What's the biggest election issue in Ward 10 – Gloucester-Southgate?

Quick facts about the Gloucester-Southgate ward

Incumbent: Diane Deans who is not running for re-election

Candidates running:

Aria Alavi, John Redins, Hussein Mahmoud, Jessica Bradley, Taylor Houstoun and Ron Keays

Where is ward 10?

1. See all our latest municipal election coverage

2. Hear from municipal candidates in their own words

SURVEY RESULTS

Do you reside within this ward?

Aria Alavi: Yes

John Redins: No

Hussein Mahmoud: No

Jessica Bradley: No

Taylor Houstoun: Yes

Ron Keays: Yes

Why do you think you’re the best person to represent your ward?

Aria Alavi: “Because I know the issues of the ward very well and my legal background will contribute positively to getting things done in the next city council”

John Redins: “I have lived across the street from the ward for 17 years and I know the issues having used many services there and having family living there as well. Diane Deans was very helpful when I moved here”

Hussein Mahmoud: “Born and raised in Ottawa south, I lived in this ward for just under 10 years. My parents’ journey as immigrants and entrepreneurs in our community inspired me to work and volunteer directly with local organizations — constituents have told me we need a fresh voice that represents the diversity of Gloucester-Southgate”

Jessica Bradley: “I have proudly worked for the residents of Gloucester-Southgate for more than a decade, alongside Diane Deans. I am passionate about this city, our community and the people who live here. I have the experience and knowledge to start working for the residents of Gloucester-Southgate Ward on day one”

Taylor Houstoun: “Because I’ve watched this ward grow and wither. I see the issues it faces every day. And I know it will take more than scripted political words to get things done. The short of it is that I am the best candidate because I don’t just want to see the ward get better, I will make it happen”

Ron Keays: “As a working-class husband and father, it is my aim to represent the interests of Ward 10 faithfully and emphatically, while working tirelessly to understand how local concerns fit into our broader vision for our city. I have decades of experience working with the public and interfacing with bureaucracy”

What is the most important issue in your ward? Why?

Aria Alavi: “The lack of affordable housing is the major issue in the ward. With skyrocketing rents and soaring prices of commodities, many families are on edge about becoming homeless”

John Redins: “Infrastructure, such as safe roads, safe sidewalks and safe bike paths or lanes getting to you places on time. Sidewalks with holes cause injuries. Potholes cause damage to cars and transit”

Hussein Mahmoud: “Knocking on residents’ doors alongside my not-for-profit work in the community, I’ve heard that families are worried about community safety. As someone raising a young family in the Ottawa South community, I understand these concerns. We need to be investing in youth programming and more community resources to keep our youth on the right track and discourage a life of crime. More mentorship, programs and community resources are key”

Jessica Bradley: “Gloucester-Southgate Ward is an amazing community and I am excited by the countless opportunities to continue to make it a great place to live and raise a family. Gloucester-Southgate is a growing community and we need to ensure that we are making investments to keep our neighbourhoods healthy and vibrant”

Taylor Houstoun: “Transportation generally is a major issue — not enough bike paths, nor transit, on top of the shoddy roads. Resurfacing roads gives us the opportunity to occasionally add bike lanes where safe and appropriate. Meanwhile, the transit system needs more buses, properly scheduled vehicles and a rethink of whether we can use more frequent, smaller vehicles now that ridership is down. Everywhere I go, the roads are mentioned first and foremost. They need to be fixed and I will do this”

Ron Keays: “The most pressing issue facing our ward is the proposed Alta Vista Corridor. The Alta Vista Corridor would provide new road access from Conroy to the Nicholas highway onramp. This project has been under consideration for 60 years and should be top priority. The new roadway would reduce congestion on both Bank Street and Hunt Club Road by providing an alternate route downtown. By including proper bike paths and transit on this new route it would nicely complement our city-wide transportation goals as well as our local community goals.”

What is the most important issue citywide?

Aria Alavi: “Transit. The LRT has multiple issues and is no longer affordable or accessible easily for many residents. The $2B investment hasn’t provided an ‘average’ services to riders”

John Redins: “Transparency and transit is the biggest issue. People think decisions were decided well in advance with no consultations. As well, with the LRT report coming after the election, we can’t let the inquiry sit on a shelf collecting dust, we must act on it. We also need an independent review of transit top to bottom, as was my platform four years ago”

Hussein Mahmoud: “The most important citywide issue is building a council that residents can trust. We need councillors who are accountable and understand the importance of their vote and who can advocate to build a better Ottawa for all”

Jessica Bradley: “The city is facing a number of challenges and it is important that local leaders come together to work cohesively to address these challenges head-on. Residents expect and deserve a council that will work together in the best interest of our city and the people who live here. I am committed to working with all of council on a collective vision for our city”

Taylor Houstoun: “Housing. It’s unaffordable and inaccessible for seniors (taxes and prices), and for people under the age of 35. The city needs a more robust affordable housing strategy that is para-friendly, so our seniors, working adults and those with disabilities have move-in-ready homes in communities that plan for them”

Ron Keays: “I think affordable housing is our most important citywide issue. To help ease our housing crunch I would look at refitting and rezoning vacant office space downtown and across the city to repurpose as residential units. We have a unique opportunity to reclaim presently unused prime areas with a quick turnaround time.”

READ OP-EDS FROM GLOUCESTER-SOUTHGATE CANDIDATES:

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