Listen to this article
Estimated 4 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
Three challengers looking to unseat Mark Sutcliffe in this fall’s Ottawa election walked into an east-end strip mall on Friday to formally launch their nearly six-month-long bids for mayor.
It was the first day of the formal campaign period, and Kitchissippi Coun. Jeff Leiper didn’t waste a moment showing up at the City of Ottawa Elections Office on Cyrville Rd.
He was there more than six hours before his appointment. Every hour counts, he said.
“I wanted to be here at 8:30 [and] get that form signed as quickly as possible so we could kick into gear all the things that we need to do,” he said.
‘Wanted to make the maximum use’
Neil Saravanamuttoo, an economist who worked on Catherine McKenney’s 2022 mayoral campaign and helped lead the fight against the latest redevelopment of Lansdowne Park, showed up with his papers just hours later.
Saravanamuttoo had floated his candidacy months earlier, saying he would run if and only if he signed up a thousand supporters. He said he has now exceeded that number and has a motivated campaign team.
On Friday, Saravanamuttoo made it official. He’s running for mayor. “It’s a very short election period that we have and we wanted to make the maximum use of it,” he said.
It’s encouraging to see so many people sign up to run so early, he added.
“The more people in the race, that’s a good sign for democracy.”
‘Hear from the most people possible’
The third mayoral candidate of the day was Alex Lawson, who owns a home building company and has also worked as a lobbyist.
He arrived with his campaign team, a cast of high-profile political hands that has grown since he initially announced his run this winter.
“We’re excited to be able to actually get out there and start talking to more people, signing up volunteers, and raising and spending the money necessary to make sure we can hear from the most people possible,” Lawson said.
The start of the campaign period marks a big shift in the rules around the race. Candidates can begin collecting donations and spend money on their campaigns.
Leiper said campaigning without even being able to hand out a brochure can be “awkward.”
“I can’t give them a piece of paper that goes to a website,” he said. “So just in terms of being able to solidify that support I’ve been hearing, this is a big step to take.”
With voting day set for Oct. 26, the election will see voters choose a mayor, 24 councillors and trustees for four school boards. Mayor Mark Sutcliffe has said he will run again and his office said he will file his nomination papers “in due course.”
The overwhelming majority of incumbent councillors are also seeking re-election. Aside from Leiper, who cannot simultaneously run for mayor and councillor, only Stittsville Coun. Glen Gower has announced he won’t run again. Three other councillors are uncommitted.
Floating a run in 2030
CBC News only spotted one incumbent in the first several hours of registration on Friday: Beacon-Hill Cyrville Coun. Tim Tierney.
Despite some speculation that he might be planning a run for mayor, he said he came to the office to file to run for his council seat.
Though candidates can change the office they’re seeking until the registration deadline, Tierney said he is “absolutely” not planning to do so, barring “something absurd.”
If he runs for mayor, he said it would be in 2030.
Several challengers also showed up on the first day of nominations. Public servant and Bridlewood Community Association president Erin Coffin was the first to get in to see a city election worker, immediately before Leiper.
“I’m just really keen to start talking to my neighbours,” Coffin said.
Ottawa-Carleton District School Board trustee Cathryne Milburn followed shortly after. She’s looking to take on Tierney in Beacon Hill-Cyrville. Other early birds were Joanne Chianello in Kitchissippi and Chelsea Walton in Stittsville, two of the few open seats without an incumbent.
Candidates still have plenty of time to file, with the nomination period running until Aug. 21, which is also the last day to withdraw from the election.