New Kitchissippi council candidate focuses on transit, costs

Subhir Uppal, a Westboro-based real estate entrepreneur, is running for the Kitchissippi Ward city council seat, launching his campaign with a focus on spending accountability, transit reliability, and infrastructure.

Uppal officially registered to run on May 1 for the Ward 15 seat, which has opened up after longtime councillor Jeff Leiper announced he would run for mayor instead. The race is expected to be one of Ottawa's most-watched municipal contests.

A 15-year Kitchissippi resident who has lived in the Civic Hospital area, Hintonburg, and Westboro, Uppal founded a real estate technology startup based in the ward and was recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year in 2024. He also teaches ethics through the Real Estate Institute of Canada and serves on boards for the Ottawa Safety Council and Ottawa Real Estate Board.

"My experience has given me a strong understanding of how organizations make decisions, manage budgets, and stay accountable," Uppal told Kitchissippi Times.

He cited rising costs, improving city services, and better infrastructure as priorities. Transit looms large—residents frequently raise concerns about unreliable bus and rail service at the door. Uppal advocates for resolving O-Train issues, improving OC Transpo's real-time tracking systems, and exploring distance-based transit fares similar to Toronto and Vancouver.

Two other candidates have registered: former municipal affairs journalist Joanne Chianello and former Westboro BIA executive director Michelle Groulx.