Housing in Ottawa: Four Candidates, Four Approaches

Affordable housing took centre stage at a September 24 election debate organized by the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association and the Ottawa Real Estate Board. Mark Sutcliffe, Jeff Leiper, Neil Saravanamuttoo and Alex Lawson discussed what the city can do for buyers and renters—and how to add homes without overwhelming roads and public transit.

City figures show the scale of the challenge: Ottawa has about 22,500 community housing units, while roughly 10,000 households are on the centralized waiting list for social housing. 

Leiper proposed building 1,500 affordable homes each year on city land in partnership with non-profit organizations. Over a four-year term, that would amount to 6,000 homes. He also promised to publish construction figures and development approval times so residents could track progress.

Saravanamuttoo focused on community and subsidized rental housing. His goal is to add 25,000 non-market homes, although he did not set a deadline. He also called for smaller homes and apartments in established neighbourhoods.

Lawson argued that many families need more space. In his view, building approvals alone will not be enough: the city must also address shortages in the construction workforce. Sutcliffe, the incumbent mayor, proposed speeding up approvals and reducing building costs to keep home ownership within reach.

The vacant unit tax divided the candidates. Lawson promised to seek its repeal, Leiper supported keeping it, and Saravanamuttoo said the city should first assess how well it works. Ottawa directs the tax’s net proceeds to affordable housing initiatives. 

The housing debate soon turned to transportation. Sutcliffe’s opponents criticized OC Transpo’s service; the mayor responded that the city had expanded its light rail network and increased the transit budget. For residents, the connection is practical: the affordability of a new home also depends on the time and money required for daily travel.

Meanwhile, Ottawa is already changing its development rules. In January, city council approved a new zoning by-law intended to broaden housing options. The municipal election takes place on October 26

Anastasia Chupina