty, or, even worse, get torn down.

Safe, clean & welcoming districts

Mainstreets shouldn't just look idyllic in the Hallmark Christmas movies that I sometimes do background acting in. They should be safe, clean and welcoming in real life.

Businesses, employees, customers and vulnerable residents all deserve to feel safe. I would bring BIAs, outreach workers, housing providers, police and City staff together to identify recurring problems and agree on who responds. That includes reliable litter collection, needle cleanup, lighting and clear ways to report concerns. I would advocate for expanded mental health crisis response and supportive housing with the staff needed to make it work.

Yesterday I had an hour-long conversation with a shelter representative, who told me about how providing supportive housing can reduce repeated police calls. So I support investing in social services, which can free up police officers to do the work they're best suited for. Businesses should have help when problems arise, and people in crisis should receive support that addresses their needs.

Transit & connectivity

To get around Ottawa, including for shopping, I mostly walk, bike and take transit, so I know how important it is to local businesses to be accessible by transit and active transportation.

Getting to a local business should be convenient whether you walk, cycle, take transit or drive. And that shouldn't be limited to the downtown. Giving people an option other than cars is good for physical and mental health, as well as affordability, and those benefits should be available to residents of any area.

I would work with BIAs, residents and transit staff to identify gaps affecting customers and employees, including evening and weekend service. I would prioritize reliable connections, accessible stops, safe crossings, connected sidewalks and cycling routes, bike parking and winter maintenance. Suburban and rural districts need solutions that reflect their distances and travel patterns. I would also consider deliveries, accessible parking and short visits when reviewing street changes. The goal is to help more people reach our mainstreets and comfortably spend time there.

I would also work with BIAs and residents to plan for delivery-app pickups, including suitable stopping locations that keep sidewalks clear and reduce disruption to nearby homes. One example I've heard about is on Main Street in Old Ottawa East, where condo residents above a new restaurant have raised concerns about noise associated with delivery-app pickups. When planning, we should take into account modern issues like these.

Public space & infrastructure

I want mainstreets to be places where people enjoy spending time. Whenever I visit a mainstreet and film my vlogs to promote the street, I'm reminded how they're hubs of the community, where people not only shop and eat, they spot their neighbours and catch up. This in-person connection is so important in this increasingly digital, isolated world.

I would support well-maintained sidewalks, trees, seating, lighting, accessible public spaces and opportunities for local art and events. BIAs should be consulted while project options are still being developed, so their knowledge can shape the design. For major construction, I would push for a business access and communication plan before work begins: clear signage, safe entrances, delivery arrangements, advance notice and a named City contact. I would also ask departments and utilities to coordinate their schedules so businesses don't face avoidable delays or repeated disruption.

BIAs as partners

I value open communication, to make everyone feel heard and respected. This applies not only to the City dealing with residents, it applies to the City dealing with BIAs.

BIAs know their streets and the challenges their members face. I would establish regular meetings with OCOBIA and visit individual districts to hear directly from businesses. I would advocate for early BIA involvement in relevant planning, transportation, public space and economic development decisions. After consulting BIAs, the City should report back to them on which suggestions it acted on and explain why others were not adopted. I would also seek a straightforward way for BIAs to raise issues involving several departments without being passed around. Urban, suburban and rural BIAs should all have meaningful opportunities to shape decisions that affect their communities.

How BIAs are funded

When I scroll Instagram, I love seeing how our BIAs like Byward Market, Wellington Street West and the Glebe are working so hard to promote their area. It reminds me how BIAs play a big role in making their neighbourhoods fun places to be. I always tag the local BIA when I'm vlogging about my visits to their businesses, because I know the BIA is key for promoting the area.

I recognize that BIA members invest their own money in making their districts successful, benefiting the wider community. I would support predictable budget and levy processes, clear grant criteria, straightforward applications and timely decisions. Smaller BIAs should have fair access to grants and partnerships. I would support advance notice and consultation before changes affecting BIA costs or funding. BIAs should be able to focus on district improvements, events and promotion, so I would work with the BIAs to identify gaps in basic City services, including street cleaning, snow clearing and sidewalk maintenance, and follow up with the responsible departments to address them.

Local economy

Local businesses create jobs, strengthen neighbourhoods and keep money in our community. City Hall should be helping them succeed, not making it unnecessarily difficult to open or stay in business.

As mayor, I would work to reduce red tape, simplify permits and approvals, improve response times and make it easier for entrepreneurs to understand exactly what the City requires. I also want Council to seriously consider the economic impact on local businesses before major decisions are made, including construction, road changes and new regulations.

Downtown, I would pursue my proposal for the first 30 minutes of City-controlled parking to be free. That would make it easier for residents to stop downtown for a coffee, meal, appointment or quick purchase and help bring customers back to local businesses.

Most importantly, I will listen directly to business owners. We can support economic growth while still protecting residents and making sure Ottawa remains affordable, accessible and welcoming.

Safe, clean & welcoming districts

Safe and welcoming mainstreets require both compassion and accountability.

My approach would be to coordinate police, outreach workers, mental-health professionals, housing supports, public health, businesses and community organizations so people in crisis are connected to the right help instead of being moved from one place to another.

Whenever it can be done safely, support and de-escalation should come before enforcement. At the same time, residents, workers and local businesses have the right to feel safe, and serious or repeated dangerous behaviour cannot simply be ignored.

I would also strengthen cleanliness, lighting, maintenance and rapid response to problems in our commercial areas.

The goal is not to choose between public safety and compassion. A well-run city must do both: help vulnerable people access the support they need while protecting residents, businesses and public spaces so our mainstreets remain places people want to visit, work and invest in.

Transit & connectivity

Business districts only thrive when people can reach them easily.

My first priority is reliable transit. Residents will not choose transit if buses and trains are late, cancelled or do not take them where they actually need to go. I would review routes, frequency and connections to make sure major employment areas, mainstreets and commercial districts are properly served.

I would also improve safe walking and cycling connections around business areas, including sidewalks, crossings, lighting and practical cycling links where they make sense.

Suburban and rural Ottawa need different solutions. I support exploring on-demand and smaller-vehicle transit that connects rural communities to major transit hubs and employment areas, while improving suburban connections so residents are not forced to drive for every trip.

The goal is simple: whether someone lives downtown, in the suburbs or in rural Ottawa, they should have safe, practical and reliable ways to reach jobs, businesses and services.

Public space & infrastructure

Mainstreets are economic and community hubs, so the City needs to treat them as a priority.

I would invest in the basics that make them successful: well-maintained sidewalks and roads, lighting, trees, public seating, cleanliness, accessibility, safe crossings and reliable transit connections.

Just as importantly, BIAs and local businesses must be consulted before major decisions are finalized, not after construction plans are already set. They understand how changes to parking, access, delivery routes and construction timing affect customers and day-to-day operations.

For major projects, I would require early consultation and clear construction-mitigation plans, including maintaining business access, better signage, coordinated scheduling and regular communication with affected businesses.

My goal is to improve infrastructure without unnecessarily hurting the businesses we are trying to support. City Hall should plan with mainstreets, not simply around them.

BIAs as partners

BIAs should be treated as partners in building a stronger Ottawa, not simply consulted after decisions have already been made.

As mayor, I would establish regular communication between City leadership, staff and BIAs so concerns and opportunities can be identified early. When planning, construction, parking, transit, regulations or other policies could significantly affect a business district, the local BIA should be involved from the beginning.

Business owners understand their districts, their customers and the challenges they face every day. City Hall should use that knowledge when making decisions.

I would also push for clear points of contact within the City, faster responses to BIA concerns and greater accountability when commitments are made.

My approach is simple: listen early, plan together and communicate throughout the process. Stronger cooperation between City Hall and our BIAs will lead to better decisions, stronger mainstreets and a healthier local economy.

How BIAs are funded

BIAs play an important role in keeping Ottawa’s mainstreets active, attractive and economically strong. They support local businesses, organize events, improve public spaces, promote neighbourhoods and often act as a direct link between business owners and City Hall.

I would support fair, transparent and predictable opportunities for BIAs to access City funding and partnership programs, with clear criteria and enough notice for them to plan properly.

Where possible, I would also favour multi-year approaches for successful programs rather than forcing organizations to repeatedly start from zero.

At the same time, funding should come with accountability and measurable results so residents and businesses can see the value being created.

My goal is to give BIAs the stability they need to plan ahead, while making sure City support is fair across different districts and focused on strengthening Ottawa’s local economy and mainstreets.

Local economy

Small businesses are at the heart of Ottawa’s economy. I’ve worked closely with and supported Ottawa’s BIAs and other small business groups to protect and strengthen our local economy in the face of tariffs and other pressures. I extended the small business tax reduction, saving businesses an average of $3,700 per year. I eliminated patio fees this summer, and I plan to make that permanent. I will continue cutting red tape, keeping taxes and fees low, and making City Hall more responsive to businesses. I will continue to support neighbourhood businesses and BIAs throughout every part of Ottawa.

Safe, clean & welcoming districts

Everyone has a right to feel safe in their community, including on main streets. My plan combines stronger public safety with compassionate responses. I will activate an Emergency Coordination Centre to take action on the toxic drug, mental health and homelessness crises, while expanding alternative response programs such as ANCHOR, MCRT and Crisis Intervention Teams. I will hire 200 more police officers, increase transit safety, and expand cleaning, lighting, and cameras in key areas. I’ll also ensure dedicated crews safely and quickly remove needles and drug paraphernalia. I’ll invest in supportive housing and mental health and addiction solutions.

Transit & connectivity

Reliable transportation is essential for customers, employees, and businesses. By completing the upload, I’ll invest $4 billion in a more reliable and affordable transit system. I’ll reduce the cost of a monthly transit pass to $95. I’ll immediately advance $1.3 billion in Bus Rapid Transit and continuous bus lane projects and purchase 200 new buses. I’ll start Stage 3 LRT to Kanata, Stittsville and Barrhaven. I will also support transit-oriented development around stations and Park and Rides. I’ll continue building a transportation network that makes it easier to get to work, shop locally and move around our city.

Public space & infrastructure

Working with BIAs, we’ve made great progress on animating our streets and drawing more people to our mainstreets. I will continue investing in placemaking and beautification projects that bring life to our neighbourhoods, and in the critical infrastructure that supports growth. My approach is to work with BIAs early when projects affect their districts, particularly when construction could disrupt access, customers or business operations. BIAs know their mainstreets and their members, and that local knowledge should inform project planning, construction timelines, communications and mitigation measures.

BIAs as partners

I’ve worked closely with OCOBIA and local BIAs, including having OCOBIA representation on my economic council. I believe you are critical partners in building a stronger local economy. I will continue working directly with you on the issues affecting your members and ensure you have a meaningful opportunity to provide input early in any planning process. That means engaging BIAs before major construction, transportation, public-realm, safety and economic-development decisions that affect their districts. I also want to build on the work already being done with BIAs on economic development, research, beautification and placemaking.

