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← Ward 14 Somerset Councillor

Robert Dekker

Candidate for Ward 14 Somerset Councillor

In their own words

This candidate hasn’t listed a campaign website or social account with the Town. That says nothing about them as a candidate — it just means less of their material is published online for us to summarise.

Where they stand

Every candidate in this race is shown against the same 16 issues, in the same order, whether or not we’ve found something for each one. Why we do it this way.

Housing

Will I be able to afford to live here?

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Taxes & spending

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

Robert Dekker would consider Increased federal infrastructure funding; Increased provincial infrastructure funding

  • Increased federal infrastructure funding
  • Increased provincial infrastructure funding
  • Public-private partnerships where appropriate
Show their words & source (a few sentences)
“• Increased federal infrastructure funding • Increased provincial infrastructure funding • Public-private partnerships where appropriate”

Source: FCA Ottawa 2026 Candidate Survey on Infrastructure Priorities — Ward 14 · October 9, 2026

Confidence:High

Emergency services

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

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Transit

Can I get where I need to go without driving?

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

Robert Dekker assigns medium priority to the western Stage 3 LRT extension toward Kanata and Stittsville.

  • Medium priority
“Medium priority”

(one sentence)

Source: FCA Ottawa 2026 Candidate Survey on Infrastructure Priorities — Ward 14 · October 9, 2026

Confidence:High

Robert Dekker is undecided on, saying more study is required for the proposed STO Gatineau–Ottawa tram.

  • Undecided / more study required
“Undecided / more study required”

(one sentence)

Source: FCA Ottawa 2026 Candidate Survey on Infrastructure Priorities — Ward 14 · October 9, 2026

Confidence:High

Robert Dekker would prioritize bus Rapid Transit projects such as Baseline BRT if Ottawa receives significant new transit funding.

  • Bus Rapid Transit projects such as Baseline BRT
“Bus Rapid Transit projects such as Baseline BRT”

(one sentence)

Source: FCA Ottawa 2026 Candidate Survey on Infrastructure Priorities — Ward 14 · October 9, 2026

Confidence:High

Robert Dekker assigns highest priority — advance immediately to the Baseline BRT corridor across the Baseline–Heron corridor.

  • Highest priority — advance immediately
“Highest priority — advance immediately”

(one sentence)

Source: FCA Ottawa 2026 Candidate Survey on Infrastructure Priorities — Ward 14 · October 9, 2026

Confidence:High

Robert Dekker would defer, reconsider or not pursue as a first initiative: “BRT”.

  • BRT
“BRT”

(one sentence)

Source: FCA Ottawa 2026 Candidate Survey on Infrastructure Priorities — Ward 14 · October 9, 2026

Confidence:High

Robert Dekker names Other as important conditions for supporting the tram.

  • Other
“Other;”

(one sentence)

Source: FCA Ottawa 2026 Candidate Survey on Infrastructure Priorities — Ward 14 · October 9, 2026

Confidence:High

Think we’ve got this wrong?

Government

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

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Roads & infrastructure

Will the things I use every day actually get fixed?

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

Robert Dekker is undecided on a Kettle Island interprovincial bridge, saying more study is required.

  • Undecided / more study required
“Undecided / more study required”

(one sentence)

Source: FCA Ottawa 2026 Candidate Survey on Infrastructure Priorities — Ward 14 · October 9, 2026

Confidence:High

Robert Dekker ranked “Pedestrian” as the transportation mode most deserving additional public investment.

  • Pedestrian
  • Transit — bus / BRT
  • Cycling
“1. Pedestrian 2. Transit — bus / BRT 3. Cycling 4. Transit — rail 5. Vehicular / road infrastructure 6. Truck / goods movement”

(a few sentences)

Source: FCA Ottawa 2026 Candidate Survey on Infrastructure Priorities — Ward 14 · October 9, 2026

Confidence:High

Robert Dekker would maintain approximately current planned investment increasing Ottawa's road resurfacing and road renewal budget during

  • Maintain approximately current planned investment
“Maintain approximately current planned investment”

(one sentence)

Source: FCA Ottawa 2026 Candidate Survey on Infrastructure Priorities — Ward 14 · October 9, 2026

Confidence:High

Robert Dekker ranked “Public transit — buses and Bus Rapid Transit” as their #1 infrastructure investment priority.

  • Public transit — buses and Bus Rapid Transit
  • Pedestrian infrastructure and sidewalks
  • Flood prevention, stormwater and sewer infrastructure
“1. Public transit — buses and Bus Rapid Transit 2. Pedestrian infrastructure and sidewalks 3. Flood prevention, stormwater and sewer infrastructure 4. Cycling infrastructure 5. Public transit — rail 6. Renewal of existing roads and bridges 7. New or expanded roads 8. Truck and goods movement infrastructure”

(a few sentences)

Source: FCA Ottawa 2026 Candidate Survey on Infrastructure Priorities — Ward 14 · October 9, 2026

Confidence:High

Robert Dekker commented: “I believe safety should be the motivation for any infrastructure investment”

  • I believe safety should be the motivation for any infrastructure investment
“I believe safety should be the motivation for any infrastructure investment”

(one sentence)

Source: FCA Ottawa 2026 Candidate Survey on Infrastructure Priorities — Ward 14 · October 9, 2026

Confidence:High

Robert Dekker would establish flood resilience and stormwater infrastructure as one of Ottawa's top three capital priorities.

