Compare candidates

Ward 12 Rideau-Vanier Councillor · Ottawa

6 candidates for 1 seat

Everyone is compared on the same 16 issues, in the same order. Candidates are listed alphabetically, and the order of issues is not a ranking. Each candidate's bio appears at the top, above the issues. How this works.

Candidate positions for Ward 12 Rideau-Vanier Councillor, by issue
Issue	Brian Paquette No website or social media listed	Eric Smith No website or social media listed	Julie Fiala Chartrand No website or social media listed	Lyra Evans No website or social media listed	Michael Karl Sewanaku No website or social media listed	Stéphanie PlanteElected (official result) No website or social media listed
Bio	No bio on record. Know something?	No bio on record. Know something?	No bio on record. Know something?	No bio on record. Know something?	No bio on record. Know something?	No bio on record. Know something?
HousingWill I be able to afford to live here?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Asked about top issues in Sandy Hill and Lowertown, Julie Fiala Chartrand says: build communities, not just homes — a roof is not enough. Build communities, not just homes A roof is simply not enough Show their words & sourceHide (a few sentences) “we need to build communities - not just homes. A roof is simply not enough!” Source: IMAGE Sandy Hill Fall 2026 candidate Q&A — Ward 12 · October 1, 2026 Confidence:High	This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source. City needs a proactive plan to address homelessness; current plan is not working City needs a proactive plan to address homelessness Current plan is not working and the community is feeling the impact of the failure “The city needs a proactive plan to address homelessness, as the current plan is not working and the community is feeling the impact of the failure,” (reported remarks) Source: Election Ottawa 2026: Homelessness, addiction major concerns in Rideau-Vanier · September 23, 2026 Confidence:High Build more affordable and supportive housing; city built only 31 new affordable units in 2025 Longer term, the city needs to build more affordable housing and more supportive housing City built only 31 new affordable units in 2025 per the progress report “Longer term, the city needs to build more affordable housing and more supportive housing. It is shameful that the 2025 progress report on homelessness and housing states the city built only 31 new affordable units in 2025.” (several paragraphs) Source: Housing platforms of municipal candidates a key consideration in this fall's election Confidence:High Evans says clearing encampments and destroying people's belongings doesn't stop them being homeless. Evans criticizes the city's approach to encampments in Rideau-Vanier, where the Rideau-Sussex underpass has been a gathering place for unhoused Inuit for 30+ years. She argues that clearing people from parks and destroying their belongings does not end their homelessness. Given in a Nunatsiaq News interview about issues affecting Inuit residents of the ward; incumbent Stephanie Plante did not respond to the interview request. “Pushing people out of a park and destroying all their belongings doesn't stop them from being homeless” (reported remarks) Source: Nunatsiaq News: 'Housing, homelessness in focus in Ottawa's Rideau-Vanier race' (via europesays republication) · October 23, 2026 Confidence:High Think we’ve got this wrong?	This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source. Michael Karl Sewanaku says if governments refuse, he will live on the street in protest and use $1,900 of his salary to help someone. Live on the street in protest if governments refuse Use $1,900 of monthly councillor salary to help someone get off the street “If governments still refuse, I will live on the street in protest while using $1,900 of my monthly councillor’s salary to help someone else get off the street.” (one sentence) Source: IMAGE Sandy Hill Fall 2026 — Ward 12 candidate statements · October 1, 2026 Confidence:High Michael Karl Sewanaku would calculate the true cost of homelessness in Rideau-Vanier and demand adequate funding. Calculate the true cost of homelessness in Rideau-Vanier Demand adequate funding “calculate the true cost of homelessness in Rideau-Vanier, and demand adequate funding.” (one sentence) Source: IMAGE Sandy Hill Fall 2026 — Ward 12 candidate statements · October 1, 2026 Confidence:High Think we’ve got this wrong?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Taxes & spendingWhat happens to my tax bill, and where does the money go?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Emergency servicesWhen I call for help, will it come fast enough?	Visible policing, better enforcement, mental health and addiction treatment for public safety Residents and businesses deserve to feel safe in their own neighbourhoods Needs visible policing, better enforcement, mental health and addiction treatment, real solutions to homelessness Show their words & sourceHide (a few sentences) “Public safety. Residents and businesses deserve to feel safe in their own neighbourhoods. We need visible policing, better enforcement, mental health and addiction treatment, and real solutions to homelessness. Compassion and public safety are not mutually exclusive. We need both.” Source: Ottawa Ward 12 candidate Brian Paquette answers our election questions · October 9, 2026 Confidence:High	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?
TransitCan I get where I need to go without driving?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?
GovernmentWill decisions be made in the open, and will anyone answer for them?	Measurable outcomes, transparent spending, City Hall that listens and responds Too much bureaucracy, not enough accountability Wants measurable outcomes, transparent spending and City Hall that actually listens and responds to residents Show their words & sourceHide (a few sentences) “Too much bureaucracy, not enough accountability. We spend millions on programs without clearly showing taxpayers what results we're getting. I want measurable outcomes, transparent spending and City Hall that actually listens and responds to residents.” Source: Ottawa Ward 12 candidate Brian Paquette answers our election questions · October 9, 2026 Confidence:High	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Asked why she wants to be Ward 12 councillor, Julie Fiala Chartrand pledges to be a councillor for every person and improve quality of life. A councillor for every person Improve quality of life Show their words & sourceHide (one sentence) “I pledge to be a councillor for every person and to improve your quality of life.” Source: IMAGE Sandy Hill Fall 2026 candidate Q&A — Ward 12 · October 1, 2026 Confidence:High	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Roads & infrastructureWill the things I use every day actually get fixed?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Traffic safety around Ward 12's schools a top issue from first term One of the issues heard about over and over during first term was traffic safety, especially around schools Ward 12 has about 8 schools and 1 high school, with many kids walking, cycling or scootering Show their words & sourceHide (several paragraphs) “One of the issues I heard about over and over again during my first term was traffic safety, especially around our schools. Ward 12 has about 8 schools and 1 high school, so we have a lot of kids walking, cycling, or scootering during the week.” Source: Stephanie Plante · June 30, 2026 Confidence:High
EconomyWill our main streets and local jobs thrive?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?
EnvironmentIs the candidate protecting the nature we live in?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?
HealthcareWill there be a doctor and a hospital when we need one?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Growth & developmentHow fast should we grow, and who decides what gets built where?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Advocate for no major expansions to the urban boundary in her term Intends to advocate for growing inward rather than expanding outward Would like to see no major expansions to the urban boundary in her term on council Show their words & sourceHide (several paragraphs) “I intend to advocate for both, as I would like to see no major expansions to the urban boundary in my term on council.” Source: Housing platforms of municipal candidates a key consideration in this fall's election Confidence:High	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Social & community servicesWho looks after the most vulnerable residents?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Julie Fiala Chartrand says building a better world starts with the most vulnerable: homelessness, mental health and addiction. Address the needs of the most vulnerable Homelessness, mental health and addiction Show their words & sourceHide (a few sentences) “It is by addressing the needs of the most vulnerable that we begin to build a better world. We must deal with heavy topics like homelessness, mental health and addiction.” Source: IMAGE Sandy Hill Fall 2026 candidate Q&A — Ward 12 · October 1, 2026 Confidence:High	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Active transportationCan I walk and bike safely around town?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Arts & cultureDoes the candidate value what makes this place feel alive?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Data centresShould energy-hungry data centres be welcomed here?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Water & wasteIs our drinking water safe and our waste handled?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Bylaw enforcementAre the rules fair, and are they actually enforced?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Bio