How BIAs are funded

BIAs provide an important service to Ottawa by bringing businesses together to promote their districts, support economic development and improve the public realm. I will support fair and predictable opportunities for BIAs to access City programs that help them deliver these results, while continuing to respect the role of BIA boards in setting their own priorities and budgets. I will also work with OCOBIA to review existing funding programs and identify opportunities to make them more accessible and responsive to the needs of Ottawa’s diverse mainstreets. That includes urban, suburban and rural BIAs, recognizing that each district has different opportunities and challenges.

Local economy

Small and mid-sized businesses are the backbone of Orléans East-Cumberland, and I want them to succeed here rather than watching talent and spending go west. Owning a business is not easy, and it demands sacrifices, energy, and time. Therefore, I believe our role as a City is to support business owners and make their journey easier, not more complicated.

I will create a Ward 1 Business Growth Program to help local entrepreneurs start and expand. It will offer practical help with permits, licensing, and City processes, and a clear point of contact at City Hall so owners aren't lost in red tape. I will push to shorten approval timelines and remove duplicated or outdated requirements. Before Council votes on by-laws, fees, road closures or major projects, I will ask for a clear assessment of how the decision affects local businesses, and I will consult our BIAs.

I will also champion a federal government hub in Orléans East-Cumberland. With federal employees returning to the office 4–5 days a week, bringing that workforce east would put thousands of daily customers on our mainstreets. Through the Orléans Youth Fund, I will connect young people with local employers so businesses can find the workers they need close to home.

Safe, clean & welcoming districts

Everyone deserves to feel safe and welcome on our main streets, whether they are business owners, customers, seniors, families, or people going through hard times. Public safety and compassion are not opposites. We need both, and the response must be coordinated. I will bring City social services, community health partners, outreach workers, police, and BIAs together around common goals, with clear roles and follow-through, so businesses aren't left to handle social challenges alone.

I will also address root causes: affordable and supportive housing, and a Youth Centre offering safe spaces, mentorship, and creative outlets. I support practical measures that make districts clean and inviting, such as timely maintenance, good lighting, accessible sidewalks and clear signage. I also support BIA-led initiatives like beautification and street animation.

All of these services should be available in both official languages English and French.

Transit & connectivity

When the bus doesn't show up, customers don't show up, and employees are late. Reliable transit is an economic issue. I will fight for:
- buses every 3 to 5 minutes on major routes;
- regular frequency in every neighbourhood, including St-Joseph, Tenth Line, Fallingbrook, Cumberland Village, Cardinal Creek and Trim-Millennium;
- the return of a 30-minute direct express bus to downtown;
- a reliable LRT that comes every 5 minutes at peak hours.

The eastern LRT extension, promised for 2022, must be delivered.

Ward 1 is urban, suburban and rural, and no resident of Cumberland should feel disconnected from Orléans East, I have heard it often at the door. I will push for safe, accessible sidewalks, crossings and cycling links to our business districts. That means infrastructure that works for seniors, families and people with mobility needs, so more residents can walk, roll or ride to shop locally.

Public space & infrastructure

Great main streets are places where people want to spend time. I will advocate for accessible public spaces, better sidewalks, seating, lighting, and clear signage that serve everyone. I will also establish a music festival in Orléans-East-Cumberland to showcase amateur and professional musicians, this program could be replicated in other wards in the city. I would like to build it in partnership with our BIAs so it brings foot traffic and life to our business districts.

BIAs must be consulted at the start of any project that affects their district, before designs are set, not after. For construction, I will insist on meaningful mitigation: advance notice, smart phasing, maintained access to storefronts, "open for business" signage, and clear, bilingual communication with businesses throughout the project. Businesses should never learn about a road closure from the barricades; it is not acceptable.

BIAs as partners

BIAs know their districts better than anyone at City Hall, and I will treat them as real partners. As councilor, I will meet regularly with our local BIA in the Heart of Orléans and keep my office open to their concerns year-round, not just at election time. I will ensure BIAs are informed and involved early in development applications, infrastructure projects, policy changes, and budget decisions that affect their districts.

I will also involve BIAs directly in my Ward 1 priorities: the Business Growth Program, the push for a federal hub, youth employment partnerships and cultural programming. I believe in giving community partners a genuine seat at the table, and I will bring the voices of our main street businesses into every committee meeting and budget debate, in both French and English.

How BIAs are funded

BIAs are self-funded by their members and deliver enormous value to the city through placemaking, events, beautification, marketing and advocacy. That work deserves recognition and stable support. I will support fair and predictable access to City partnership programs and grants, timely processing of BIA budgets and approvals, and reasonable fees and permit requirements for BIA events and initiatives. I will also push for clear, consistent rules so BIAs can plan over several years rather than year to year.
When BIAs succeed, our main streets succeed, and so do the families, workers and young people who depend on them. I will be a councillor who values that partnership and defends it at City Hall.

Local economy

A big change on the horizon for Ward 1 and Orleans is the redevelopment of St. Joseph. The plan is to build mixed use buildings with retail on the first floor. A fear I hear a lot from residents is that this will become a corridor filled with national chains. I would pursue measures that would protect a portion of new retail space along the corridor for local small businesses, to ensure our main thoroughfare remains home to great local businesses.

Safe, clean & welcoming districts

I would like to see the city take a Housing First approach and pursue innovative solutions like Gatineau's tiny home program, to help get a reliable roof over people's heads. We are living through tough economic times, and we need to take care of each other.

I would also like to see the ANCHOR program expand across the city so that we can deploy appropriate responders to deal with mental health and substance use issues. This will free up police resources to deal with their core responsibilities, while ensuring people who need support get it from social workers or other appropriate responders.

Transit & connectivity

When we're redeveloping key corridors like St. Joseph we need to make sure we're building in transit and active transportation measures to keep these areas accessible for the whole community. When the Heart of Orleans BIA did a social media survey on what people wanted to see on St. Joseph, the most frequent comment was we needed it to be walkable and accessible by transit, so that we don't have to drive to enjoy this part of our community.

Public space & infrastructure

I think it's important when we're redeveloping key corridors like St. Joseph, that we focus not just on building a space where people need to go to shop, but a place where people want to go and spend time. Investing in public spaces in these areas helps make it feel like more than just a road, and that will help drive business to our local small businesses.

I want to improve public consultation across the board, and that includes engaging with BIAs and with the businesses most likely to be impacted by construction. Right now we're not doing a good job of this, as just today Chili Thai was informed they will not have water tomorrow because of the construction of the new tower at Duford. That feels like insufficient notice of a disruption that is going to cause them to close for a day.

BIAs as partners

I think the key is to keep the dialogue open between our BIAs and council. Just like I want to see more meaningful consultations with the public generally, I want to make sure we keep our eyes on the issues that matter most to our local business community.

How BIAs are funded

I would want to consult with our local business community once elected to get an idea of what they would like to see moving forward.

Local economy

We need to continue streamlining the licensing process, reduce the amount of back-and-forth when it comes to building code inspections, continue investing in infrastructure while maintaining access and convenience for those looking to frequent local businesses. We must also continue to strengthen our community improvement plans to allow for greater investment for local small businesses. Coupled with secondary plans that understand the local context, our CIP’s can provide for local re-investment on a scale we have yet to realize.

Safe, clean & welcoming districts

We need to make it very easy for our local business owners and patrons to report incident and issues to the appropriate service provider to ensure prompt action. Clarity on which service is responsible for which area would make a massive difference. We must ensure 311 is equipped to properly follow up and act as a concierge to the media services and organizations that are available to support this work.

Transit & connectivity

Connectivity is very important to me. In the East End, the opening of stage 2 LRT provides us with an opportunity to realign routes to serve our business areas and ensure people can get to where they need to go. We also need to begin on demand service in our rural areas so that our rural residence can connect to the services and businesses that they depend on. Safer crossings and separated cycling facilities must be integrated into renewal projects. We need to be building streets that serve both vehicles and vulnerable road users alike.

Public space & infrastructure

Our BIAs are an important partner on our main streets. They often have additional context and ideas as to how to mitigate construction impacts. They must always be immediately identified as a key stakeholder whenever work is being done. Through the Orléans secondary plan, I will continue working to enhance connectivity, collocate housing and business, and work with our BIA to make our main street, an attractive place to live, work, and do business.

BIAs as partners

Our BIA’s need to be identified as key stakeholders on every project happening within their district. They cannot be an afterthought. City staff need to continue to build and maintain relationships with our BIA’s to ensure maximum collaboration.

How BIAs are funded

I always stand ready to support BIA projects, and there are a lot of opportunities to leverage other buckets of funding to realize BIA projects and goals. The BIA‘s budget should be concentrated on delivering their mandate, whereas larger projects can be aligned to support goals that fall outside of their scope but support their work.

Local economy

Local businesses should spend their time serving customers and growing, not navigating City Hall. I would support a comprehensive review of municipal permits, licences and approval processes to eliminate unnecessary duplication, establish clearer timelines and make it easier for businesses to know what is required of them.

I also believe Council should consider the economic impact on local businesses when making major decisions affecting mainstreets. Where construction, road closures, parking changes or new regulations could significantly disrupt businesses, that impact should be identified early, BIAs and affected businesses should be consulted before decisions are finalized, and mitigation should be built into implementation.

Finally, I would treat BIAs as economic-development partners, not simply stakeholders to be consulted after plans are developed. Ottawa should make it easier to invest, open and grow here while maintaining necessary standards for safety, accessibility and the public interest.

Safe, clean & welcoming districts

Everyone should be able to feel safe and welcome on Ottawa’s mainstreets. Whether that's business owners, employees, customers or vulnerable residents. I support a coordinated approach that combines appropriate enforcement with outreach, mental-health and addiction supports, housing services and community partners, rather than expecting businesses or police to manage complex social problems on their own.

I would also prioritize the fundamentals that make commercial districts welcoming: reliable garbage and graffiti removal, well-maintained sidewalks and public spaces, good lighting, accessible streets and responsive enforcement when public safety is threatened.

BIAs should have a direct role in identifying recurring problems and coordinating solutions with the City. Compassion and public safety are not competing objectives. We can support people experiencing hardship while also recognizing that businesses, workers and residents have a right to safe, clean and accessible public spaces.

Transit & connectivity

A business district is only as accessible as the transportation network connecting people to it. I would prioritize reliable transit connections to commercial areas, including completing the LRT connection to Trim Road and holding OC Transpo accountable for service reliability through clear performance standards and public reporting.

Connectivity also means making the “last kilometre” work. I support safer and more continuous walking and cycling connections between neighbourhoods, transit stations and business districts, with particular attention to gaps in suburban areas where infrastructure is often disconnected.

At the same time, transportation planning must reflect the different realities of urban, suburban and rural Ottawa. That means preserving reasonable vehicle and delivery access, considering the impacts of parking and road changes on businesses, and working directly with BIAs before transportation decisions are finalized.

