Unlike some previous elections, when the mayoral race was easier to predict, this race could leave room for surprises.
All polls conducted have put incumbent Mayor Mark Sutcliffe in the lead, though municipal races across all levels of government can be more difficult to predict. Candidate Alex Lawson, for example, has stated that many of his supporters are unlikely to answer polling questions.
According to a Quorus Consulting Group survey released last Monday, Sutcliffe is on top at 28 per cent, followed by Jeff Leiper at a close 24 per cent. Neil Saravanamutto trailed behind at seven per cent, followed by Lawson at four per cent.
An exclusive poll conducted for CTV News by Nanos Research put Sutcliffe at the top of decided voters at 49 per cent, followed by Leiper at 31 per cent, Saravanamutto at 12 per cent, and Lawson at seven per cent. Around a quarter of respondents said they were unsure who they'd vote for mayor.
On Friday morning, as the sun cast a glow over the Rideau River, Sutcliffe was at Mooney's Bay to announce his plan "for every part of the city." The location was intentional, as the incumbent Mayor said he was looking to advance the building of a new pavilion at the beach
In the east end, he is committing to funding the extension of Renaud Road and Brian Coburn Boulevard, and the widening of Navan Road, to help ease commuter congestion. He's also pledging to ensure that the widening of the Innes Bypass proceeds during the next term of Council and to work with the federal government to advance a pedestrian overpass at Trim Station. There is also a promise to fully fund and complete the Gailea Momolu Courtyard Skate Park and the Jane Bremner multi-use pathway connecting Montreal Road at Blair Road to the Ottawa River.
To the west, Sutcliffe said he wants to keep supporting the Kanata North Tech Park — known as the Silicon Valley of Canada — fully funding the resurfacing of Carp Road, continuing the work to preserve the Kanata golf course lands, and developing a health hub at Maple Grove.
For South End investments, the incumbent mayor wants to enhance parks in Osgoode while completing the design of a new community centre in Vars. There are many commitments to road upgrades, including ongoing talks to build a Ring Road.
On transit, Sutcliffe said he would like to see Stage 3 built out to Kanata, Stittsville, and Barrhaven — a commitment he also made in 2022.
"Every community deserves a plan that reflects its priorities and delivers the infrastructure, services and opportunities residents need," said Sutcliffe. "That means improving roads and transit, making life more affordable, supporting local businesses, building more housing and making our neighbourhoods safer."
Thirty minutes after Sutcliffe stood at the podium, Leiper did the same to announce his plan for Orléans — but his announcement was made nowhere near the east end. Leiper said his campaign chose downtown for the press conference due to logistical constraints.
"I grew up in Orléans, and it will always hold a special place in my heart," said Leiper. "Orléans has grown so much, and its recreation spaces haven't kept up. Families shouldn't have to sit in traffic to access basic recreation facilities. As mayor, I'll build a new recreation centre for Orléans and Navan, and I'll open a City-run dome so kids can play all year, close to home."
Mayoral candidate Jeff Leiper announces his plan for Orléans during a press conference downtown on Oct. 23, 2026. Photo by Charlie Senack.
As part of his plan, Leiper committed to building a new recreation centre for Orléans and Navan and opening a year-round sports dome owned and operated by the City. The dome would add indoor space for families and local sports groups "at a modest cost."
It's unclear where the new facility would be built. Still, Leiper said it would be paid for in part by applying to Ontario's Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, which offers up to $10 million for new facilities.
Leiper had already previously announced a plan for a new Kanata recreation centre and community health hub. He said a similar plan would not be available for suburbs like Barrhaven because it's already receiving adequate investments in community centres. It is home to the Walter Baker Centre and Minto Recreation Centre, with a new complex also being built across the river in Riverside South.
Neil Saravanamutto held a press conference Friday morning at Confederation Park in Downtown Ottawa, where he announced "a million more reasons to love your neighbourhood" and launched his full platform.
As part of that announcement, if elected, Saravanamutto said that each ward would receive an additional million dollars, with residents deciding how to spend it.
"I will bring participatory budgeting to Ottawa. Over 10,000 cities around the world already do this, from Montreal to New York to Paris to Seoul to Porto Alegre, Brazil. Ottawa can too," said Saravanamutto.
Alex Lawson, for his part, has not been one to hold press conferences during the campaign, instead relying on press releases and one-on-one interviews. One of his most recent commitments came on Oct. 16, when Lawson said he would raise the minimum number of police patrol cars on Ottawa streets to 62. He said the current number of 42 was set in 1995 when the city's population was significantly smaller.
About 110 more officers would need to be hired for $20 million per year, or $42 per household. Lawson said he'd also ensure at least a portion of the bill was picked up by upper levels of government.
Lawson's plan not to raise property taxes during his first year in office is also coming under fire from a former mayor who did the same and now regrets it. In an interview with CTV, Larry O'Brien said today's mayoral candidates should learn from his mistakes.
