Why isn’t the Federal Government Paying its Fair Share of Municipal Taxes?

 Faced with strong executive powers passed by the province, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe has yet to use them. Instead of a visionary leader-mayor, he has been a manager-consensus-building mayor. But is his latest appeal to the federal government for “Fairness for Ottawa” a sign that he is switching his approach?  Ottawa is
Signage alerting drivers to the use of Municipal Speed Cameras in Ottawa

Are Speed Cameras Exploiting Ottawa Residents Under the Guise of Safety?

 Property taxes are always a municipal election issue. During the 2022 Ottawa election campaign, then-candidate for mayor Mark Sutcliffe defended capping property taxes at 2.5 percent while his main rival, former Councillor Catherine McKenney, openly stated they would raise taxes.  It is unclear whether McKenney’s transparency accounted for her defeat.

Katasa Group Donation Dominates City Council Debate 

 Ottawa City Council held its first meeting of 2024. Mayor Mark Sutcliffe briefly addressed the chamber and stated that a great deal was accomplished in 2023, including the passing of two city budgets, the hiring of a new city manager, setting the council priorities for the 2022-2026 term, creating the

2023 Municipal Report Card: Civility Scored High Marks at the Expense of Results

 It’s been one year since the self-described centrist Mark Sutcliffe, an outsider in the race, was elected mayor. Being removed from the mismanagement (think LRT boondoggle) and fractiousness of the Jim Watson-led 2018-2022 Council, the victory offered Sutcliffe a unique opportunity to reset local politics in Ottawa and provide a

An Opportunity For Para Transpo Users to be Heard

 One of the topics I talk about the most is Para Transpo and how the city continues to ignore the needs of people with disabilities when it comes to Para Transpo users. Over many years, I’ve attended countless meetings at City Hall, including speaking at city council meetings. I’ve also

City Council and Mayor Support Motion to Revamp Vacant Unit Tax

 Marking the end of summer break, Ottawa City Council met for its first meeting since July 12, 2023. Despite experiencing an event-filled summer of record-breaking rainfalls, rising crime in several wards, and a month-long disruption in LRT service, to name a few, today's Council meeting dealt with mundane issues. Zoning

OLM Podcasts with Walter Robinson – What’s Next for Ottawa.

 Ottawa residents head to the polls Monday, Oct. 24, 2022, to elect a new mayor, city councillors, and school board trustees. Ottawa Life Magazine has been following the race. Last week Managing Editor Dan Donovan sat down with Walter Robinson, former chief of staff to the mayor of Ottawa and an

A list of local candidates that actually listen to PWD

 Last Thursday, I watched the Mayoral debate on CTV Ottawa. Full disclosure: I get bored the few times I’ve watched debates. Sadly, I get bored because issues that people with disabilities face are rarely mentioned. Scratch that. They’re never mentioned. This was also the case during the debate on CTV

The top three mayoral candidates squared off during a CTV-hosted debate

 The frontrunners in Ottawa’s mayoral race, Bob Chiarelli, Mark Sutcliffe, and Catherine McKenney, met last night in a debate hosted by CTV News. With the remaining 11 candidates not included, the trio had time to share their visions for the city and why they are the best candidate to take Ottawa into the

Ottawa’s big change election yet three candidates running unopposed. 

 ABOVE: Laura Dudas, Rawlson King, and Tim Tierney will all be acclaimed if nobody steps up to run against them. (PHOTO: VIA OTTAWA.CA) With seven days left, the deadline to register to run for municipal elections in Ottawa is fast approaching. This election year will see the most dramatic turnover Ottawa

The sensible centrist – Mark Sutcliffe makes his move for mayor.

 Mark Sutcliffe is a familiar presence and voice in Ottawa. He has deep roots in the capital as the successful entrepreneur and CEO of Great River Media, publisher of the Kitchissippi Times and Ottawa Business Journal. He has a reputation as a thoughtful, informed, and considerate person with great business

Long Road to Boston: an inspiring new book by Mark Sutcliffe  

 Ontario, Canada (October 25, 2016): Broadcaster, columnist and iRun Founder Mark Sutcliffe officially launched his new book Long Road to Boston to a crowd of over 200 supporters in the prestigious Mayor’s office in the nation’s capital city of Ottawa. Special guests included the mayor himself, honourable Jim Watson and