I’m running for mayor because I want to make Ottawa the greenest, healthiest, most connected city in Canada
Catherine McKenney
Jul 21, 2022 • 1 hour ago • 3 minute read
There’s something about the Ottawa occupation that I haven’t shared until now. Last February, when hundreds of trucks rolled into our city and took root in our residential streets, intimidating, harassing and assaulting community members, I, too, was frightened and I stayed home.
But when that first weekend ended and the convoy didn’t leave as promised, I knew it was my responsibility to ensure that the people who live in our city had a voice, and someone who stands up for them.
Each day, I waded into the convoy, urging the truckers to leave. Some did. I started community walks, so people, especially the elderly, could safely get food and medication. After weeks of idling, incessant honking, vandalism and violence, I handed the occupiers flyers informing them they would be named in a class action lawsuit if they didn’t leave. Many did. Then, I joined an Ottawa City Council meeting while broadcasting live from the epicentre, so the Mayor and acting police chief — who had the power to end the occupation — could see how truly horrible it was for residents.
As a city councillor these past eight years, I have negotiated and navigated this city’s most challenging issues with determination and careful consideration, and when it comes to the people I represent, I will always have their backs.
That’s who I am and why I’m running for mayor.
I believe we need a city that listens to our residents, and is working to improve life for everyone. I believe we can be a great city — the healthiest, greenest and best connected city in Canada.
I know that we can create strong, vibrant neighbourhoods. With housing for everyone, transit that actually works for people in all parts of the city, flourishing green spaces, thriving small businesses, and arts, entertainment and culture on every main street in every neighbourhood.
I am running for mayor because we can be — we must be — a city where serious climate action is at the centre of every discussion we have. With each year that passes, extreme weather is becoming more severe, more frequent, more damaging and more expensive because of climate change. We need a deep commitment to climate action that includes a plan to make our city more resilient — and accountable — for the impacts of climate change, especially when cities consume 78 per cent of the world’s energy and produce 60 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. I am the leader who can meet this challenge.
I have deep professional roots in Ottawa, accumulated over decades in both Kanata and Centretown. I understand how municipal government works — including transportation, planning, community and social services, arts and culture, recreation, public health, emergency services, waste management and water services.
I also understand how you get things done at Ottawa City Council. In my two terms as councillor for Somerset Ward, I have dealt with difficult issues and pushed for solutions that work for residents in every part of this city. I twice called for a public inquiry into the LRT, and have brought the transparency and accountability needed to make sure the city doesn’t make the same mistakes again. I advocated for the conversion of our bus fleets to electric, which has now begun. As a result of my efforts, thousands of mixed income, mixed use, low-energy housing units are being built. There are also stronger tree bylaws across the city.
In my many years of service to this city and the people who call it home, I’ve learned that I have a unique ability to work with people to solve problems. Right now, our city needs change. I’m running for mayor because I know I can make it happen, and build a city we can all be proud of.
Catherine McKenney is councillor for Somerset Ward and a mayoral candidate.
https://ottawacitizen.com/opinion/mc...city-in-canada
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Sadly, a platform of platitudes lacking plans or promises.
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