  • Yes
“Yes”

(one sentence)

Source: FCA Ottawa 2026 Candidate Survey on Infrastructure Priorities — Ward 14 · October 9, 2026

Confidence:High

Robert Dekker supports, subject to acceptable financial and operating terms, transferring ownership and responsibility for Ottawa Road 174

  • Support, subject to acceptable financial and operating terms
“Support, subject to acceptable financial and operating terms”

(one sentence)

Source: FCA Ottawa 2026 Candidate Survey on Infrastructure Priorities — Ward 14 · October 9, 2026

Confidence:High

Robert Dekker is unsure about studying a ring road or bypass.

  • Unsure
“Unsure”

(one sentence)

Source: FCA Ottawa 2026 Candidate Survey on Infrastructure Priorities — Ward 14 · October 9, 2026

Confidence:High

Robert Dekker would prioritize Stormwater management ponds and facilities; Protection of critical municipal infrastructure and pumping

  • Stormwater management ponds and facilities
  • Protection of critical municipal infrastructure and pumping stations
  • Green infrastructure, permeable surfaces and natural stormwater management
“• Stormwater management ponds and facilities • Protection of critical municipal infrastructure and pumping stations • Green infrastructure, permeable surfaces and natural stormwater management”

(a few sentences)

Source: FCA Ottawa 2026 Candidate Survey on Infrastructure Priorities — Ward 14 · October 9, 2026

Confidence:High

Robert Dekker named Accelerated sewer separation and flood resilience infrastructure; Sidewalk and pedestrian network investment

  • Accelerated sewer separation and flood resilience infrastructure
  • Sidewalk and pedestrian network investment
  • Transfer of Ottawa Road 174 to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation
  • Other BRT and transit priority corridors
  • Cycling network investment
“• Accelerated sewer separation and flood resilience infrastructure • Sidewalk and pedestrian network investment • Transfer of Ottawa Road 174 to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation • Other BRT and transit priority corridors • Cycling network investment”

(a few sentences)

Source: FCA Ottawa 2026 Candidate Survey on Infrastructure Priorities — Ward 14 · October 9, 2026

Confidence:High

Robert Dekker: Neutral / case by case

  • Neutral / case by case
“Neutral / case by case”

(one sentence)

Source: FCA Ottawa 2026 Candidate Survey on Infrastructure Priorities — Ward 14 · October 9, 2026

Confidence:High

Robert Dekker says the City should require or evaluate A ban on heavy truck traffic through downtown Ottawa

  • A ban on heavy truck traffic through downtown Ottawa
  • Acceptable environmental and land-use impacts
“• A ban on heavy truck traffic through downtown Ottawa • Acceptable environmental and land-use impacts”

(one sentence)

Source: FCA Ottawa 2026 Candidate Survey on Infrastructure Priorities — Ward 14 · October 9, 2026

Confidence:High

Robert Dekker: Renewal and selected expansion — Ottawa should substantially increase renewal spending while advancing selected expansion

  • Renewal and selected expansion — Ottawa should substantially increase renewal spending while advancing selected expansion projects.
“Renewal and selected expansion — Ottawa should substantially increase renewal spending while advancing selected expansion projects.”

(a few sentences)

Source: FCA Ottawa 2026 Candidate Survey on Infrastructure Priorities — Ward 14 · October 9, 2026

Confidence:High

Robert Dekker selected Advocate for capacity or operational improvements at major bottlenecks

  • Advocate for capacity or operational improvements at major bottlenecks
  • Advocate for accelerated rehabilitation of aging pavement, bridges and structures
“• Advocate for capacity or operational improvements at major bottlenecks • Advocate for accelerated rehabilitation of aging pavement, bridges and structures”

(a few sentences)

Source: FCA Ottawa 2026 Candidate Survey on Infrastructure Priorities — Ward 14 · October 9, 2026

Confidence:High

Robert Dekker would defer, reconsider or not pursue as a second initiative: “Transfer of the 174”.

  • Transfer of the 174
“Transfer of the 174”

(one sentence)

Source: FCA Ottawa 2026 Candidate Survey on Infrastructure Priorities — Ward 14 · October 9, 2026

Confidence:High

Robert Dekker commits to advancing “There is no doubt that Somerset Ward’s sidewalks are in terrible condition and are an embarrassment.

