Where is it?
Located in the west end of the city, Stittsville, Ward 6, is bounded by Highway 417 to the north, Terry Fox Drive to the east, Fernbank Road to the south and the subdivisions linked by West Ridge Drive to the west. The ward contains several residential communities, including Deer Run, Crossing Bridge, Amberwood Village and Granite Ridge, to name a few.
Who is running?
Four candidates are running in the Oct. 24 municipal election, with incumbent Glen Gower facing three challengers. As councillor since 2018, Gower’s re-election platform focuses on improving cyclist safety and creating more green spaces.
Matthew Duchesne, who has a background in urban planning, is prioritizing the enhancement of city infrastructure and public safety.
Tanya Hein has seven years’ experience as a president of the Stittsville Village Association and she is focused on improving the community in housing, municipal services and transit accessibility.
Kevin Hua is a public affairs and policy management student at Carleton University, as well as a two-time NDP candidate in the federal riding of Carleton. His municipal campaign highlights plans to improve community-building and urban planning, and to initiate environmental projects to preserve green spaces.
For information on where and how to vote on Oct. 24, consult Elections Ottawa here.
Demographics
In 16,500 households, there are 46,430 Stittsville residents, according to the ward’s City of Ottawa population profile. Its population is projected to increase 75 per cent from 2017 levels by 2031. The ward’s population is diversifying, with 13 per cent of residents identifying as a visible minority in 2016, a significant increase from seven per cent in 2006. Of note, Stittsville has the third-lowest crime rate of Ottawa’s wards.
One key issue
A shared priority amongst Stittsville’s electoral candidates is addressing a growing concern —infrastructure and amenities that can’t keep up with population growth. Densification in the community could help ensure there is enough room to accommodate the increase in residents while providing enough roads, bike paths, services and green spaces.
One landmark
The Trans Canada trail, which snakes alongside the Stittsville Village Square, is a well-known hiking and cycling route across Canada. Ottawa residents across the city enjoy the pathway year-round.