The goal should be simple: make it easier, not harder, for customers, employees and goods to reach Ottawa businesses.

Public space & infrastructure

Great mainstreets need more than roads and sidewalks. They need public spaces that give people a reason to stay, gather and support local businesses. I support investing in attractive, accessible streetscapes, lighting, trees, seating, pedestrian connections and gathering spaces that strengthen commercial districts and encourage foot traffic.

In Orléans, I have proposed creating a central public square near Place d’Orléans that could become a year-round gathering place for markets, festivals, performances and community events. Done well, public spaces like this can support surrounding businesses while giving communities a stronger sense of place.

I would also ensure BIAs are involved at the beginning of infrastructure projects, not after major decisions have already been made. Construction planning should include business-access and mitigation plans addressing signage, pedestrian access, parking, deliveries and project phasing, developed with affected BIAs. Where disruption is unavoidable, the City should actively help customers understand that businesses remain open.

Infrastructure should not simply move people through a business district; it should help make that district a destination.

BIAs as partners

BIAs should be treated as partners in City decision-making, not simply stakeholders to be informed after decisions have already been made. When a policy, infrastructure project, transportation change or construction plan will materially affect a BIA district, I would support bringing the BIA into the process early enough that its input can actually shape the outcome.

I would also support a more consistent working relationship between councillors, City staff and BIAs, with clear points of contact and regular opportunities to identify emerging issues before they become larger problems. Where several BIAs are experiencing the same barriers, the City should work with OCOBIA to address them systemically rather than requiring each district to solve the same problem independently.

Consultation is most valuable before a decision is made, not after. I would approach BIAs as an important source of local expertise in building vibrant, economically successful communities.

How BIAs are funded

BIAs deliver significant value because local businesses invest directly in improving their own districts. The City should recognize that contribution by providing BIAs with fair, transparent and predictable opportunities to partner on projects that benefit our mainstreets.

I would support stable, clearly communicated City programs and funding opportunities that allow BIAs to plan ahead rather than compete for unpredictable, one-time opportunities. Where the City offers grants, matching programs or partnerships for public-realm improvements, events, economic development or placemaking, the criteria should be transparent and accessible to BIAs of different sizes and capacities.

I also believe we should look at BIA investment as a way to leverage, rather than replace, municipal investment. When businesses are prepared to collectively invest in making an area more successful, the City should be willing to explore partnerships that can multiply that impact.

A strong BIA should be an asset the City invests alongside, not a reason for the City to withdraw from its own responsibilities.

Local economy

Local businesses create jobs and help our neighbourhoods thrive. I would make City Hall easier to navigate by strengthening the one-window approach, with clearer information on approvals, costs and timelines and better coordination between departments. I would push for measurable service standards and continue identifying unnecessary duplication and red tape. For existing businesses, I would improve connections to available resources, funding opportunities and City procurement. Finally, when Council considers decisions that could significantly affect businesses, including construction, parking, fees or transportation changes, I would ensure those impacts are clearly identified, businesses are consulted early, and practical mitigation measures are considered.

Safe, clean & welcoming districts

Safe and welcoming mainstreets require both prevention and responsive action. I would work directly with local businesses and BIAs to identify recurring safety, cleanliness and access concerns and ensure there is clear follow-up. I believe we also need to address problems before they escalate by supporting housing, mental-health and substance-use services, youth programming and appropriate crisis responses. Compassion and public safety are not competing goals. I would also invest in the things that make commercial areas welcoming and vibrant, including good lighting, accessible sidewalks, safe crossings, trees, seating and public spaces where people feel comfortable spending time.

Transit & connectivity

The LRT is an important part of Ottawa’s transportation network, but we also need to make it easier for people to get around their own communities. In Orléans, that means reliable local transit connecting neighbourhoods, commercial areas and employment hubs. If residents and employees cannot easily reach local businesses, our local economy suffers. I would also improve safe walking and cycling connections to business areas, including secure bike parking near businesses and transit stations. Across Ottawa, transportation solutions should reflect the different needs of urban, suburban and rural communities rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

Public space & infrastructure

I would focus on getting the basics right, with well-maintained sidewalks, safe crossings, good lighting, trees, seating and public spaces that people actually want to spend time in. When a City project is going to affect a BIA or business area, I want those businesses at the table early enough that their feedback can actually influence the plans. Construction can be incredibly disruptive for small businesses, so we also need to plan for that from the beginning by maintaining access wherever possible, providing clear signage and keeping businesses informed about timelines, changes and what to expect.

BIAs as partners

I would like to see a more consistent working relationship between the City and our BIAs, not just consultation when a specific issue comes up. BIAs understand their districts and the challenges their members are facing, and that knowledge should be brought into planning and policy discussions early enough to make a difference. I would support regular communication, clearer points of contact within the City, and better coordination across departments. Just as importantly, I believe in closing the feedback loop. When BIAs provide input, the City should report back on what was heard, what changed as a result, and where there may still be disagreement.

How BIAs are funded

BIAs do important work for our local businesses and mainstreets. They organize events, bring people into business areas, improve public spaces and help make sure local businesses have a voice at City Hall. I want the City to treat them as partners and make it easier for them to plan ahead. That means being clear about what City funding and support is available, giving enough notice to apply, and communicating early when things are changing. I would also keep an open line of communication with BIAs so we understand what is working, where they are running into challenges, and how the City can better support their work.

Local economy

I know how much time gets lost chasing approvals and navigating unclear requirements. I would push for published permit timelines, a single City contact for complicated applications and a review of steps that create delays without serving a clear purpose.

Before Council adopts a policy affecting businesses, the report should explain the likely costs, including compliance, access and disruption. I also want Ottawa to attract more commercial investment and employment, including in Kanata North.

A stronger business base helps support municipal services and reduces the pressure to keep asking residential taxpayers for more.

Safe, clean & welcoming districts

Business owners and their staff should be able to open their doors without worrying about threats, vandalism or repeated theft. I support visible policing where it is needed, timely enforcement and dependable cleaning, lighting and maintenance.

People experiencing homelessness or addiction also need access to shelter, treatment and appropriate care. The City should coordinate those services so businesses are not left trying to manage situations they cannot resolve themselves.

I would work with BIAs to identify recurring trouble spots and require follow-through from the responsible departments. Residents and businesses should know whom to call and what response to expect.

Transit & connectivity

Employees need to arrive on time, and customers need convenient ways to reach local businesses.

My immediate priority is reliable bus service, with schedules and connections that reflect when people actually work and shop.

In Kanata North, I will pursue a funded commitment for Stage 3 LRT and advance the Kanata North BRT. Across Ottawa, I support completing useful sidewalk and cycling connections to business districts and transit stops. The approach must suit each area, including rural communities where driving remains essential. BIAs should help shape designs that preserve deliveries, accessible parking and practical access for customers.

Public space & infrastructure

I would prioritize well-maintained sidewalks, lighting, trees and public spaces that people use every day.

Businesses should have a say while a project can still be changed, particularly on loading, parking and access during construction. Before work begins, the City should provide a clear schedule, phased access plans and a named contact who can resolve problems. Contractors should face consequences for avoidable delays within their control.

For prolonged disruption, I would support reviewing targeted assistance with clear eligibility and costs. Improvements should leave a district better off without treating the survival of its existing businesses as an afterthought.

BIAs as partners

I would establish regular working meetings with BIAs and involve them before staff recommendations affecting their districts are finalized.

Their members see problems first-hand, from confusing permit requirements to missed garbage collection and construction blocking an entrance. Those concerns need a clear route to the department that can fix them.

I would ask for an ongoing record of unresolved issues, who is responsible and when a response is due. When Council chooses a different approach from the one a BIA recommends, we should explain why. Consultation should give businesses a real opportunity to influence a decision.

How BIAs are funded

BIAs need enough predictability to plan events, maintain public spaces and support their members beyond the next grant application. I support clear, consistent access to relevant City grants, partnerships and in-kind services, with decisions made early enough to be useful.

Urban, suburban and rural BIAs should be assessed fairly, with room for differences in their size and needs. Reporting requirements should be proportionate to the funding involved. Where the City asks a BIA to take on additional work, it should discuss the resources required rather than simply pass along the responsibility. Any expanded funding should have a defined purpose and an affordable, transparent budget.

Local economy

As a business owner, I understand that local businesses need a City that makes it easier, not harder, to operate and grow. I would support reviewing approval and permitting processes to reduce unnecessary delays and red tape, while ensuring regulations remain clear and consistent. Before Council makes decisions affecting parking, transportation, construction, fees or access, the economic impact on local businesses should be considered and BIAs consulted early. I would also strengthen communication between the City, BIAs and businesses so concerns are identified before decisions are finalized. A strong local economy requires relationships, responsiveness and a City that sees businesses as partners.

Safe, clean & welcoming districts

Safe and welcoming business districts require both public safety and compassionate, coordinated responses to people in need. I would support stronger collaboration between BIAs, Ottawa Police, outreach teams, social services, businesses and community organizations so concerns are addressed early rather than shifted from one doorway to another. Cleanliness, lighting, infrastructure and timely responses to safety concerns also matter. Businesses should have clear points of contact when recurring issues arise. Supporting vulnerable residents and supporting thriving commercial districts are not competing goals. With the right partnerships, we can protect public spaces, connect people with appropriate services and ensure our mainstreets remain welcoming to everyone.

Transit & connectivity

I would support transportation planning that recognizes urban, suburban and rural communities require different solutions. Reliable transit should connect people to employment and business districts, while safe walking and cycling infrastructure can strengthen mainstreets and increase local activity. In rural areas, we need practical options such as improved park-and-ride connections, rural transit and safe active transportation where appropriate. Businesses and BIAs should be consulted early when routes, road construction or transportation changes affect access, parking or customer traffic. Transportation planning should connect people to local businesses, not unintentionally create barriers to reaching them.

Public space & infrastructure

I would prioritize well-maintained, accessible public spaces and infrastructure that make business districts places people want to visit and spend time in. Investments in roads, sidewalks, lighting, streetscaping, parking and public gathering spaces should consider both community and economic impact. BIAs and local businesses should be consulted at the earliest planning stages, not after decisions are made. When construction is necessary, the City should work directly with BIAs on mitigation plans addressing access, signage, parking, timelines and communication. Businesses should not be an afterthought when public infrastructure projects directly affect their ability to operate.

BIAs as partners

I would strengthen the City BIA relationship by treating BIAs as partners in decision-making, not simply stakeholders to be informed after decisions are underway. BIAs bring valuable on-the-ground knowledge about their districts, businesses and customers. I would support earlier, consistent consultation when planning, policy, construction, transportation or regulatory decisions could affect them, with clear points of contact and follow-through at City Hall. I also believe Councillors should maintain regular relationships with their local BIAs outside of specific issues. Strong relationships create better communication, identify unintended consequences earlier and help the City make decisions that support vibrant, economically healthy communities.

