There are three candidates running for councillor in the ward of Beacon Hill-Cyrville. Tim Tierney is seeking a fifth term as councillor for the ward, after first being elected in 2010. Tierney won the 2022 municipal election with 81.96 per cent of the vote. The other candidates are Coreen Corcoran and former Ottawa-Carleton District School Board Trustee and current City of Ottawa employee Cathryne Milburn. Beacon Hill-Cyrville The ward in Ottawa’s east end includes the neighbourhoods of Cyrville, Cummings, Pineview, Beacon Hill South, Beaconwood, Rothwell Heights and Carson Grove. Meet the candidates CTV News Ottawa invited all registered candidates to answer a questionnaire and submit a video introducing themselves to voters. Coreen Corcoran No response from candidate Cathryne Milburn Age: 32 Political experience: I was elected in 2022 as School Board Trustee for Zone 12, representing Orléans West-Innes and Beacon Hill-Cyrville. During my term, I served as Vice Chair, where I helped shape the Board’s Strategic Plan, planned the rollout for the Elementary Program Review, and contributed to policy development through the Policy Review Committee. I prioritized transparency and meaningful community engagement by publishing my voting record, hosting community meetings, and maintaining regular communication with constituents. Professional experience: I have seven years of experience with the City of Ottawa, most recently with Transit Services (OC Transpo), where my work focused on communications, employee recognition, and workplace inclusion. My other roles within the City of Ottawa focused on public engagement, communications, and creating a more diverse workforce. I began my career in government and the non-profit sector, developing a passion for public engagement, clear communication, education, diversity, and inclusion. I hold a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing from the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa. How long have you lived in Ottawa? I have lived in Ottawa for 15 years, I moved in 2011 to study at the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa. Favourite Ottawa location/landmark: NCC pathways along the Ottawa River! What was the last book you read? Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. What is the top song in your playlist? Any Man of Mine by Shania Twain. How often do you use OC Transpo? 2 to 3 times a week. Would you work to increase or decrease transit fares as part of a plan to improve OC Transpo? I would work to maintain or reduce transit fares. Public transit should remain affordable and accessible for everyone. Rather than placing the burden on riders, the city should improve service through responsible investment, operational efficiencies, and sustainable funding. City Hall has the responsibility to pass a realistic budget for transit that does not pass the burden to riders. Reliable and affordable transit benefits our entire community. Would you support increasing the police budget? I support maintaining appropriate funding for Ottawa Police, including cost-of-living increases, while reprioritizing existing city resources to ensure there is an appropriate police presence in our communities. Community safety also requires more than policing alone. We must invest in proactive social services, mental health supports, and prevention programs that address root causes and help create safer communities for everyone. Do you support an infrastructure levy to improve road and sewer infrastructure? Yes. The city has a responsibility to maintain and upgrade our aging road and sewer infrastructure to ensure it remains safe, reliable, and resilient. A dedicated infrastructure levy could provide a sustainable source of funding for proactive improvements and help us prepare for future construction needs while reducing the risk of costly repairs. In addition, I believe we need more transparency when it comes to our property tax bill and it would be information that the infrastructure levy is broken out so we can see where our money goes. Describe in 250 words or less what the biggest issues are in your ward in this election: The biggest issues I hear from residents are the need for proactive infrastructure investment, more housing options, and better transit that connects our communities. Our roads, parks, and green spaces need continuous, proactive investment rather than waiting until infrastructure reaches a critical point. This includes improving roads such as City Park Drive and Blair Road, maintaining community spaces, and investing in amenities like pathways in our parks that residents use every day. Transit needs to better serve residents within the ward, not simply focus on getting people downtown. We need reliable, accessible, and affordable community bus routes and schedules that reflect actual travel patterns and resident needs. Improving routes such as the 12, 24, and 26, while ensuring adequate service, safer and more accessible bus stops, and affordable fares, will help create a more connected community. We also need responsible housing growth that meets the needs of current and future residents. This means increasing affordable housing and building more housing near major transit stations while ensuring new development is supported by the necessary infrastructure and respects existing communities. Tim Tierney Age: 51 Political experience: Represented this ward delivering on commitments. President of the Federation of Canadian municipalities (first time in 84 years someone from Ottawa) Professional experience: 15 years IT prior to getting into politics How long have you lived in Ottawa? My entire life, more importantly, I live in the ward that I’m running for. Favourite Ottawa location/landmark: The upcoming opening of the new central library What was the last book you read? The Lure of Wolves and Whispers by Amanda Connolly (Beacon Hill author) What is the top song in your playlist? Nickleback - Photograph How often do you use OC Transpo? 2-5 times a month to go to City Hall Would you work to increase or decrease transit fares as part of a plan to improve OC Transpo? Currently, we pay $1,000 on the average home for transit service services, and with the upload of the 174 and the province indicating uploads of the light rail, No to an increase. Would you support increasing the police budget? The last budget saw community policing where it remains in the community and not all going downtown. Community safety is a top priority, so yes to community policing only Do you support an infrastructure levy to improve road and sewer infrastructure? A additional infrastructure tax happened in 2008 but got absorbed in an increased the taxes in the past as there’s too many categories under infrastructure. For that reason, I would not support increasing taxes but better yet defining what infrastructure is out of the 10 categories. Describe in 250 words or less what the biggest issues are in your ward in this election: I LIVE HERE. I CARE. I LISTEN. I live here, raised my kids here, and care deeply about our community. I listen to your concerns and work every day to build a stronger, safer and more affordable Beacon Hill–Cyrville. OUR PRIORITIES FOR BEACON HILL–CYRVILLE Affordability & Cost of Living. With costs rising and continued tariff and trade uncertainty, keeping taxes predictable and helping people remain in their homes is critical. We also need to make it possible for our children to afford homes of their own. Safer Streets & Community Safety People want to feel safe. I’m proud of our community policing model and the significant reductions we’ve seen in theft, vandalism and other crimes. Dedicated, professional policing in our neighbourhoods remains essential. Roads & Sidewalks We need greater investment in the basics. I will continue pushing to ensure infrastructure funding is directed toward renewing our roads and sidewalks. Transit After being extremely critical of OC Transpo in recent years, I believe we’re finally turning a corner. Our new General Manager is working directly with operators—the people who see the challenges firsthand. I’m proud to have ATU President Noah Vineberg’s endorsement because operators must be part of the solution. Families & Community Youth recreation, sports and seniors’ programming remain priorities, especially for those who need support most. Affordable Housing I’m proud to have helped get shovels in the ground for 40 new low-income seniors’ housing units and a brand-new Gloucester Emergency Food Cupboard.
