Mark Sutcliffe unveils comprehensive 70-page mayoral platform ahead of Oct. 26 election

Mark Sutcliffe unveiled a comprehensive 70-page mayoral platform Thursday at the top floor of the Westin Hotel downtown, pitching priorities around the local economy, public transit and transportation, infrastructure, environment, homelessness, seniors, families and youth. The incumbent mayor is seeking a second term in the Oct. 26 municipal election.

"We're going to make sure that in 2030, in 2040, in 2050, this city continues to be a great place to live, continues to be a kind and welcoming city, continues to have more opportunities for our kids and grandkids," Sutcliffe said to supporters. He framed the campaign as a choice between "a very comprehensive, serious platform" and competing agendas.

Sutcliffe projects a half-million new residents moving to Ottawa over the next 25 years, which he characterizes as "historic" growth. His internal polling, conducted by Abacus Data's David Coletto, shows him hovering around 50 per cent support — a position confirmed by a separate Nanos poll for CTV News Ottawa.

On the campaign trail, Sutcliffe has attacked his three main opponents. He criticized longtime progressive councillor Jeff Leiper for voting against the city budget in 2025, and challenged economist Neil Saravanamuttoo over transportation ideas, calling him the "architect" of a $250-million bike lane plan and questioning a proposal to restrict cars from Queen Elizabeth and Colonel By drives in favour of a national park. Saravanamuttoo denied the bike lane attribution, accusing Sutcliffe of spreading disinformation and demanding an apology. The third opponent, Alex Lawson, is a homebuilder running a grassroots campaign as a political outsider.

Sutcliffe won the 2022 mayoral race with 51 per cent of the vote, defeating Catherine McKenney and Bob Chiarelli. A televised debate aired on CTV on Oct. 14, and voters will head to the polls Oct. 26.