Tensions rise during live Ottawa mayoral debate

Incumbent Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and challengers Jeff Leiper, Neil Saravanamuttoo and Alex Lawson discussed their plans for the city’s future during a CTV News Ottawa debate on Oct. 14.

One of the biggest disagreements arose when Leiper questioned Saravanamuttoo’s proposal to introduce tiny homes as a way to address homelessness in Ottawa.

Saravanamuttoo argued that the city needs to consider new solutions rather than continuing with approaches he believes have not worked.

“The solutions that the housing experts are proposing have not worked so far and we need new approaches,” Saravanamuttoo said.

Saravanamuttoo’s tiny home proposal would provide people with small, temporary homes where they could have a safe place to sleep and begin working toward more permanent housing.

Leiper opposed the proposal, citing concerns from housing experts about the effectiveness of tiny home communities.

He said the approach could hurt vulnerable residents rather than provide the long-term support they need.

“There is research that demonstrates it’s not working,” Leiper said.

Property taxes were another major point of disagreement throughout the debate.

Sutcliffe repeatedly questioned Leiper about how much he would increase property taxes if elected.

Leiper did not provide a specific percentage, despite being asked multiple times.

Instead, he said he wanted to change how the city discusses its budget and allow residents to better understand where their money is going.

Leiper also denied Sutcliffe’s claims that he was planning large tax increases.

Sutcliffe questioned how Lawson could keep taxes from increasing while making new spending commitments without cutting city services.

Lawson said reviewing city contracts and finding savings could help make his plan possible.

The candidates also disagreed over public transit, traffic congestion and spending on Lansdowne Park.

Lansdowne 2.0 is a $418.8 million redevelopment project that includes replacing the aging arena and north stadium stands at TD Place, along with plans for new retail space and two residential towers.

Saravanamuttoo asked Sutcliffe about the cost of redeveloping Lansdowne Park, implying that the project could leave taxpayers paying more than originally expected. Meanwhile, Sutcliffe defended the redevelopment, saying the existing facilities needed to be replaced and that other sources of revenue would help cover the costs.

Sutcliffe says Lansdowne 2.0 will cost taxpayers $130 million.

Students also had the opportunity to hear from candidates about the future of Ottawa. Addressing concerns from college and university students about the future of Ottawa’s U-Pass program, Saravanamuttoo pointed to his proposed buck-a-ride transit plan.

The plan would introduce $1 transit fares, capped at $40 per month, which he said would cost students less than their current U-Pass.

Sutcliffe said he would work with student unions and colleges to keep transit affordable. Leiper committed to keeping U-Pass increases within the existing agreement, while Lawson said he would not raise or lower the cost of student passes.

The municipal election is Oct. 26.