How BIAs are funded

BIAs are important partners in building vibrant, economically healthy communities. They understand their mainstreets, bring businesses together, support events and placemaking, and often identify local challenges before they reach City Hall. I would support fair and predictable opportunities for BIAs to access City programs, funding and partnerships, with clear criteria and timelines that allow them to plan effectively. I also believe the City should recognize the significant value BIAs provide through their local knowledge, relationships and investment. Supporting BIAs means giving them a meaningful voice, consistent communication and the tools to continue strengthening Ottawa’s business districts.

Local economy

I would help local businesses by making City Hall easier to work with and making sure business impacts are considered before major decisions are made.

I would support a simpler, more predictable process for permits, licences and approvals, with clear timelines and better communication so businesses are not left waiting without answers. I would also support a more coordinated “one-stop” approach so small businesses know where to go for help instead of being sent from department to department.

Before Council approves major changes related to construction, parking, roads, transit, taxes or regulations, I believe we should clearly assess the impact on local businesses and work with BIAs and business owners early in the process.

I also want stronger communication during roadwork and construction, better support for mainstreet businesses, and more opportunities to promote local businesses and keep spending in our communities.

My goal is simple: reduce unnecessary red tape, listen to businesses, and help create the conditions for them to open, grow and stay successful.

Safe, clean & welcoming districts

I would support mainstreets that are safe, clean and welcoming for residents, businesses, visitors and vulnerable people.

Public safety matters, but we also need compassion and practical support. I would support better coordination between City services, community organizations, outreach teams, police where appropriate, and local businesses so concerns are addressed quickly and respectfully.

I would also support regular maintenance, cleanliness, good lighting, safe sidewalks, and fast response to issues that affect businesses and public spaces.

My goal is to make sure people feel safe and welcome, while also connecting vulnerable residents with the services and support they need. A strong mainstreet should be both safe and caring.

Transit & connectivity

I would focus on making it easier for people to reach local business areas without always needing a car.

That means more reliable bus service, better connections to major transit stations, safer sidewalks and crossings, and stronger cycling connections where they make sense.

In suburban communities like Stittsville, we also need practical solutions now. Since LRT is not coming directly to Stittsville soon, I would advocate for more reliable buses, better frequency, and good Park and Ride options.

I would also make sure transportation planning considers local businesses, so road changes, construction and transit routes help people reach mainstreets instead of making access harder.

My goal is simple: make business districts easier, safer and more convenient to reach.

Public space & infrastructure

I would support investment in mainstreet infrastructure that makes business areas safer, more attractive and easier to use.

That includes good sidewalks, lighting, street furniture, trees, public spaces, parking where needed, and infrastructure that supports walking, cycling and transit.

I also believe BIAs and local businesses should be consulted early, not after decisions are already made. When construction is planned, they should be involved from the beginning so the City can reduce disruption, protect access, improve signage and communicate clearly with customers and businesses.

For me, the goal is simple: invest in mainstreets, plan construction better, and make sure BIAs have a real voice before projects begin.

BIAs as partners

I would treat BIAs as important partners, not as groups that are only consulted after decisions are already made.

I would support regular meetings between the City, councillors and BIAs, and I would make sure BIAs are included early when the City is planning policies, construction, transportation changes or other projects that affect their districts.

I also believe BIAs should have a clear contact at the City so they can get answers faster and raise concerns before problems become bigger.

My goal is to build a stronger working relationship based on early consultation, clear communication and respect for local business knowledge.

How BIAs are funded

I recognize that BIAs play an important role in supporting local businesses, improving mainstreets, organizing events, promoting districts and bringing business concerns to the City.

Because BIAs are funded by their own members, I believe the City should support them with fair, clear and predictable opportunities to access programs, partnerships and resources.

I would also support better communication about available funding and City programs, with simple application processes and enough notice for BIAs to plan ahead.

My goal is to make sure BIAs can keep doing what they do best: support local businesses, strengthen mainstreets and help build strong local economies.

Local economy

Some of my business-oriented goals are to have dedicated staff to help local businesses minimize and manage administrative processes permits, licenses, etc. and to facilitate other organizations looking to host an event or do business in the city. This could include unbundling city contracts and simplifying the procurement process, assistance with site selection, B2B connections, government funding or grant opportunities, promotional support and more. I'd also like to see additional public realm investment and better collaboration between the city's business support team and local tourism initiatives. Beautiful spaces with rich human experience opportunities attracts and supports business growth.

Safe, clean & welcoming districts

-Public realm and experience investment as mentioned above
-Support for enforcement alternatives such as the ANCHOR program to address mental health and substance abuse issues, with focus on treatment and housing
-Enhanced cleaning efforts to minimize hazards from waste or drug debris
-Lobbying the province to address mental health and substance abuse issues as healthcare deficiencies
-Support affordable housing creation and protection of current inventory of affordable homes. It's incredibly hard to address healthcare issues without housing.

Transit & connectivity

Fixing transit is going to require a thorough review of operational planning (routes, staffing, fleet inventory, etc.), as well as an overhaul of investing in transit like a necessity rather than an accessory. With rapid development to support housing goals, we need to ensure our busses and trains are reliable, timely, efficiently routed and scheduled, and convenient. Specifically, we need to take are cues from the Auditory General's recent findings, create realistic schedules, ensure wide access to rapid transit while we figure out LRT challenges, review our funding, and ensure that all new development includes robust transit access -- particularly when there is no/low parking.

Public space & infrastructure

I fully support early pre-consultation with the community and local associations to identify and address any issues or concerns. In Stittsville, there have been several efforts to form a proper BIA, but so far, there has not been adequate buy-in. We do have a business association, however, and I would make regular and direct consultations with members and ensure a connection with the business support team.

BIAs as partners

--Consultation/early engagement
--Connection to city business facilitation team
--Attend regular meetings to hear concerns directly

How BIAs are funded

I think inclusion and consultation are key to recognizing and supporting the value of BIAs and to ensuring they are partners in growth and success. Stittsville has a rather unique, but underutilized traditional main street that has benefitted from our local business association, and I see how that impact could be amplified with the broader reach of a BIA. I believe in data-driven decision-making when it comes to funding decisions.

Local economy

I think a key part of what we can do to help is creating conducive environments for businesses like by improving active transportation options in our communities. People who are walking or biking are more likely to stop and go into a business than those who are driving especially when there isn't a lot of parking available so promoting environments that encourage active transportation traffic would be beneficial. I would be open to exploring ways to reduce administrative burdens for businesses including when it comes permitting and licensing particularly to support the number of food trucks we have in Stittsville in addition to exploring ways city reporting on decisions and projects to more transparently and clearly explain their economic impact to businesses.

Safe, clean & welcoming districts

We need to properly fund and invest in our social services for public and mental health like expanding ANCHOR and our affordable and social housing needs by providing more support to non-profit housing providers to address theses challenges at their root as one of the most effective ways to improve public safety. I would like to also work towards moving towards community policing to allow for better police presence and engagement with the community.

Transit & connectivity

For public transit we need to build more bus rapid transit with bus rapid transitways, bus lanes, and traffic priority signalling to improve the reliability and quality of transit service as well as a bus station for Stittsville to act as a transit hub and better connect within our community and to the rest of Ottawa. On active transportation we need to make our roads safer with a Vision Zero Action Plan that delivers on the infrastructure and policy changes we need and close the connectivity and infrastructure gaps creating barriers for walking and biking throughout our community.

Public space & infrastructure

I would like to leverage the use of existing planning tools like Community Design Plans and new ones like a Community Benefit Framework to ensure clearer planning, stable funding, and earlier consultation with the businesses and the overall community. In addition, I'd like to explore options of compensating businesses affected by construction disruptions vital to improving our communities like the upgrade of Carp Road through measures like waiving utility fees.

BIAs as partners

I am very much open to cultivating relationships and building active engagement with BIAs particularly in areas where we align and share mutual goals to improve our local economy and communities. I would like to generally see earlier consultation and gathering of feedback from the community on planning, policy, and decisions including BIAs and businesses to ensure they are all based with diverse input to inform them.

How BIAs are funded

I hope to utilise the City Councillor's Office to help bridge different groups and organisations including BIAs and the City to provide greater opportunity for collaboration that helps uplift one another and enrich the services and programs we provide. I would very much like to see an expansion of public art and beautification programs and funding in our communities and I believe that is one area BIAs and businesses in general can be strong partners in.

Local economy

A vibrant local economy is important to me as a former business owner and employer. I am committed to ensuring life in Stittsville is affordable, offering jobs and economic growth across Ward 6 including Stittsville Main Street! I will work with all levels of government, neighbouring councillors and the Stittsville Business Association to stimulate and strengthen our local economy. I will bring this lens to City Council.

Safe, clean & welcoming districts

As previously stated, an affordable life in Stittsville is important to me. Currently we don’t have enough affordable housing for example. Additionally, a safe and accessible Ward 6 is vital to our quality of life and host to many Stittsville families. We are building a health hub on 8 acres of land in Ward 6 that will strengthen the wrap around health supports for our community. As the current Chair of The Stittsville Food Bank (on leave during this campaign period) I’m connected to the needs of vulnerable people in Ward 6 where 25,000 people are served annually. Coordination of all support involves many parties, organizations and community partners: this is a skill I have and relationships i possess.

Transit & connectivity

Ward 6 does not have information on current service reliability or customer experience: this is key information I will obtain in my first weeks as Councillor to better inform where the specific problems are across Ward 6. At the door, residents are vocal and dissatisfied with current service levels reporting 1.5-2hour trips one way to get to work or college/university. This is a priority for me!

Public space & infrastructure

In 2022 City Council approved $23MM to strengthen Stittsville’s Main Street based on extensive consultation with residents and businesses including the local business association. Very little of that money has been spent since 2022. Upon assuming office I will confirm the funds exist and implement the planned improvements immediately.

BIAs as partners

I am committed to working with local businesses and the local business association. A healthy local economy is essential to me as Councillor.

How BIAs are funded

I’m committed to a healthy economy in Ward 6 working with any viable partner or organization

Local economy

Having worked at City Hall, I know how difficult municipal processes can be for small businesses to navigate. I would push for clearer permit and approval requirements, firm service standards, better coordination between departments, and a single point of contact for complex applications.

I would also push to ensure that major Council decisions consider when there's an impact on businesses. We need to consider how transit, parking, construction impacts, changes the streetscape, approval of events, etc impact business owners in the community. I'd push for proactive engagement with our business community and work to provide regular updates and clear timelines. I'll work directly with Stittsville's Business Association and our local business community to identify what's not working and to push for solutions.

Safe, clean & welcoming districts

Safe, welcoming mainstreets require both public safety and access to support. Social challenges are not limited to downtown, and people in Stittsville should not have to travel across the city to get help. Drawing on my background in social work, I would push for more mental health, housing, outreach and social services closer to home, with stronger coordination between agencies. I would also advocate for greater Ottawa Police Service visibility in Stittsville and stronger relationships with community resource officers, local businesses and service providers. The goal should be early intervention, safer public spaces and better outcomes for people who need support.