  • There is no doubt that Somerset Ward’s sidewalks are in terrible condition and are an embarrassment.
  • They are dangerous for pedestrians and residents using mobility devices, once again a reflection of the deterioration of the downtown core.
  • As Councillor, I will work with city staff and the Infrastructure Committee to advocate for a much more robust schedule for sidewalk repairs in Somerset Ward.
“There is no doubt that Somerset Ward’s sidewalks are in terrible condition and are an embarrassment. They are dangerous for pedestrians and residents using mobility devices, once again a reflection of the deterioration of the downtown core. As Councillor, I will work with city staff and the Infrastructure Committee to advocate for a much more robust schedule for sidewalk repairs in Somerset Ward. Sidewalks are as crucial a piece of infrastructure as roads, and I will advocate for this. Poor and decaying infrastructure is a sign of decline, and I will reverse this as Councillor.”

(a few sentences)

Source: FCA Ottawa 2026 Candidate Survey on Infrastructure Priorities — Ward 14 · October 9, 2026

Confidence:High

Robert Dekker: additional road-renewal funding should be directed principally to allocation based principally on road condition and risk.

  • Allocation based principally on road condition and risk
“Allocation based principally on road condition and risk”

(one sentence)

Source: FCA Ottawa 2026 Candidate Survey on Infrastructure Priorities — Ward 14 · October 9, 2026

Confidence:High

Think we’ve got this wrong?

Economy

Will our main streets and local jobs thrive?

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Environment

Is the candidate protecting the nature we live in?

Robert Dekker's infrastructure vision: “Climate resilience should be considered across the city’s budget

  • Climate resilience should be considered across the city’s budget, rather than treated as a separate line item.
  • As extreme weather events become more frequent, the city will need to invest in infrastructure and climate change preparedness.
  • Each annual budget requires careful review and prioritization.
Show their words & source (a few sentences)
“Climate resilience should be considered across the city’s budget, rather than treated as a separate line item. As extreme weather events become more frequent, the city will need to invest in infrastructure and climate change preparedness. Each annual budget requires careful review and prioritization. I would listen to Somerset Ward residents and advocate for the investments needed to protect our community from extreme weather.”

Source: FCA Ottawa 2026 Candidate Survey on Infrastructure Priorities — Ward 14 · October 9, 2026

Confidence:High

Healthcare

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

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Growth & development

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

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Social & community services

Who looks after the most vulnerable residents?

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Active transportation

Can I walk and bike safely around town?

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

Robert Dekker names “Sidewalk and pedestrian network investment” as their first infrastructure priority for 2026–2030.

  • Sidewalk and pedestrian network investment
“Sidewalk and pedestrian network investment”

(one sentence)

Source: FCA Ottawa 2026 Candidate Survey on Infrastructure Priorities — Ward 14 · October 9, 2026

Confidence:High

Robert Dekker names “Cycling Network” as their third infrastructure priority for 2026–2030.

  • Cycling Network
“Cycling Network”

(one sentence)

Source: FCA Ottawa 2026 Candidate Survey on Infrastructure Priorities — Ward 14 · October 9, 2026

Confidence:High

Robert Dekker would maintain approximately current cycling infrastructure investment.

  • Maintain approximately current investment
“Maintain approximately current investment”

(one sentence)

Source: FCA Ottawa 2026 Candidate Survey on Infrastructure Priorities — Ward 14 · October 9, 2026

Confidence:High

Robert Dekker strongly supports increasing Ottawa's investment in sidewalks, pedestrian crossings and connections to transit.

  • Strongly support
“Strongly support”

(one sentence)

Source: FCA Ottawa 2026 Candidate Survey on Infrastructure Priorities — Ward 14 · October 9, 2026

Confidence:High

Robert Dekker would emphasize Completing missing links in the existing cycling network

  • Completing missing links in the existing cycling network
  • Maintenance and renewal of existing cycling infrastructure before expansion
“• Completing missing links in the existing cycling network • Maintenance and renewal of existing cycling infrastructure before expansion”

(a few sentences)

Source: FCA Ottawa 2026 Candidate Survey on Infrastructure Priorities — Ward 14 · October 9, 2026

Confidence:High

Think we’ve got this wrong?

Arts & culture

Does the candidate value what makes this place feel alive?

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Data centres

Should energy-hungry data centres be welcomed here?

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Water & waste

Is our drinking water safe and our waste handled?

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

Robert Dekker names “Accelerated Sewer separation and flood reslilience” as their second infrastructure priority for 2026–2030.

  • Accelerated Sewer separation and flood reslilience
“Accelerated Sewer separation and flood reslilience”

(one sentence)

Source: FCA Ottawa 2026 Candidate Survey on Infrastructure Priorities — Ward 14 · October 9, 2026

Confidence:High

Robert Dekker supports accelerating separation of remaining combined sewers.

  • Support
“Support”

(one sentence)

Source: FCA Ottawa 2026 Candidate Survey on Infrastructure Priorities — Ward 14 · October 9, 2026

Confidence:High

Think we’ve got this wrong?

Bylaw enforcement

Are the rules fair, and are they actually enforced?

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Think we got something wrong?

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