Survey points to common ground on housing ahead of Oct. 26 vote
Most Ottawa candidates for mayor and city council support adding more housing to existing neighbourhoods and speeding up development approvals, according to a survey released by the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB).
Fifty-one candidates running for Ottawa City Council responded to the survey, including six mayoral candidates and 45 councillor candidates.
Among them, 76 per cent support building more housing within established communities, while 63 per cent support pre-zoning land for housing and 88 per cent back setting performance targets for development and building permit approvals.
The results come as Ottawa residents prepare to elect their next municipal council on Oct. 26, with affordability, housing availability, infrastructure and municipal service delivery among the issues shaping the campaign.
'Missing middle' housing on the agenda
OREB says the survey shows broad support among candidates for measures that would expand housing choices and simplify the planning process in Ottawa's established neighbourhoods.
The next Ottawa city council must get behind a wider range of housing options, including townhomes, multiplexes, secondary suites and other missing-middle housing. Ottawa is a leader in Ontario for pro-housing policies, but there's still a lot more work to do.
OREB President Tami Eades made the comments in the survey release.
"What's encouraging about these results is the level of agreement among responding candidates on practical measures to make it easier to build housing in Ottawa," Eades said. "These are important areas where the next council can work together to make real progress on housing affordability."
Candidates back more efficient municipal government
The survey also found strong support for measures aimed at improving municipal efficiency, accountability and service delivery.
"Ottawa residents want housing they can afford and municipal services that deliver value for their tax dollars," said OREB CEO Nicole Christy.
"OREB looks forward to working constructively with the next mayor and council to advance these shared priorities. We encourage all residents and members to get out and vote on October 26th. Let's work together to continue to build a great city," Christy said in the release.
OREB is a non-profit industry association that has represented realtors in the greater Ottawa region since 1921.
The board is encouraging residents and realtors to review candidates' positions, learn more about the issues affecting their communities, and cast a ballot in the Oct. 26 municipal election.
