What is the biggest municipal election issue in Ward 22 – Riverside South-Findlay Creek?

Content of the article

Quick Facts About the Riverside South-Findlay Creek Neighborhood

Content of the article

Content of the article

Incumbent: Carol Anne Meehan, who is not running for election

Candidates in the running: Em McLellan, Steve Desroches, Salah Elsaadi, Zainab Alsalihiy

Where is Ward 22?

SURVEY RESULTS

Do you live in this service?

Em McLellan: Yes.

Steve Desroches: Yes

Salah Elsaadi: Yes

Zainab Alsalihiy: Yes

Why do you think you are the best person to represent your parish?

Em McLellan: “I have lived in the parish for over 20 years. I’m not a well-groomed politician, and I don’t want to be. We tend to send people to city hall and they do absolutely nothing for the neighborhood. I refused to take donations from anyone because when that happens, people in the neighborhood are left out and the concerns of special interest groups come first.

Content of the article

Steve Desroches: “My family has lived in the neighborhood since 2002. I volunteered with my neighborhood community association and served eight successful years as a town councilor for Riverside South and Findlay Creek. I have a reputation as a hard-working, no-nonsense city councilor with a track record of progress and tangible results. »

Salah Elsaadi: “The last mandate of the council was a source of division. We don’t need a career politician or someone who doesn’t understand how government works. As a community builder, business owner and past chair of a local business improvement area, I have worked with all three levels of government to get results. I have lived in this community for almost two decades and my wife and I raise our children here.

Content of the article

Zainab Alsalihiy: “I am a passionate civil servant and volunteer who brings international and local experience. We need relevant, authentic and forward-thinking leaders who understand the diversity and complexity of our rapidly changing city. I will represent our women, youth and single parents to serve the residents.

What is the biggest problem in your department? Why?

Em McLellan: “I have to say policing is the biggest issue in the neighborhood. For years, this neighborhood has been neglected when it comes to traffic calming and resident well-being. This neighborhood has been plagued with school zone and traffic issues, speeding and a complete disregard for neighbors. Ever since the bridge entered, people who don’t belong come to wreak havoc on the room. The lack of policing in the neighborhood creates problems for people.

Content of the article

Steve Desroches: “The service is growing at a very rapid pace. As such, City of Ottawa services and infrastructure must keep pace with residential development in Riverside South and Findlay Creek. The city must help build complete, balanced and livable neighborhoods where residents can work, live and play. This important municipal work includes improvements to Bank Street at Findlay Creek as well as progress on a new municipal recreation center that will serve neighborhood seniors and families.

Salah Elsaadi: “A recreation complex to serve the growing number of families in Findlay Creek and Riverside South is long overdue. In 2017 the city identified and purchased the land at the southwest corner of Limebank and Earl Armstrong as a plot for a new recreation facility. Unfortunately, nothing has moved forward. If elected, I will make sure to work closely with city staff and council colleagues to get this done during the next term of council.

Content of the article

Zainab Alsalihiy: “There are no schools, leisure facilities or shops – especially in Riverside South – to cope with the influx of residents. This directly affects the community which struggles with the simplest requests to provide. We must meet people where they are, and our decisions must reflect the unique needs of our residents.

What is the most important city-wide problem?

Em McLellan: “Affordable housing. We must make Ottawa affordable for all citizens.

Steve Desroches: “The next agenda for City Council should be focused on addressing the infrastructure priorities of urban, suburban and rural areas, rather than one part of the city over another. For example, investments in transport infrastructure will be essential to respond to new modes of travel, contribute to the quality of life of residents and reduce congestion, which has an economic impact on the city and its business community.

Content of the article

Salah Elsaadi: “Accountability and restoration of public trust in the town hall. That was lost during the council’s last term, which was the most controversial in decades. We need to have a serious debate about the financial challenges ahead. Councilors must work together, not against each other, to move our city forward. I’ll be ready to get to work from day one.

Zainab Alsalihiy: Submitted multiple issues, awaiting an updated response.

This article is available for free – outside of our paywall – because we believe it is a matter of crucial public interest. If you would like to support us as we continue to provide journalism that matters to all Ottawans, please sign up: https://ottawacitizen.com/subscribe/