Who’s running? Key races to watch in this fall's Ottawa municipal election

When the next term of council is sworn in after this fall's municipal election, most faces around the council table could look familiar. 

Almost all of Ottawa’s incumbents have announced they plan to seek re-election, but many could have a difficult campaign on their hands, and some are stepping away altogether. 

Alta Vista Ward Coun. Marty Carr, who won with 47 per cent of the vote in 2022, has told the Lookout she is still weighing her options. Two-term Stittsville Coun. Glen Gower, who beat incumbent Shad Qadri in 2018 and took 58.6 per cent of the vote in 2022, is also yet to make a final decision. He said he will be talking it over with family in the coming weeks. 

There is also still uncertainty over what Orléans-East Cumberland Coun. Matthew Luloff will do, who has been tight-lipped over his future plans. He has served two terms, first taking 23.7 per cent of the vote during a 17-person race, then climbing to 74.1 per cent of the vote in 2022. 

Luloff is headed to trial this week on impaired driving charges. His lawyer, Lawrence Greenspon, asked for the trial to be stayed due to original trial dates being adjourned due to judge shortages, but that request was dismissed. 

The seat in Kitchissippi Ward will be left vacant after incumbent Jeff Leiper announced he’d be running for Mayor. But all other incumbents have confirmed or are believed to be running again. 

Today, the Lookout is exploring some races that could be close and contenders who have announced they are considering running against the incumbents.