Upcoming Municipal Election
With the next municipal election scheduled for October 26 2026, clearly the electoral decisions we make this year will help shape the future of our city for years to come. Social, environmental and climate decisions very directly impact on communities across Ottawa, so the election run-up period is the time to make sure these issues remain a priority, are debated in front of the electorate and result in future accountability.
This election, we will step up again with our civil society partners. To date the following organizations (members of the POP Coalition) have signed up to plan eco-debates for 2026 with the CAFES network: Coalition of Community Health and Resource Centres of Ottawa, Ecology Ottawa, Federation of Citizens’ Associations (FCA), Greenspace Alliance of Canada’s Capital, Just Food, Ottawa Carleton Wildlife Centre, StrongTowns Ottawa and Walkable Ottawa.
Event Details
Watch the event recording here
Join us for the Mayoral Candidate Forum & Meet and Greet, where you will have the opportunity to meet the candidates running to lead our city, hear what they have to say, and ask the questions that matter to you.
- Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2026
- Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Location: Nepean Sportsplex, Hall A, Ottawa, ON
RSVP now to secure your seat and bring your questions!
What to Expect at the Mayoral Candidate Forum (Wed Aug 26)
This event is about bringing candidates and community members together for an open and engaging conversation about Ottawa’s future. You’ll have the chance to:
- Meet the mayoral candidates and hear directly from them.
- Ask questions and get their perspectives on the issues that matter to you.
- Share your concerns and ideas for the future of Ottawa.
- Connect with other Ottawa residents and be part of the conversation.
- Learn where candidates stand on building a resilient, more inclusive, and greener city.
All the mayoral candidates have been invited, and we hope to see you there.
Event Agenda
- 6:00 PM: Doors Open, Residents Meet Campaign Teams at Their Tables
- 6:30 PM: Welcome & Land Acknowledgement
- 6:35 PM: Candidate Opening Statements
- 7:05 PM: Organizer Questions
- 7:30 PM: Questions from the Public
- 8:00 PM: Candidate Closing Remarks & Closing Thank you’s
- 8:00 – 8:30 PM: Public Meet & Greet Candidates
Looking Ahead: Thursday September 17: LEADING CANDIDATES MAYORAL ECO-DEBATE
With our POP coalition partners, we will host a traditional debate between leading Mayoral candidates on Thursday, September 17, 6-8pm at Centretown United Church. According to the polls, so far the leading candidates are: Lawson, Leiper, Saravanamuttoo and Sutcliffe. More details on this second event will be shared shortly and you will be able to RSVP on Eventbrite. Whether you’re passionate about climate action, creating a more livable and equitable Ottawa, protecting nature, creating healthier neighborhoods, or simply want to make an informed decision. These events are for you!
Support This Project
We currently don’t have any funding or sponsorship for this project. If you would like to make a donation to help fund this, you can do so HERE and please follow up with a quick note to Mitzi at info@cafesottawa.ca indicating you would like to earmark your donation for the Mayoral Eco-Debates project. If your organization would like to become a recognized sponsor of this event, please also write to Mitzi.
