What’s the most important thing you can do for the environment on Monday, October 22? Vote.
Our municipal government is responsible for many of the systems that affect our ecological footprint as citizens and determine the city’s environmental health.
The people we elect need to lead the creation of sustainable, equitable and safe systems in many areas: planning and management of our built urban and rural environment (including development, infill, and affordable housing); action on climate change (including renewable energy); protection of our environment (including greenspace, trees, flora and fauna, water sources and quality); transportation (prioritizing pedestrians, cyclists and public transit users); a strong local food system; and waste and recycling. They need to prioritize these in funding decisions. They need to value and support community engagement, local action, and accountability to residents as essential dimensions of our city’s governance. They need to work toward a different and better relationship with the Indigenous peoples on whose land we have built this city.
Some of the candidates for mayor and councillor have clear platforms on these issues (some may have even written the book on them). Others have positions or track records that indicate that these are not among their priorities.
If you need more information on the candidates for mayor, city councillors and school trustees before you vote:
- Ecology Ottawa has done a survey of all candidates about their positions on local environmental issues.
- The Greenspace Alliance of Canada’s Capital has posted the results of a survey of municipal candidates on environmental issues.
- The Ottawa Food Policy Council’s survey of candidates covers food issues.
- OttawaStart has published a list of links to municipal candidate Q&As and debates.
- The City of Ottawa website has lists of all candidates, including their websites, as well as information for voters about how and where to vote.
See you at the polls on Monday, October 22.