City Hall

Could a home builder be Ottawa’s next mayor?

Alex Lawson says his decision to run for mayor isn’t based on a lifelong ambition to be in politics. Instead, he is entering the race because, in his view, Ottawa has stopped delivering basic services effectively.

City Hall Insider: zoning & CRRRC

It was a busy few weeks, and a busy council meeting, as council members received an update on the controversial purchase of a property in the east end slotted for use as a waste management facility.

‘Government only works when the public is involved.’ A Q/A with the Lookout team about our new City Hall Insider newsletter

We talk to Sarah about her plans for more in-depth city hall coverage and what you can expect in the months ahead

Ottawa moves ahead with $95M landfill purchase as rural councillors raise concerns

Ottawa city council is moving forward with the next steps toward purchasing a privately owned landfill site in the city’s east end — a deal reported to be worth roughly $95 million — in a move city leaders say will secure long-term waste disposal capacity.

City Hall insider Jan 22

Welcome to City Hall Insider, the new place where you can find in-depth analysis, calendars and information about what’s happening at City Hall.

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.

City Hall and residents clash over NCC plan to rezone southern greenspace for housing

What began as a technical planning change quietly moving through City Hall has since grown into a flashpoint for community concern.

Councillors debate buying more diesel buses to help reliability

In November, OC Transpo confirmed it delivered 97.8 per cent of its planned trips over a 12-month period, which was less than the 99.5 per cent target that was set. This, the transit organization said, is largely due to the lack of buses in service.

What will cost you more in 2026

As the old calendar comes off the wall and a new one is hung in its place, residents’ finances will also see a reset.

2025 in review

A 'transformative year', Sutcliffe looks back at 2025

The Ottawa Lookout sat down with Mayor Mark Sutcliffe to discuss some of the biggest stories of 2025 and to look ahead to 2026.

City council approves the 2026 budget — tax increases and all

Ottawa City Council has approved its 2026 municipal budget, setting a $5.2 billion operating plan and a $1.92 billion capital budget, which will result in a 3.75 per cent property tax increase.

Community associations share their opposition towards Lansdowne 2.0

The reasons are varied, but each one was opposed

Ottawa’s auditor general tables Lansdowne 2.0 concerns

The city's auditor general has tabled her reports which outlines various financial risks with Lansdowne 2.0

Polls show most Ottawa residents are against Lansdowne 2.0

A new Nanos polls shows a majority of Ottawa residents are against the Lansdowne 2.0 redevelopement. Meanwhile, the project has past its first hurdle at committee

Council votes against motion to stop Tewin. Here's why the development is so controversial

The new community for 40,000 residents is still on track to be developed despite financial and consultation concerns

PWHL says Lansdowne 2.0 project a ‘step back’

The hockey team is sounding alarm bells over the number of proposed seats at the arena, while the mayor calls the comments a negotiating tactic

The Lansdowne Vote Tracker: Here's how your city councillor plans to vote

We're keeping track of how your councillor plans to vote on the upcoming Lansdowne 2.0 decision

Qualicum community opposes height of proposed Brigil development on Baseline

Brigil has plans to build three towers on Baseline near the Queensway Carleton Hospital. But the local community says the towers would be too high

Ottawa city council is fighting back against provincial speed camera legislation

City council was unanimous in its support to keep photo radar cameras in school zones, but the Ontario government says it is not backing down with legislation to have them removed

Mayor Sutcliffe says Lansdowne 2.0 is on budget. But one councillor says that is not true

During a press conference on Monday, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said Lansdowne 2.0 would be cheaper than expected. But one city councillor says it is actually more

Heron Road site selected for new factory-built housing project. Will it help end homelessness in the city?

A new housing community is slated to be built on Heron Road next year. It could include thousands of new affordable units.

What it will take for the Lansdowne 2.0 vote to pass or fail

Lansdowne 2.0 will be debated at city hall this fall. Only 12 votes are needed for it to pass. Will there be that many?

Sutcliffe announces plan to build more houses

The plan includes a five year waiver on community amenity charges, which one councillors is speaking out against

The city is selling off Manotick’s Dickinson House to cut costs. But its history will be preserved

The Dickinson House and neighbouring carriage shed will soon be owned by the Manotick Mill as the city sells properties to cut costs