Brian Paquette

No bio on record. Know something?

Eric Smith

No bio on record. Know something?

Julie Fiala Chartrand

No bio on record. Know something?

Lyra Evans

No bio on record. Know something?

Michael Karl Sewanaku

No bio on record. Know something?

Stéphanie Plante Elected (official result)

No bio on record. Know something?

Housing

Will I be able to afford to live here?

Brian Paquette

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Eric Smith

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Julie Fiala Chartrand

No website or social media listed

Asked about top issues in Sandy Hill and Lowertown, Julie Fiala Chartrand says: build communities, not just homes — a roof is not enough.

Build communities, not just homes
A roof is simply not enough

Show their words & source (a few sentences)

“we need to build communities - not just homes. A roof is simply not enough!”

Source: IMAGE Sandy Hill Fall 2026 candidate Q&A — Ward 12 · October 1, 2026

Confidence:High

Lyra Evans

No website or social media listed

This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source.

City needs a proactive plan to address homelessness; current plan is not working

City needs a proactive plan to address homelessness
Current plan is not working and the community is feeling the impact of the failure

“The city needs a proactive plan to address homelessness, as the current plan is not working and the community is feeling the impact of the failure,”

(reported remarks)

Source: Election Ottawa 2026: Homelessness, addiction major concerns in Rideau-Vanier · September 23, 2026

Confidence:High

Build more affordable and supportive housing; city built only 31 new affordable units in 2025

Longer term, the city needs to build more affordable housing and more supportive housing
City built only 31 new affordable units in 2025 per the progress report

“Longer term, the city needs to build more affordable housing and more supportive housing. It is shameful that the 2025 progress report on homelessness and housing states the city built only 31 new affordable units in 2025.”

(several paragraphs)

Source: Housing platforms of municipal candidates a key consideration in this fall's election

Confidence:High

Evans says clearing encampments and destroying people's belongings doesn't stop them being homeless.

