Better Ottawa Muni Panel: 2026 Election Season Kicks Off
Jun 27, 2025
The discussion kicks off with a potential mayoral bid from Jeff Leiper, exploring what it might mean for city services and transit. Paramedic response times are on the upswing, hitting a 70% success rate for urgent calls. There’s an intriguing dive into bylaw complaints, highlighting an unusual surge in dog-related incidents amidst a drop in overall calls. The episode also examines elections, stressing the need for engaging candidates to inspire voter participation, as the city navigates its future challenges.
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Jeff Leiper's Early Mayoral Bid
- Councillor Jeff Leiper announced early he might run for mayor in 2026, surprising many with his directness.
- His progressive stance focuses on improving transit and city services, appealing beyond downtown residents.
Challenges for Progressive Mayors
- Progressive candidates have previously achieved 22-38% votes in Ottawa mayoral races.
- Jeff Leiper faces the challenge of differentiating himself from incumbent Mayor Mark Sutcliffe who has no scandals.
Paramedic Response Improvement
- Ottawa paramedics improved response time surpassing targets amid reduced 'level zero' periods.
- Collaboration between municipalities eased ambulance availability and reduced waiting times.