There are two candidates running for councillor in Rideau-Rockcliffe in the 2026 municipal election. Incumbent Rawlson King is seeking a third term at Ottawa City Hall. King was first elected in a 2019 byelection and won the 2022 election in Rideau-Rockcliffe with 80 per cent of the vote. The other candidate on the ballot is Peter J. Karwacki, who also ran for council in 2022. Rideau-Rockcliffe The Rideau-Rockcliffe ward includes Manor Park, New Edinburgh, Rockcliffe Park, Overbrook, Lindenlea, Viscount Alexander Park, Carson Meadows and Cardinal Glen. Meet the candidates CTV News Ottawa invited all registered candidates to answer a questionnaire and submit a video introducing themselves to voters. Peter J. Karwacki Age: 70 Political experience: Past candidate Professional experience: Professional Project manager, hospital administrator and data analyst How long have you lived in Ottawa? 30 years Favourite Ottawa location/landmark: The Hill What was the last book you read? Musk What is the top song in your playlist? Call Me How often do you use OC Transpo? Monthly Would you work to increase or decrease transit fares as part of a plan to improve OC Transpo? No change Would you support increasing the police budget to boost officer presence in your ward? No change, add Anchor funding. Do you support an infrastructure levy to improve road and sewer infrastructure? It is essential Describe in 250 words or less what the biggest issues are in your ward in this election: The new east end crossing is coming. We must show leadership and shape the discussion as opposed to sitting on the sidelines like the incumbent and end up being shaped by the new bridge. Rawlson King Age: 49 Political experience: First elected during a historic by-election in April 2019, I was re-elected in October 2022. I served as Deputy Mayor in 2024 and acted as Chair of the Built Heritage Committee this Term of Council. I have served on the Community Services, Environment and Climate Change, and Finance and Corporate Services committees. I’ve also served on the Board of Health, Library Board, Police Services Board and as a Board member of the Climate Action Fund and the local Business Improvement Area (BIA). Professional experience: Before entering municipal politics, I was an entrepreneur who ultimately built a successful career in communication, market research, international trade and the high-technology sector. How long have you lived in Ottawa? Over 30 years Favourite Ottawa location/landmark: The Rockeries in Rockcliffe Park What was the last book you read? “Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump” by Maggie Haberman & Jonathan Swan What is the top song in your playlist? “Redemption Song” by Bob Marley How often do you use OC Transpo? On average, I use OC Transpo twice to three times a week, including the LRT. Would you work to increase or decrease transit fares as part of a plan to improve OC Transpo? I would not support fare increases as a solution to OC Transpo’s challenges. We need to focus on improving service reliability and frequency first. Ridership grows when people trust the system. I support exploring fare structures that make transit more accessible and affordable, particularly for low-income residents, seniors, and youth. Would you support increasing the police budget? I believe in evidence-based public safety investment. Rather than simply increasing the police budget, I support ensuring resources are balanced and directed where they are most effective: including investing in social services, mental health supports, and community programs that address the root causes of crime and reduce demand on police Do you support an infrastructure levy to improve road and sewer infrastructure? Ottawa faces a significant infrastructure deficit, and we cannot ignore the backlog of road and sewer repairs. While I have been successful in securing $400 million in infrastructure for Ward 13, I am open to examining dedicated infrastructure funding mechanisms, provided they are transparent, accountable, and implemented in a way that is fair to residents and does not disproportionately burden those with lower incomes. Describe in 250 words or less what the biggest issues are in your ward in this election: Rideau-Rockcliffe is one of Ottawa’s most diverse wards, stretching from New Edinburgh, Manor Park, Overbrook, Cummings and Rockcliffe Park. That diversity is our greatest strength, but it also means our residents face very different challenges. Affordability and housing are top concerns. Many long-time residents are facing rising costs, rents and displacement. We need thoughtful development that adds housing supply while protecting the character of our neighbourhoods. Transit reliability matters deeply. Residents depend on OC Transpo to get to work, school, and appointments. LRT and bus service failures over recent years have shaken public confidence, and restoring trust in the system is essential. Community safety is also a priority. I believe in a holistic approach: supporting our police service while balancing investments in youth programming, mental health services, and social supports that help prevent crime before it occurs. Finally, infrastructure in parts of the ward is aging and is in need of renewal. From roads and sidewalks to parks and community facilities, we must invest strategically to serve all residents equitably. I am committed to addressing all these challenges in a way that is balanced, responsive, and genuinely representative of every corner of Rideau-Rockcliffe.