Evans criticizes the city's approach to encampments in Rideau-Vanier, where the Rideau-Sussex underpass has been a gathering place for unhoused Inuit for 30+ years.
She argues that clearing people from parks and destroying their belongings does not end their homelessness.
Given in a Nunatsiaq News interview about issues affecting Inuit residents of the ward; incumbent Stephanie Plante did not respond to the interview request.

“Pushing people out of a park and destroying all their belongings doesn't stop them from being homeless”

(reported remarks)

Source: Nunatsiaq News: 'Housing, homelessness in focus in Ottawa's Rideau-Vanier race' (via europesays republication) · October 23, 2026

Confidence:High

Think we’ve got this wrong?

Michael Karl Sewanaku

No website or social media listed

This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source.

Michael Karl Sewanaku says if governments refuse, he will live on the street in protest and use $1,900 of his salary to help someone.

Live on the street in protest if governments refuse
Use $1,900 of monthly councillor salary to help someone get off the street

“If governments still refuse, I will live on the street in protest while using $1,900 of my monthly councillor’s salary to help someone else get off the street.”

(one sentence)

Source: IMAGE Sandy Hill Fall 2026 — Ward 12 candidate statements · October 1, 2026

Confidence:High

Michael Karl Sewanaku would calculate the true cost of homelessness in Rideau-Vanier and demand adequate funding.

Calculate the true cost of homelessness in Rideau-Vanier
Demand adequate funding

“calculate the true cost of homelessness in Rideau-Vanier, and demand adequate funding.”

(one sentence)

Source: IMAGE Sandy Hill Fall 2026 — Ward 12 candidate statements · October 1, 2026

Confidence:High

Think we’ve got this wrong?

Stéphanie Plante Elected (official result)

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Taxes & spending

What happens to my tax bill, and where does the money go?

Brian Paquette

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Eric Smith

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Julie Fiala Chartrand

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Lyra Evans

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Michael Karl Sewanaku

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Stéphanie Plante Elected (official result)

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Emergency services

When I call for help, will it come fast enough?

Brian Paquette

No website or social media listed

Visible policing, better enforcement, mental health and addiction treatment for public safety

Residents and businesses deserve to feel safe in their own neighbourhoods
Needs visible policing, better enforcement, mental health and addiction treatment, real solutions to homelessness

Show their words & source (a few sentences)

“Public safety. Residents and businesses deserve to feel safe in their own neighbourhoods. We need visible policing, better enforcement, mental health and addiction treatment, and real solutions to homelessness. Compassion and public safety are not mutually exclusive. We need both.”

Source: Ottawa Ward 12 candidate Brian Paquette answers our election questions · October 9, 2026

Confidence:High

Eric Smith

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Julie Fiala Chartrand

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Lyra Evans

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Michael Karl Sewanaku

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Stéphanie Plante Elected (official result)

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Transit

Can I get where I need to go without driving?

Brian Paquette

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Eric Smith

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Julie Fiala Chartrand

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Lyra Evans

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Michael Karl Sewanaku

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Stéphanie Plante Elected (official result)

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Government

Will decisions be made in the open, and will anyone answer for them?

Brian Paquette

No website or social media listed

Measurable outcomes, transparent spending, City Hall that listens and responds

Too much bureaucracy, not enough accountability
Wants measurable outcomes, transparent spending and City Hall that actually listens and responds to residents

Show their words & source (a few sentences)

“Too much bureaucracy, not enough accountability. We spend millions on programs without clearly showing taxpayers what results we're getting. I want measurable outcomes, transparent spending and City Hall that actually listens and responds to residents.”

Source: Ottawa Ward 12 candidate Brian Paquette answers our election questions · October 9, 2026

Confidence:High

Eric Smith

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Julie Fiala Chartrand

No website or social media listed

Asked why she wants to be Ward 12 councillor, Julie Fiala Chartrand pledges to be a councillor for every person and improve quality of life.

A councillor for every person
Improve quality of life

Show their words & source (one sentence)

“I pledge to be a councillor for every person and to improve your quality of life.”

Source: IMAGE Sandy Hill Fall 2026 candidate Q&A — Ward 12 · October 1, 2026

Confidence:High

Lyra Evans

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Michael Karl Sewanaku

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Stéphanie Plante Elected (official result)

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Roads & infrastructure

Will the things I use every day actually get fixed?

Brian Paquette

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Eric Smith

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Julie Fiala Chartrand

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Lyra Evans

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Michael Karl Sewanaku

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Stéphanie Plante Elected (official result)

No website or social media listed

Traffic safety around Ward 12's schools a top issue from first term

One of the issues heard about over and over during first term was traffic safety, especially around schools
Ward 12 has about 8 schools and 1 high school, with many kids walking, cycling or scootering

Show their words & source (several paragraphs)

“One of the issues I heard about over and over again during my first term was traffic safety, especially around our schools. Ward 12 has about 8 schools and 1 high school, so we have a lot of kids walking, cycling, or scootering during the week.”

