Ward 6 candidates address housing, services and belonging at Stittsville equity forum

Stittsville Central reported that Chelsea Walton, Marie-Ange Yindaki Ahinful, Paul Meek, Kevin Hua, Sheetal Narwal and Tanya Hein attended in person. John Eastwood presented responses on behalf of Theresa Qadri. Mani Sharma's written statement was read aloud. The forum was held at Stittsville Library on Oct. 6, 2026, and was moderated by Marion Steele and Kat Curnow.

According to Stittsville Central's report, Chelsea Walton named the former Pretty Street Community Centre site at 2 Pretty Street as an opportunity for affordable housing including accessible units, and said she wanted to explore affordable housing above a renewed food bank at 1631 Stittsville Main Street. Kevin Hua proposed leasing City land, waiving fees and speeding up approvals to help nonprofit builders. Marie-Ange Yindaki Ahinful called for partnerships with nonprofit and co-operative housing providers. Theresa Qadri's response, presented by John Eastwood, supported federal funding mechanisms for removing barriers to housing development.

Stittsville Central reported that several candidates supported bringing more services into Stittsville rather than requiring residents to travel. Chelsea Walton said she would work with residents and community organizations to identify gaps in mental health, addiction and youth supports. Marie-Ange Yindaki Ahinful suggested inviting service organizations into libraries and recreation facilities. Kevin Hua proposed using City-owned land and buildings to give providers space to operate. Sheetal Narwal suggested testing satellite programs that would bring existing services into local facilities. Paul Meek said a western hub serving Stittsville, Kanata and Bells Corners could work even if it were not located in Stittsville itself.

Stittsville Central reported that Chelsea Walton and Paul Meek both called for pedestrian sidewalk clearing to be separated from road clearing, so that accessibility needs guide decisions for foot traffic. Kevin Hua proposed including pathways in winter maintenance. Sheetal Narwal said clearing bus stops and shelters should be treated as part of delivering transit. Walton called for reporting on individual bus routes. Hua proposed a Stittsville bus station. Mani Sharma's written statement outlined a two-tier shuttle system, with service between local hubs and direct connections from park-and-ride locations toward downtown, the University of Ottawa and Carleton University.

According to Stittsville Central, Chelsea Walton and Kevin Hua both said they would continue Pride events and flag raisings. Hua said he would oppose a motion to stop flying the Pride flag. Paul Meek said the councillor should lead by example and make clear that negative attitudes toward marginalized communities would not be welcome under his leadership. Marie-Ange Yindaki Ahinful committed to speaking out against discrimination. On police presence, Walton acknowledged some communities' distrust of police while supporting collaboration based on residents' needs. Hua said he would consider community responses before defaulting to police.

Stittsville Central reported that Chelsea Walton criticized consultation that has little influence on decisions and said she wanted it to begin earlier through pop-up sessions in everyday community settings. Sheetal Narwal called for access in English and French, translation support and involving diverse groups before decisions are made. Kevin Hua proposed public reporting on how City departments applied an equity lens, including who benefits, who faces barriers and how decisions could improve fair access. Theresa Qadri's response suggested concrete indicators such as the proportion of Stittsville capital projects meeting accessibility standards.

Stittsville Central reported that West Side Pride organized the Oct. 6 forum because other candidate forums had given equity and inclusion topics little attention. The event focused on housing access, local services, transportation barriers and community belonging, with discussion including the experiences of LGBTQ+ and other marginalized residents and their ability to shape municipal decisions.

Ottawa's main election day is Monday, Oct. 26, 2026. The advance voting day is Friday, Oct. 16, with voting places open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Ward 6 is Stittsville. Candidate profiles for the Ward 6 council race are at voche.me/on/ottawa-2026/races/councillor/ward-6-stittsville. To find your voting place, visit the City of Ottawa's election website.