Transit & connectivity

Getting people to local businesses means giving them real choices in how they travel. I would push for more reliable transit, but also better service for trips within suburban and rural communities — not just commuting downtown.

In Stittsville, that means improving local bus connections and investing in broken or missing sidewalks, safer crossings and cycling links so residents have the option to visit Stittsville Main Street and other business areas without always needing to drive. Construction and transportation planning should consider how the changes will impact access to nearby businesses and BIAs/BAs should be engaged early in discussions.

Public space & infrastructure

We need to keep building on the investments already made along Stittsville Main Street — including street murals, public art that reflects our railway history, places for people to sit and gather, and Village Square Park as an active community space. I would continue pushing for implementation of the Stittsville Main Street Public Realm Plan and improvements that make the street more welcoming, accessible and vibrant.

BIAs/BAs should be consulted early, and their feedback should be reflected in the decision-making process. There should be ongoing engagement when construction is required - with business owners kept informed of timelines, impacts, and contact information for who to contact if issues or concerns arise.

BIAs as partners

BIAs should be partners in City decision-making, not consulted after decisions are already made. In my current work at City Hall, I recently engaged OCOBIA directly to seek feedback from the local business community on a City report, and I would bring that same approach to Council. I would meet regularly with BIAs/BAs, involve them early in planning, construction, transportation and policy decisions that affect their districts, and ensure there is clear follow-up on their concerns.

How BIAs are funded

The core work of BIAs should continue to be funded through a BIA levy, which gives local businesses a direct role in setting priorities and budgets. The City should remain an active partner by creating access to grants and programs that can support projects such as public art, streetscape improvements, and community events. I would work with BIAs to identify funding opportunities, reduce barriers to accessing them, and look for opportunities to pair City investments alongside BIA-led initiatives.

Local economy

I'd start with something small but concrete: publish what the City spends, street by street and ward by ward. A business owner planning a renovation or a lease renewal is making a bet on what the City will do to their street in the next three years, and right now that information is hard to assemble. The 2026 capital budget names road projects down to the block, but stormwater work is filed as City Wide. Businesses can't plan against a category. On red tape, I'd rather learn what the actual friction is than promise to cut it in the abstract, so my commitment is to ask BIAs which specific permits and timelines cost their members the most, and to bring those forward with names and numbers attached

Safe, clean & welcoming districts

This is the concern I hear most often in Bells Corners, and I'd rather be honest than glib about it. I don't think a councillor fixes homelessness or addiction from a ward office. What a councillor can do is make sure the services that are supposed to be there actually are, and that businesses and residents aren't left to absorb the gap in silence. I'd want to know, publicly, what outreach and cleaning resources are assigned to each mainstreet, how often they show up, and what happens to a call once it's made. Residents in my ward are also exploring a community watch with Ottawa Police. I'd support efforts like that and make sure they're connected to the City rather than left to improvise.

Transit & connectivity

In College Ward the honest answer starts with something that didn't happen. The environmental assessment for the Baseline rapid transit corridor was completed in 2017, the growth projected along it was substantial, and the corridor still isn't built. Businesses on that corridor have been planning around a service that was promised and hasn't arrived. I want the City to say plainly, every year, what the status of a committed project is and why it hasn't moved, so businesses can plan against reality rather than announcements. On active transportation, the practical question for a mainstreet is whether people can get to a door on foot without crossing four lanes, and that's a question that should be answered with counts and crossing times, not slogans

Public space & infrastructure

A street gets fully opened up maybe once in a generation. The 2026 budget puts $190 million into integrated rehabilitation, renewing roads, sewers, drainage and watermains in one go. When the trench is already open, that's the moment to fix what's underneath and decide what the surface does. Debating the surface separately from the pipes is how a city repaves a street it has to dig up again in six years, and businesses pay for that twice. On mitigation, my view is that a BIA should see a project schedule before it's final, not after, and that the mitigation plan should be a published document with someone's name on it, so there's a person to call when a sidewalk closes for a month longer than promised

BIAs as partners

Early means before the decision, not before the announcement. The test I'd apply is simple: can a BIA point to a change in a project that came from what it said? If the answer is never, the consultation was a briefing. I'd also want the City's commitments to BIAs written down and reported on, the same way I want spending reported by ward. A relationship that depends on which councillor a BIA happens to have is not a system, it's a chance. And that's not how a basic planning works

How BIAs are funded

BIAs are self-funded through a levy on their own members, which means their members are paying twice: once in property taxes and again for the improvements the City didn't make. That's worth saying and loudly please, because it's often forgotten.
The recognition I'd offer is practical ( as oopsede to a hetorical 1): predictable timelines, so a BIA knows what it's PLANNING against, and a clear accounting of what the City spends inside each BIA's boundaries. A BIA raising money from its members deserves to know what the City is putting in.

Local economy

I will fight to cut taxes and red tape for local businesses. I will push to increase the small business property tax reduction from 15% to 25%, matched by the province, so owners keep more of what they earn. I will expand the Business Ambassador Service and push for a Red Tape Hotline so problems get fixed fast. And I will demand that every Council decision includes a business impact assessment, so we stop passing policies that hurt local entrepreneurs without even knowing the cost. When small businesses thrive, our whole community thrives.

Safe, clean & welcoming districts

Safe mainstreets start with housing and mental health, not just enforcement. I will advocate for compassionate, coordinated responses that connect vulnerable people to housing and support, while ensuring businesses have a clean and safe environment. That means expanding outreach teams, investing in supportive housing, and working with BIA partners on practical solutions like regular cleaning and safe public spaces. We cannot criminalize poverty, but we also cannot leave businesses to manage these challenges alone. Council has a role to play in both compassion and accountability.

Transit & connectivity

Reliable transit and safe active transportation bring customers and workers to business districts. I will freeze fares and put that revenue back into reliability, because empty buses and cancelled routes hurt both riders and businesses. I will push transit priority signals at Walkley, Heron, and Alta Vista, expand bus lanes, and coordinate schedules so employees can actually get to work on time.

For active transportation, I will prioritise connections to LRT stations and business corridors, secure bike parking, and winter clearing so lanes work year round. Businesses succeed when people can reach them easily, whether by bus, bike, or foot.

Public space & infrastructure

Mainstreets are public spaces, and they should be designed with the people who use them. I will invest in safer sidewalks, better lighting, street trees, and gathering spaces that make business districts welcoming. But the most important change is procedural: BIAs must be at the table from day one, not consulted after plans are final.

That means early notification on construction timelines, clear mitigation plans for access and parking during roadwork, and coordinated scheduling so multiple projects do not hit the same block at once. I will also push for a standing BIA liaison at City Hall so businesses have a direct line when issues arise.

BIAs as partners

I would create a standing BIA liaison at City Hall and require early consultation on any project, policy, or by-law that affects a business district. BIAs must be at the table from day one, not after plans are final. I will also push for a BIA advisory committee that meets quarterly with Council, and ensure staff reports include a business impact assessment before decisions are made. This formalizes the relationship and gives BIAs a real voice in planning, not just a courtesy notice after the fact.

How BIAs are funded

BIAs are funded through a levy on commercial and industrial property owners within their boundaries, collected by the city and returned to the BIA. I would ensure this funding is predictable by locking in a stable levy formula and reducing administrative deductions. I will also push for multi-year funding commitments so BIAs can plan ahead without uncertainty. BIAs deliver real value on our mainstreets, and they deserve reliable support, not yearly guesswork.

Local economy

I would support making it easier for local businesses and BIAs to open, grow, and remain viable across the entire city by reducing unnecessary red tape and improving transparency in decision-making. This includes meeting regularly with local businesses to understand their challenges and ensuring Council considers the economic impact of decisions before changes are made.

I would support streamlining permitting and licensing processes, including moving towards a more digital option for applications and approvals. I would also push the City to continue promoting buy-local initiatives and work with partners such as Ottawa Tourism and Invest Ottawa on campaigns that showcase our communities as a place to visit, work, and invest.

Safe, clean & welcoming districts

The City should invest in proactive social services, including mobile outreach, treatment and mental health supports, and transitional housing programs that help people move toward stability.

I would support community-based safety initiatives such as ANCHOR and work with the Ottawa Police Service to address safety concerns. Combining prevention, support services, community-based safety, and appropriate enforcement can help create safer and more welcoming main streets while treating vulnerable people with dignity.

I would also support implementing traffic calming measures to ensure our streets are safe for all users around the City.

Transit & connectivity

I would focus on reliable, affordable transit and connected active transportation options. Bus routes and schedules should reflect actual travel times, traffic patterns, rider experiences, maintenance schedules, and staffing capacity. I would also support same-day Para Transpo booking.

When roads are upgraded, active transportation should be incorporated through connected routes, safer crossings, and infrastructure that reduces conflicts between road users. Transportation investments should be guided by community needs, meaningful public consultation, clear performance measures, and transparency.

There should be a focus on getting people around their own community to support local businesses versus pushing people to the downtown core. We want to see vibrant business districts throughout all of Ottawa.

Public space & infrastructure

I would meet regularly with local businesses to understand their priorities and ensure they are consulted early when projects affect their districts. When roads and public spaces are upgraded, projects should include safe, connected active transportation, pedestrian crossings, lighting, and accessible infrastructure.

Major construction projects that significantly disrupt an area should have a clear long-term benefit for the community. Construction planning should include meaningful mitigation measures, including clear communication about timelines, access, parking, and traffic changes. The City should also work with local businesses to promote their hours and support marketing campaigns that encourage people to shop locally during construction.

BIAs as partners

Beacon Hill-Cyrville does not currently have an established BIA, but the proposed Cyrville BIA is an important opportunity to strengthen the local business community, improve place-making, and give businesses a stronger collective voice. I would work closely with the BIA, local businesses, property owners, and City staff to ensure they are consulted early on planning, policy, infrastructure, and projects affecting their districts.

I would also support exploring the creation of additional BIAs in Beacon Hill-Cyrville, particularly in the industrial area around Canotek Road to strengthen local business voices and attract visitors from across Ottawa. Strong partnerships with BIAs can help ensure local economic priorities are reflected in City decisions.

How BIAs are funded

BIAs play an important role in giving local businesses a collective voice and helping promote neighbourhoods across Ottawa. I would support fair and predictable funding that allows BIAs to plan effectively and continue delivering programs and improvements for their districts.

The City should also include BIAs early in decision-making and public engagement processes when policies, infrastructure projects, or other changes may affect their communities. Regular communication and clear information about funding, timelines, and City priorities can help BIAs plan ahead and respond to local needs. Stronger partnerships between the City and BIAs will help support vibrant main streets and local business communities.