Source: Stephanie Plante · June 30, 2026

Confidence:High

Economy

Will our main streets and local jobs thrive?

Brian Paquette

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Eric Smith

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Julie Fiala Chartrand

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Lyra Evans

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Michael Karl Sewanaku

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Stéphanie Plante Elected (official result)

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Environment

Is the candidate protecting the nature we live in?

Brian Paquette

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Eric Smith

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Julie Fiala Chartrand

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Lyra Evans

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Michael Karl Sewanaku

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Stéphanie Plante Elected (official result)

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Healthcare

Will there be a doctor and a hospital when we need one?

Brian Paquette

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Eric Smith

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Julie Fiala Chartrand

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Lyra Evans

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Michael Karl Sewanaku

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Stéphanie Plante Elected (official result)

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Growth & development

How fast should we grow, and who decides what gets built where?

Brian Paquette

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Eric Smith

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Julie Fiala Chartrand

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Lyra Evans

No website or social media listed

Advocate for no major expansions to the urban boundary in her term

Intends to advocate for growing inward rather than expanding outward
Would like to see no major expansions to the urban boundary in her term on council

Show their words & source (several paragraphs)

“I intend to advocate for both, as I would like to see no major expansions to the urban boundary in my term on council.”

Source: Housing platforms of municipal candidates a key consideration in this fall's election

Confidence:High

Michael Karl Sewanaku

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Stéphanie Plante Elected (official result)

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Who looks after the most vulnerable residents?

Address the needs of the most vulnerable
Homelessness, mental health and addiction

Show their words & source (a few sentences)

“It is by addressing the needs of the most vulnerable that we begin to build a better world. We must deal with heavy topics like homelessness, mental health and addiction.”

Source: IMAGE Sandy Hill Fall 2026 candidate Q&A — Ward 12 · October 1, 2026

Confidence:High

Lyra Evans

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Michael Karl Sewanaku

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Stéphanie Plante Elected (official result)

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Active transportation

Can I walk and bike safely around town?

Stéphanie Plante Elected (official result)

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Arts & culture

Does the candidate value what makes this place feel alive?

Stéphanie Plante Elected (official result)

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Data centres

Should energy-hungry data centres be welcomed here?

Stéphanie Plante Elected (official result)

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Water & waste

Is our drinking water safe and our waste handled?

Stéphanie Plante Elected (official result)

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Bylaw enforcement

Are the rules fair, and are they actually enforced?

Stéphanie Plante Elected (official result)

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Something wrong here?

Candidates and members of the public can both report a correction. Corrections from candidates about their own positions are handled first.

Report a correction →

Results source: City of Ottawa — City Clerk declares Ottawa's 2026 Municipal Elections results official (Oct 30, 2026)

Compare candidates

Bio

Stéphanie Plante ✓Elected (official result)

Housing

Stéphanie Plante ✓Elected (official result)

Taxes & spending

Stéphanie Plante ✓Elected (official result)

Emergency services

Stéphanie Plante ✓Elected (official result)

Transit

Stéphanie Plante ✓Elected (official result)

Government

Stéphanie Plante ✓Elected (official result)

Roads & infrastructure

Stéphanie Plante ✓Elected (official result)

Economy

Stéphanie Plante ✓Elected (official result)

Environment

Stéphanie Plante ✓Elected (official result)

Healthcare

Stéphanie Plante ✓Elected (official result)

Growth & development

Stéphanie Plante ✓Elected (official result)

Social & community services

Stéphanie Plante ✓Elected (official result)

Active transportation

Stéphanie Plante ✓Elected (official result)

Arts & culture

Stéphanie Plante ✓Elected (official result)

Data centres

Stéphanie Plante ✓Elected (official result)

Water & waste

Stéphanie Plante ✓Elected (official result)

Bylaw enforcement

Stéphanie Plante ✓Elected (official result)

Something wrong here?

Stéphanie Plante Elected (official result)

Stéphanie Plante Elected (official result)

Stéphanie Plante Elected (official result)

Stéphanie Plante Elected (official result)

Stéphanie Plante Elected (official result)

Stéphanie Plante Elected (official result)

Stéphanie Plante Elected (official result)

Stéphanie Plante Elected (official result)

Stéphanie Plante Elected (official result)

Stéphanie Plante Elected (official result)

Stéphanie Plante Elected (official result)

Stéphanie Plante Elected (official result)

Stéphanie Plante Elected (official result)

Stéphanie Plante Elected (official result)

Stéphanie Plante Elected (official result)

Stéphanie Plante Elected (official result)

Stéphanie Plante Elected (official result)