As the final days of the Ottawa election campaign approach, voters are preparing to head to the polls on Monday, October 26, 2026. Candidates are making their final pitches regarding the city's most pressing issues, including housing affordability and transit management.

What is Alex Lawson's platform?

Mayoral candidate Alex Lawson, a 38-year-old construction company owner, has centered his campaign on what he calls the basics. His platform focuses on four primary pillars:

  • Crime reduction
  • Transit efficiency
  • Traffic management
  • Affordable living

Lawson, who has operated Capital Framing since 2017, intends to use his professional background to address municipal challenges. While he lives in Dunrobin, he has positioned his campaign office near Chinatown in the Somerset Ward to remain close to the downtown core.

Candidate background and local ties

Lawson grew up in Heron Gate and is a graduate of Richmond High School. His personal history is tied to the city he now seeks to lead, having relied on food banks during his childhood.

Currently, he runs a firm that builds more than 140 homes annually. This experience in the construction industry heavily informs his policy stances regarding the city's development and growth. He aims to bring a business perspective to city hall as the election draws near.

Proposed changes to housing and parking

To address housing costs, Lawson has proposed cutting development charges by 50 per cent. These are fees collected by the city on new construction projects. However, current reports do not specify how the city would recover the resulting lost revenue.

Lawson also expressed a desire to cancel the vacant unit tax immediately upon taking office. Regarding local commerce, he has pledged to eliminate paid parking. He stated, "we're gonna get rid of paid parking to support small businesses."

Transit and management

When discussing the city's transit system, Lawson argues that the current issues stem from management rather than a lack of funding. He suggests that the problems are rooted in how the system is operated rather than the amount of money being spent on it.

FAQ

When is the Ottawa election day?

The election is scheduled to take place on Monday, October 26, 2026.

What is Alex Lawson's professional background?

Lawson is a construction management business owner who has operated his firm since 2017.