Local economy

I would like council to explore a vacancy tax for retail space vacant for more than a year. Many small businesses are getting squeezed for rent, but when they move due to costs the space they vacate remains unfilled for months or years. There should not be an incentive for a landlord to push a local shop out of a space by hiking the rent, then leaving it vacant because a theoretical tenant might pay more, and leaving retail spaces vacant for extended durations creates a derelict feeling for local main streets.

A disincentive to have vacant space should have a downward pressure on retail rental costs.

Safe, clean & welcoming districts

Homelessness has become a problem the city needs to address more proactively, particularly for those struggling with mental health or addictions.

Given the decisions the provincial and federal government have made around an absence of compulsory addictions programming, to not criminally prosecute individual users of drugs, and the incredibly high bar for involuntary confinement for mental health issues, the only remaining solution is to provide supports to help people struggling

Specifically, Ottawa should invest in wrap-around housing programs.

Transit & connectivity

Ottawa Public Transit has three problems: it is too slow, it is too unreliable, and it has poor value for money. Fix the unreliability by holding back a few buses so routes don't get cancelled. Fix the speed by offering express busses within the city during peak times (stopping every 10 blocks instead of every other block). Fix the poor value for money by reducing the fare, so it isn't cheaper to take a ride-share, or park the family car, with your partner/family than to pay for the bus.

Active transportation support means building connected, protected bike lanes, and ensuring they remain clear of obstacles.

Public space & infrastructure

Construction times have ballooned, what should be simple fixes or changes are taking months longer than necessary. BIA's should be consulted early, and given accurate, realistic, and concise timelines for construction impacting their areas.

BIAs as partners

I would commit to doing the two following things:

Every councillor should be in regular communication with their BIAs, including giving them as much advanced notice as possible for upcoming decisions and projects that could impact their areas.

Council should also do more listening to BIAs, hearing their concerns, and where applicable, acting on their advice. Small, local shops are the backbone of the economy, and strengthening locally owned small businesses betters the community many ways.

How BIAs are funded

Respect the BIAs, and appreciate the role they play in society. Help them to thrive because when the local economy does well, that means the neighbourhood is doing well. Open and frequent communication is a sign of respect. Predictability is essential for businesses, it is part of why the uncertainty created by the ongoing trade war has been so detrimental.

Local economy

Supporting local businesses requires a practical, responsive approach grounded in municipal accountability, and concrete timelines.

To help local businesses open and remain viable in Ottawa, the priority begins with active engagement. We need to directly listen to business owners to identify the specific regulatory hurdles, delays, and bottlenecks that hinder their daily operations. Rather than imposing top down assumptions, action will be taken to directly target and streamline the red tape that entrepreneurs identify as most urgent. Transparency and predictability are crucial.

Safe, clean & welcoming districts

Creating safe, clean, and welcoming main streets requires an integrated approach that addresses root causes while ensuring immediate public safety and district vitality.

To support Ottawa's commercial corridors, the primary focus must be on securing adequate, sustained funding for housing and supportive services. Housing is the foundation of community stability. At the same time, maintaining welcoming main streets requires examining local public safety models to identify where gaps in policing exist and making sure the public is aware of available prevention tools. Ultimately, criminals need to know they will be caught in Ottawa

Transit & connectivity

To improve transit effectively, the priority begins with collaborative planning, working directly alongside public transit professionals, traffic engineers, and riders to analyze route performance, identify service gaps, and pinpoint where investments are needed most.

Public space & infrastructure

Investing in main street public space and infrastructure requires addressing the fundamental municipal funding deficit. Because the vast majority of tax revenue flows to provincial and federal coffers, securing funding transfers from higher levels of government is essential to finance the major capital upgrades Ottawa's commercial corridors desperately need.

At the same time, physical investments must be paired with genuine local consultation. Seeking direct input from local businesses and Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) at the very beginning of project planning is crucial to understanding how construction and public works will impact daily operations, customers and revenue.

BIAs as partners

Strengthening the working relationship between the City and its BIAs starts with trust, accessibility, and accountability.

To ensure BIAs and local main-street businesses are meaningfully included in decisions that affect their districts, the City must modernize how it engages with commercial communities. Accessible and convenient online tools such as streamlined survey platforms and transparent digital tracking dashboards can make it significantly easier for busy business owners to provide input on city proposals, track project milestones, and see exactly how municipal tax dollars and district investments are being used.

Transparency breeds trust. When business operators can clearly see that their feedback directly influences municipal decisions and can track the tangible progress of local investments, confidence in the city grows and the relationship between the BIAs and City strengthens.

How BIAs are funded

Recognizing their role requires treating BIAs not merely as service recipients, but as core partners in municipal planning and neighborhood livability.

Local economy

Local businesses don’t fail for lack of hustle.

They fail when City Hall hides the current/live file and then ignores the fall out when it changes the street in front of the businesses affected.

Red tape in Ottawa is often an information problem. Zoning sits in geoOttawa, applications in DevApps, and the homepage search returns decade-old PDFs. An owner should type an address and see zoning, active files, and permit status without a consultant.

I would push a single address-based front end and published turnaround standards—not another app.Council should not vote on road diets, construction staging, licensing, or major zoning without a plain-language business-impact note: weeks of disruption, parking lost, and who pays.

I have watched too many files get waved through and later show up as empty storefronts.

I measure outcomes, not announcements. Open, grow, and stay viable means faster answers, fewer surprises, and a councillor who reads the economic file before the vote.

100 words

Businesses fail when City Hall hides the live file, then ignores the bill when it changes the street.Red tape here is an information problem. Zoning sits in geoOttawa, applications in DevApps; the homepage serves old PDFs. An owner should type an address and see zoning, files and permit status.

J̌ I would demand one address-based front end and published turnaround times—not another app.Council should not vote on construction, licensing or zoning without a plain-language impact statement noteon: disruption, parking lost, who pays. Too many files get waved through and become empty storefronts.

I measure outcomes. Viable shops need faster answers and a councillor who reads the economic file before the vote.

impact assessments

Every Council file that hits a commercial street needs a business impact assessment before the vote.
Staff reports must show permit delays, construction weeks, parking and loading lost, and who pays. No page, no vote.The same standard cuts red tape: publish turnaround times by permit type, and make geoOttawa and DevApps answer to an address so an owner sees the live file, not archived PDFs.I measure outcomes, not announcements. Shops open, grow and stay viable when Council prices the cost first—not after the hoarding goes up.

Safe, clean & welcoming districts

Safe, clean, and welcoming mainstreets require operational discipline, not political slogans. I support a balanced approach that combines data-driven public safety with dignity-centered, compassionate care for vulnerable community members.

We must fund dedicated mobile crisis response teams and integrated housing-first initiatives to ensure frontline social workers—not just police—address mental health and addiction challenges. Concurrently, mainstreets need proactive municipal maintenance: reliable lighting, active street cleaning, and rapid-response waste management to restore civic pride.

By enforcing clear public safety standards alongside measurable, evidence-based human services, we protect small businesses, support our most vulnerable neighbors, and restore vibrant, secure commercial corridors across our neighborhoods.

Transit & connectivity

Improving transit and active transportation across diverse districts requires rigorous, evidence-based network integration rather than one-size-fits-all pseudo solutions.

In urban cores, we must prioritize dedicated transit lanes, complete sidewalk networks, and protected cycling corridors to eliminate major arterial bottlenecks. In suburban districts, reliable express feeder buses paired with secure micro-mobility hubs ensure seamless first-and-last-mile connections to rapid transit hubs.

For rural business centers, targeted demand-responsive transit models and expanded multi-use trails bridge geographic gaps affordably. By enforcing strict operational performance metrics, tracking real-time 311 and route reliability data, and designing data-driven transfers across all zones, we build a dependable, equitable transit network that drives regional economic growth.


More detail for ward 13’s

Improving transit and active transportation requires moving past broad concepts and focusing on concrete operational shifts tailored to local ward level needs:

1. Urban Business Districts

Arterial Bus Priority: Dedicated bus lanes along congested commercial spines (e.g., Montréal Road and Beechwood Avenue) combined with transit signal priority at high-volume intersections to eliminate cluster delays.

Continuous Active Networks: Grade-separated, physically protected bike lanes that directly link commercial strips to residential hubs, eliminating unsafe gaps in active infrastructure.

Reliability Metrics: Hold transit agencies accountable to strict baseline schedule adherence on high-ridership local lines (such as OC Transpo Routes 12, 6, and 7).

2. Suburban Commercial Corridors

First-and-Last-Mile Integration: High-frequency feeder buses connecting suburban employment nodes and shopping districts directly to rapid transit stations.

Micro-Mobility Hubs: Secure, weather-protected bike lockers, repair stands, and designated e-scooter docking zones at major transit stops and strip mall transformations.

3. Rural Main Streets

On-Demand Micro-Transit: Replacing rigid, low-ridership fixed-route buses with flexible, tech-enabled demand-responsive transit vans that connect rural residents to central commercial strips on request.

Regional Trail Connectivity: Upgrading multi-use pathways to connect rural main streets with neighboring settlements, catering to both local utility trips and cycle tourism.

100 words

Fixing transportation requires concrete operational shifts matched to local geography, not generalities:

* **Urban Corridors:** Dedicated bus lanes and transit signal priority on major spines like Montréal Road, paired with continuous, protected bike lanes to remove safety gaps. * **Suburban Hubs:** Frequent feeder buses directly connecting commercial hubs to O-Train stations, supported by secure bike lockers and micro-mobility zones at major transfers. * **Rural Villages:** Replacing low-ridership fixed routes with scheduled, on-demand micro-transit vans and connecting multi-use trails directly into central business strips.
Strict performance tracking and data-backed routing ensure every tax dollar drives predictable, reliable connectivity across every ward.

Public space & infrastructure

Investing in mainstreets starts with fixing basic infrastructure—upgrading streetscapes, expanding active transportation, and prioritizing rapid 311 maintenance to keep commercial corridors clean and accessible. But physical upgrades fail without real operational coordination.

I support mandatory, early-stage consultation with Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) before project designs are finalized—not after decisions are set. Construction mitigation must be built directly into project contracts: clear signage, guaranteed pedestrian access, off-peak delivery windows, and dedicated small-business support funds during major disruptions.

By pairing rigorous project management with transparent BIA partnerships, we protect local commerce while building durable, vibrant public spaces.

BIAs as partners

Strengthening the City’s relationship with BIAs requires moving from transactional notification to true operational partnership. BIAs are frontline economic stewards, yet they are too often brought in after major policy or infrastructure decisions are already finalized.

I support establishing mandatory BIA impact assessments during the early design phase of municipal projects, paired with dedicated liaison channels within city planning. We need transparent, data-driven feedback loops that integrate local business metrics directly into policy decisions—from zoning updates to parking regulations.

By enforcing early consultation and treating BIAs as key planning partners, we ensure municipal policies actively support district growth and local commerce.

