Meet the candidates for councillor in Ward 15 - Kitchissippi

Subhir Uppal

Age: 40

Political experience: I am running for City Council not as a career politician, but as an engaged resident and taxpayer. Prior to registering for this campaign, my political experience was that of an active voter. I bring a fresh, independent perspective unbound by municipal political circles or insider interests and a focus grounded entirely in fiscal accountability, practical problem-solving, and strong community representation for Kitchissippi.

Professional experience: I am a small business owner and community builder, recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year in 2024. I also serve as an ethics instructor with the nationally recognized Real Estate Institute of Canada, as a director with the Ottawa Real Estate Board & Ottawa Safety Council, and was vice chair with the Real Estate Council of Ontario, reflecting my commitment to integrity in both business and public service.

How long have you lived in Ottawa? I am a lifelong Ottawa resident, proud to have called this city home for my entire life.

Favourite Ottawa location/landmark: Dovercourt Recreation Centre, where my wife and I made memories watching our son, Brahm, grow up.

What was the last book you read? Value(s) by Mark Carney. Some people unwind with thrillers. I apparently unwind with economic policy.

What is the top song in your playlist? Morni by Diljit Dosanjh. Don’t blame me when it gets stuck in your head.

How often do you use OC Transpo? I grew up relying on OC Transpo, and my priority is making it reliable again.

Would you work to increase or decrease transit fares as part of a plan to improve OC Transpo? My priority for OC Transpo is restoring reliable service and ensuring every tax dollar is spent responsibly. I support a thorough review of operational spending and moving toward distance-based fares: a modern, equitable system widely used across North America and Europe ensuring riders pay their fair share for the distance they travel. Reliable service, financial accountability and fair fares are key to building a transit system Ottawa can trust.

Would you support increasing the police budget? Public safety budgets should respond to real-time data and local needs, not arbitrary or rigid targets. I welcome increased police presence where crime and safety data warrant it, while using the right resources for the right situations. Expanding Ottawa’s Alternative Neighbourhood Crisis Response (ANCHOR) program would allow specialized mental health and social service professionals to respond to non-violent crises, freeing police officers to focus on enforcement and crime prevention.

Do you support an infrastructure levy to improve road and sewer infrastructure? I cannot support an infrastructure levy without clear costs, a detailed plan and a fair return for Kitchissippi residents. Let’s call it what it is: a tax increase. Residents deserve transparency about how much they’ll pay and where that money will go. Historical patterns on City Council have consistently prioritized suburban infrastructure at the expense of established urban neighbourhoods. Any increase should be based on actual infrastructure needs, not an arbitrary percentage. And without guarantees that Kitchissippi will receive its fair share for local roads, sewers and aging infrastructure, asking residents to pay more is not responsible.

Describe in 250 words or less what the biggest issues are in your ward in this election: Kitchissippi is one of Ottawa’s most vibrant urban wards and ranks second across the entire city for property tax revenue sent to City Hall. Despite being one of Ottawa’s largest financial contributors, our community is consistently shortchanged when it comes to municipal investment. Three core priorities must be addressed: Our Fair Share for Infrastructure: Suburban expansion routinely takes priority while our established urban neighbourhood is left with deteriorating roads, aging sewer systems, and crumbling sidewalks. Kitchissippi deserves its fair share of tax dollars reinvested locally to repair our core infrastructure. A Long-Overdue Recreation & Wellness Centre: With rapid density growth across the ward, public amenities must keep pace. Residents of all ages need a modern, accessible recreation facility—a long-overdue space for family fitness, youth athletics, and senior programming. Reliable, Equitable Public Transit: Transit service must be dependable. Restoring OC Transpo’s schedule reliability is essential and pairing it with fiscal accountability and modern distance-based fares will ensure a transit system that is fair, efficient, and cost-effective. Kitchissippi taxpayers contribute far too much to settle for second-class services. It is time for City Hall to deliver transparent budgeting that reflects the true contribution of our ward.