How BIAs are funded

BIAs are essential economic engines for Ottawa’s mainstreets, driving local culture, commercial vitality, and streetscape maintenance. Recognizing their role means treating them as vital municipal partners rather than peripheral stakeholders.

To support fair, predictable delivery, the City must streamline administrative bureaucracy for BIA-led street activations and guarantee stable, multi-year funding frameworks for mainstreet improvements. We need standardized, predictable levy collection processes and clear service-level agreements so BIAs can budget effectively without political delays.

By pairing transparent operational support with reduced red tape, we empower BIAs to continue delivering vibrant, prosperous, and resilient commercial corridors across our city.

Local economy

Bureaucratic friction can mean the difference between a thriving business and an empty storefront. I will champion streamlined permitting through a dedicated small business concierge service, and push for economic impact assessments to be standard in staff reports whenever Council decisions materially affect commercial areas. Businesses deserve to know their livelihoods have been genuinely weighed. I will work with City staff to modernize processes across the board: faster inspections, clearer timelines, and digital-first service delivery that works for Ottawa's entrepreneurs from day one.

Safe, clean & welcoming districts

Safety and compassion are not competing values. I support coordinated wraparound responses to social challenges, pairing mental health crisis response with bylaw and police services so people in crisis are connected to housing, mental health, and addiction supports rather than simply being displaced. Simultaneously, businesses deserve clean, well-maintained commercial corridors. I will push for responsive graffiti removal, regular cleaning cycles, and adequate lighting, because the physical condition of a mainstreet signals whether a community truly cares about the people who work, shop, and invest there.

Transit & connectivity

Transit and active transportation investment is economic development. Customers must be able to reach businesses by bus, bike, or foot. I will advocate for LRT improvements serving commercial nodes, reliable bus frequency and service within the inner urban core, reliable bus connections to suburban and rural business districts, and cycling infrastructure safe enough that people actually use it. I also recognize that suburban and rural BIA members have distinct connectivity needs. I will support rural public transit solutions that reflect Ottawa's geographic diversity.

Public space & infrastructure

Construction is the single greatest short-term threat to mainstreet viability, and the City must do better. I will advocate for BIAs to be at the table early, during the planning phase when their input can genuinely shape outcomes, not after decisions are made. I support a formal construction mitigation framework that includes signage programs, access guarantees, parking solutions, and promotional support. BIAs have the local knowledge to run these programs effectively. The City should resource and trust them to do so, rather than treating mitigation as an afterthought.

BIAs as partners

BIAs are among the City's most effective economic development partners and remain chronically underutilized in policy conversations. I will push for formal protocols ensuring BIA executive directors are engaged meaningfully, with genuine lead time, on any planning, zoning, or policy matter affecting their districts. This means working across City departments to build a culture where BIAs are treated as partners, not stakeholders notified after the fact. Real consultation means influencing outcomes, not rubber-stamping decisions that are already made.

How BIAs are funded

BIAs deliver extraordinary value, animating public spaces, coordinating marketing, and building neighbourhood identity, often with lean teams and budgets that wouldn't sustain a single City program. I will advocate for fair, predictable, multi-year funding frameworks that allow BIAs to plan strategically. I support reviewing levy structures to reflect what BIAs are genuinely asked to deliver. And I will champion BIAs publicly as institutions, ensuring they are prominently embedded in Ottawa's economic development strategy as our city and our mainstreets continue to grow.

Local economy

I want Council to have a clear picture of how its decisions will affect businesses before those decisions are made, including the cumulative impact of fees, permits and regulatory requirements.

Those requirements may serve legitimate purposes, but they should not become so burdensome that they make an otherwise viable business impossible to operate or start. If a fee or permit is creating that kind of impact, I want the City to understand why and consider whether there are ways to mitigate it while still achieving the purpose of the regulation.

Business impacts should be documented as part of the information Council weighs. That does not mean businesses determine the outcome, but the economic consequences should be visible before the decision is made.

Safe, clean & welcoming districts

Businesses and residents should not simply be expected to absorb the consequences when our systems are not working.

Different problems need different responses. A mental-health crisis, a violent offence, a cleanliness issue and a recurring problem property are not the same thing, and responsibility for responding to them should be clear.

When the same issue keeps happening, I want to know who is responsible, whether they have the resources and authority to deal with it, and what is preventing an effective response.

Where responsibility falls between services, that gap needs to be identified and fixed rather than allowing the problem to continue indefinitely. Especially in regards to safety, which is a core obligation of government, how can I expect anyone to think government can do deliver anything if it cannot deliver a consistent sense of safety on a street to both businesses and citizens?

Transit & connectivity

For me, transportation starts with what it is supposed to accomplish: getting people where they need to go.

Businesses need customers and employees to be able to reach them. Depending on where you are in Ottawa, that may mean transit, walking, cycling, driving or some combination of them. The same solution will not work everywhere.

With transit, reliability matters. People cannot plan their lives around a service they cannot depend on.

I also see transit as more than fare revenue. It connects people to jobs, businesses and services. When we make transportation decisions, those broader economic and community impacts should be part of the judgment. An example: I support the bank street bus pilot as a technical , this absolutely has an impact to business, decisions like these need a feedback mechanism on those core assumptions and a mechanism to revisit and alter course or implement mitigations based on the reality of the implementation.

Public space & infrastructure

When the City is planning work that will significantly affect a business district, I want the BIA and affected businesses involved early enough that their information can actually inform the project.

That means being clear about what information is needed: access, deliveries, customers, operating impacts and other practical concerns.

Their input should be documented and visible to the people making the decision. Once construction begins, that conversation should continue so problems can be identified and adjustments made where possible.

BIAs as partners

I see BIAs as an important interface between the City and the businesses they represent, not as another level of government.

I would support a formal MOU between the City and BIAs or OCOBIA that defines that relationship: when BIAs should be consulted, who at the City is responsible, what types of information should be exchanged, how concerns are documented, and what happens when an issue is not being resolved.

Council still makes the judgment. The purpose of the MOU is not to transfer that authority, but to make sure the process for informing that judgment is clear, consistent and accountable.

The MOU itself should also be reviewed and improved as we learn what works and what does not, or improved on if we find that decisions are being made that would have been better decisions with business input.

How BIAs are funded

I would want a consistent model for how the City approaches funding partnerships and proposals with BIAs.

That means being clear about what kinds of projects the City is willing to support, what information is required in a proposal, how proposals are evaluated, what each side is responsible for, and what outcomes are expected.

That does not mean every BIA or every proposal receives funding. It means the process should be understandable and predictable, rather than depending on who happens to know whom or how an individual request is handled.

Where the City and a BIA are working toward the same objective, there should be a clear way to propose that partnership, evaluate it, and learn from the results.

Local economy

Local businesses are what make areas like Preston, Somerset and Bank Street destinations people want to visit and spend time in. I would work closely with BIAs and local businesses to understand what is making it harder to open, operate and grow, including unnecessary red tape and difficult City processes. I also want the City to recognize the broader conditions that affect business viability, including public safety, cleanliness and the pressures associated with homelessness and poverty. Supporting local businesses also means supporting the cultural identity of our neighbourhoods, helping create events and public spaces that attract people, and making sure economic impacts are considered before major decisions are made.

Safe, clean & welcoming districts

My approach is compassion with accountability. We need strong mental health, housing, outreach, harm reduction and recovery services, while also making sure residents, workers and customers feel safe in our business districts. I want better coordination between social services, public health, BIAs, City staff and police when criminal activity or immediate safety concerns arise. Even smaller incidents, like theft, vandalism or vehicle break-ins, can affect whether someone feels comfortable returning to an area. We also need to focus on the basics: good lighting, clean streets, graffiti removal, well-maintained public spaces and responsive support for businesses already carrying additional security and maintenance costs.

Transit & connectivity

People need to be able to reach our business districts easily, whether they are walking, cycling, taking transit or driving. Mainstreets like Bank, Somerset and Preston each have different needs, so I would work directly with BIAs and local businesses when considering transit, cycling, parking, patios, deliveries and pedestrian access. Reliable transit matters, but so does making sure there are practical options for people who need to drive or park. I also want stronger connections between downtown destinations, including Sparks Street, the Rideau Centre, Elgin Street and surrounding neighbourhoods, so people can move easily between them and are encouraged to stay downtown longer, explore and support local businesses.

Public space & infrastructure

Especially in our urban centres, public space and infrastructure need to support both safety and economic activity. I would focus on good lighting, clean streets and sidewalks, safe transportation infrastructure, and reliable access to business districts. When the City plans roadwork or major infrastructure projects, BIAs should be consulted early so impacts on parking, deliveries, pedestrian access and customer traffic are considered from the beginning. Construction disruption can have a major effect on small businesses, particularly in areas that are still recovering from the pandemic, so mitigation plans need to be practical, clearly communicated and developed with the businesses affected.

BIAs as partners

BIAs should be ongoing partners in decisions that affect their districts, not organizations we consult only after plans are already developed. Their experience is valuable when we are making decisions about roads, transit, public safety, lighting, parking, patios, sidewalks and public spaces. Every business district is different, and what works on one mainstreet may not work on another. That is why I believe councillors and City staff should maintain regular relationships with BIAs throughout the term. Good planning means bringing the people most affected by decisions to the table early and working together to make it easier for local businesses to attract and serve customers.

How BIAs are funded

We need to recognize that different BIAs face different pressures. In downtown areas, businesses can carry additional costs related to security, lighting, cameras, gates, graffiti and the impacts of homelessness, substance use and mental health challenges. A one-size-fits-all approach will not always work. I also see our BIAs as stewards of important cultural districts such as Chinatown, Little Italy and the Village. These areas help define Ottawa and attract residents and visitors. As the capital of a G7 country, Ottawa should support BIAs with fair, predictable opportunities to invest in safety, public spaces, events, cultural identity and the infrastructure that makes our mainstreets places people want to visit.

Local economy

I would make it easier for local businesses to open, operate and grow by reducing unnecessary red tape and making City processes clearer and more predictable. Businesses should have a clear point of contact at City Hall and reasonable service standards for permits, approvals and municipal issues. Before major decisions that affect commercial areas, Council should consider their economic impact and meaningfully consult affected businesses. I would also support vibrant main streets, local procurement and initiatives that help small businesses attract customers and investment. The City should measure whether its policies are helping or creating barriers and report those results publicly. Strong local businesses support jobs, neighbourhood services and Ottawa’s broader economy.

Safe, clean & welcoming districts

I would support a coordinated approach that keeps main streets clean, safe and welcoming while treating vulnerable people with dignity. This means better coordination between City services, outreach organizations, businesses, police and community partners so that social challenges are addressed with appropriate supports. I would prioritize clean streets, lighting, sidewalks, public spaces and timely responses to safety concerns. Businesses and residents should have simple ways to report problems and see what action was taken. I believe public safety and compassion can work together: we can protect people and public spaces while connecting people experiencing homelessness, mental-health challenges or other vulnerabilities with appropriate housing, health and social services.

Transit & connectivity

I would focus on reliable transit and safe connections between residential neighbourhoods, employment areas and business districts. This includes improving service reliability, strengthening connections between buses and walking and cycling routes, and ensuring sidewalks, crossings and transit stops are safe and accessible. The City should track measures such as on-time performance, missed trips and service reliability and make that information publicly available. I would also recognize that urban, suburban and rural communities have different transportation needs and require different solutions. Better connectivity helps employees reach work, customers reach local businesses and residents access essential services. Transportation investments should be coordinated with growth, infrastructure and economic-development planning so that mobility supports thriving communities.

Public space & infrastructure

I would prioritize well-maintained sidewalks, roads, crossings, lighting, streetscapes and public spaces that make main streets safe, accessible and welcoming. Projects affecting business districts should involve BIAs at the planning stage, not after decisions have already been made. I would support early consultation on project design, timelines, construction impacts and mitigation measures, including signage, pedestrian access, parking, loading areas and communication with businesses. Major projects should have clear timelines and regular updates so businesses can plan ahead. I would also support transparent reporting on infrastructure priorities and progress. Strong public infrastructure benefits residents while creating the conditions for local businesses to attract customers and remain viable.

BIAs as partners

I would treat BIAs as important community and economic partners in planning and decision-making. BIAs understand their main streets and hear directly from the businesses operating there, so their knowledge should be incorporated early when policies, construction projects, transportation changes or other decisions affect their districts. I would support regular communication between City staff, councillors and BIAs, with clear points of contact and opportunities for meaningful input before decisions are finalized. I would also encourage the City to provide timely information about projects and changes so BIAs can communicate effectively with their members. Stronger collaboration can help the City make better-informed decisions while supporting vibrant and successful neighbourhood business districts.

How BIAs are funded

BIAs make valuable contributions to Ottawa’s main streets through local marketing, beautification, events, advocacy and community-building. I would recognize that role by ensuring the City maintains clear, transparent and predictable processes for working with BIAs and supporting eligible initiatives. Any City programs or opportunities available to BIAs should have clear criteria, reasonable timelines and consistent communication. I would also support early consultation with BIAs when municipal decisions could significantly affect their ability to deliver services or initiatives for their members. BIAs should be treated as partners whose local knowledge and investment can complement City resources. Predictability, transparency and accountability can help BIAs plan effectively and continue contributing to vibrant commercial districts across Ottawa.

Local economy

I think the most important thing a Councillor can do is listen to local business owners so that their needs and challenges are well understood. Council needs to weigh the impacts of a range of stakeholders, including businesses, when decisions are made. Part of knowing what those impacts are, is actively listening and sharing what we’ve heard.

Safe, clean & welcoming districts

Coordinated compassionate responses to social challenges are key. We need to look at innovative programs, like the Block Leaders Program in Lowertown where peer mentorship and support has gone a long way to mitigating impacts of social disorder on local residents and businesses while providing vulnerable neighbours with support from people they can trust.

There are things we can do like adding more public bathrooms, advocating for the expansion and ANCHOR so that more residents can access mental health supports and urgent mental health crisis responses, expanding public and other non-profit housing and ensuring that our public services are available to people when they need them. Extending operating hours for public libraries and ensuring that vulnerable residents have somewhere safe to go during the day are also critical.

Transit & connectivity

Improving transit in Ottawa is a top priority. If we want to have a transit system befitting a G7 Capital we have a long way to go. I’m proud of my work to bring in free transit for youth on evenings, weekends, holidays, and all summer. Youth ridership increased significantly. To keep these new riders and retain existing ridership, we must improve reliability and accessibility of service. We 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 deliver reliable transit that moves people where they need to go.

Public space & infrastructure

The most important thing is that we have open lines of communication. Meaningful consultation, active listening, and transparency regarding anticipated impacts on local business are something I will continue to strive to deliver on.

BIAs as partners

In general, the City needs to do better not only at consulting but in actively incorporating input into decision-making. When residents and businesses have been heard and their input has genuinely been considered, outcomes are always better. I will continue to advocate for more meaningful consultation.

How BIAs are funded

I support vibrant, animated public spaces and acknowledge and appreciate the role that BIAs have played as partners in delivering on this. I supported the waiver of patio fees and will continue to be an active partner for BIAs looking to advance projects that contribute to an improved quality of life for residents of Capital Ward and beyond.

Local economy

I would like to improve the communication between BIAs and entrepreneurs in our city.
We already have several tools to help small business succeed but these tools need to be better promoted so that local entrepreneurs are aware of them and know how to use them.
I would hold monthly meetings with the BIA executives and, of course, my door will be open to any business owner who has an issue with a rule or regulation that is being imposed on them by the city.

We all agree that there must be health and safety standards, but we must also make sure that they are not so restrictive that they discourage growth and investment in our private sector. In short, we need to create a culture at the city where the bureaucracy encourages small businesses to open and grow and doesn’t just tell them what they can’t do.

I strongly believe that all motions, bylaws, permits and fees that are proposed need to go through a full public consultation and the reports given to council need to have feedback from the business community included in them.

Safe, clean & welcoming districts

Our main streets and shopping districts have always been the heart of Ottawa. People from all over city would travel into the core to shop, dine or just enjoy the atmosphere of the areas.
Unfortunately, we all too often see these areas overrun with people suffering from mental illness, drug addictions or both.

This is not fair to anyone. It is not fair to the people suffering from these problems and it’s not fair to those people who live in or operate businesses in these communities.
Although I don’t have all the answers to these problems, I can tell you that what we are doing now is not working and we need to try something different.

If elected I would propose that we look at some of the strategies being used in other jurisdictions. I believe that we need to explore involuntary treatment and zero tolerance for open drug use, and that we need to advocate to the senior levels of government to impose harsh penalties to the dealers who are praying on our most vulnerable citizens.

To achieve this, we need to make the resources available to fund rehab and programs to get people off drugs and back into productive society. We will need to make municipal funds available and advocate for the other levels of government to help.

Transit & connectivity

The number one issue I hear as I’m knocking on doors is that the transit system is unreliable. We have local buses that arrive late or not at all. Our LRT is plagued with problems as well. We need to find a way to accelerate getting more buses on the road and hire and train more drivers to get our system working again.
As for active transportation anywhere in our city, I believe that when we do any infrastructure work that requires tearing up roads we should look to rebuild them with pedestrians and cyclists in mind.

Public space & infrastructure

I have heard frustration from many local businesses that too often the city comes to them with a plan to “revitalize” the area in which their businesses are located; all too often, these business owners were not properly consulted, or if they were, their input was ignored. The city must start to recognise that businesses are our partners and they need to be consulted at the very beginning of the process if any changes are to made to the area where their businesses are located. Every effort must be made to allow business to continue to operate during any construction project.

BIAs as partners

I believe that the role of a councillor is to act as a lobbyist for the people they represent. Regular meetings must be held to ensure that everyone knows what’s coming down the pipe.

How BIAs are funded

BIAs fund themselves through a levy on commercial assessment. The city collects the fees and acts as the banker.

I believe that the BIAs need to determine themselves what the priorities are for their members and then implement them. They know best what will work in their areas.

Local economy

Local businesses need customers, clear answers and predictable costs. I would meet with owners to identify which permits, delays and conflicting requirements are getting in their way. Then I would push for clearer guidance, a single City contact and published turnaround times.
Before Council makes decisions affecting businesses, I would ask staff to explain the effects on costs, customer access and daily operations, and hear directly from those affected. Reliable transit, well-maintained streets and sensible construction planning also matter.
My test is practical: is City Hall making it easier to open, grow and keep the doors open?

Safe, clean & welcoming districts

Everyone should feel comfortable walking along a mainstreet, visiting a shop or waiting for a bus. That starts with working lights, clean sidewalks, accessible spaces and timely maintenance.
For social challenges, I would bring businesses, outreach workers, police and City staff together to identify recurring problems and agree on who responds. Someone in crisis needs appropriate care; threats and violence need a timely safety response. Businesses should know whom to call and what happens next.
I would support coordinated outreach, mental-health services and housing supports, with clear follow-up so people get help and problems receive attention.

Transit & connectivity

Getting to a local business should be straightforward, whether you are a customer or an employee finishing a late shift. I would work with businesses and residents to identify missed connections, service gaps and unsafe routes.
Urban districts need dependable transit and safe walking and cycling links. Suburban areas also need better connections between neighbourhoods, shops and transit stations. Rural solutions must reflect longer distances and local demand.
I would push for reliable service, schedules that reflect business hours, accessible stops, safer crossings and connected sidewalks and cycling routes. Progress should mean people can actually reach their destination.

Public space & infrastructure

I would look for opportunities to improve mainstreets when roads, sewers or watermains are already being renewed. Coordinating that work can make better use of public money and avoid digging up the same street twice.
BIAs should be involved before project designs and tender requirements are settled. Their knowledge of customer traffic, deliveries and seasonal business needs should inform construction staging.
I would ask for mitigation plans that address pedestrian access, loading, parking changes and promotion of businesses that remain open. A regular check-in with affected businesses would help staff catch problems and adjust while work is underway.

BIAs as partners

I would look for opportunities to improve mainstreets when roads, sewers or watermains are already being renewed. Coordinating that work can make better use of public money and avoid digging up the same street twice.
BIAs should be involved before project designs and tender requirements are settled. Their knowledge of customer traffic, deliveries and seasonal business needs should inform construction staging.
I would ask for mitigation plans that address pedestrian access, loading, parking changes and promotion of businesses that remain open. A regular check-in with affected businesses would help staff catch problems and adjust while work is underway.

How BIAs are funded

BIAs put their members’ money and effort into making mainstreets places people want to visit. I would recognize that contribution by supporting clear eligibility rules, published application deadlines and timely decisions for City grants and partnership opportunities.
Smaller BIAs should have a fair chance, with straightforward applications and help navigating requirements. Where programs are working, I would support predictable funding arrangements so BIAs can plan ahead.
Public support should come with clear expectations and reasonable reporting, while leaving BIAs room to respond to the needs of their own districts.

Local economy

As Councillor, the most important effort i can make to help local business is to be there for them to assist with issues, help promote the various businesses regularly and keep costs and red tape down. Our Agile working group was founded to help reduce red tape, become more efficient and identify improvements to our programs and services.

Safe, clean & welcoming districts

Kanata South has one of the lowest crime rates in the city. Along with a BIA, we also have Neighbourhood Watch teams and a caring community.

Transit & connectivity

We need transit that serves the whole city and all day. The 18 hour city model is achievable and successful.

Public space & infrastructure

All businesses need to be consulted on issues that impact them and their concerns addressed.

BIAs as partners

We meet regularly with the BIA members and work with them on any issues that arise. I also visit local businesses regularly and help resolve any local issues.

How BIAs are funded

By encouraging businesses to work with the BIA and continuing their special status in our city.