Two candidates are registered in the race for councillor in the ward of Orléans South-Navan in the 2026 municipal election. Incumbent Catherine Kitts is seeking re-election as councillor in the ward. Kitts was first elected councillor in Orléans South-Navan in a 2020 byelection and won the 2022 election with 76 per cent of the vote. The other candidate on the ballot in Orléans South-Navan is small business owner Jason Wing. Orléans South-Navan The ward of Orléans South-Navan includes sections of Orléans, Navan, Cumberland, Bearbrook, Carlsbad Springs, and Sarsfield. Meet the candidates CTV News Ottawa invited all registered candidates to answer a questionnaire and submit a video introducing themselves to voters. Catherine Kitts Age: 38 Political experience: I have served as the City Councillor for Orléans South–Navan (formerly Cumberland Ward) since 2020, when I was first elected in a byelection. I was re-elected in 2022 with more than 76% of the vote. During my time on Council, I have taken on a number of leadership roles, including Chair of the Ottawa Board of Health and Vice-Chair of the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee. I have built a reputation as a strong advocate for Ottawa’s east end, particularly on transportation infrastructure, responsible growth, and ensuring our suburban and rural communities have a strong voice at City Hall. Professional experience: Before entering politics, I built my career in journalism, communications and strategic planning. A graduate of Carleton University’s School of Journalism, I began my career as a community journalist and Editor of the Orléans Star, giving me a strong understanding of the people, businesses and issues that shape our community. I later worked at Carleton in communications and strategic planning, gaining valuable experience working within a large, complex organization, before going on to start my own business. Together, these experiences gave me a strong foundation in strategic thinking and leadership that I continue to draw on in public service today. How long have you lived in Ottawa? 38 years Favourite Ottawa location/landmark: The Navan Fairgrounds What was the last book you read? A Different Kind of Power - Jacinda Ardern What is the top song in your playlist? Cowboy Gangster Politician - Goldie Boutilier How often do you use OC Transpo? I live 8+ km from a bus stop, but still regularly ride OC to experience the service firsthand. Would you work to increase or decrease transit fares as part of a plan to improve OC Transpo? I would not look to further fare increases as the solution to OC Transpo’s financial challenges. Riders are already being asked to pay more for a system that struggles with reliability and efficient service. My priority is improving the service residents receive, rebuilding ridership, and addressing the deeper structural financial challenges facing our transit system. With the province set to assume responsibility for the LRT, I believe we will also have a real opportunity to take a broader look at our fare structure, with affordability for riders at the forefront. Would you support increasing the police budget? I support hiring additional frontline officers. A concern I hear frequently from residents in my ward is: where are the police? Ottawa is growing, and our police service needs the resources to respond effectively to calls, tackle organized crime, enforce road safety, and provide coverage across urban, suburban and rural communities. At the same time, I believe Ottawa Police need to demonstrate greater transparency around how existing resources are being used before Council approves further budget increases. Any additional investment should come with clear accountability, measurable results and a continued focus on finding efficiencies. Do you support an infrastructure levy to improve road and sewer infrastructure? I strongly support increasing Ottawa’s investment in core infrastructure, but I am wary of a new tax. Residents are facing affordability pressures, and the City should first look at how we prioritize existing dollars and leverage growth-related funding. I have consistently pushed to address the infrastructure deficit in rapidly growing communities like Orléans South, where growth has too often outpaced roads, intersections and transit. I would need to see a compelling case and a clear commitment to directing investment to the areas of greatest need before supporting an additional levy. Describe in 250 words or less what the biggest issues are in your ward in this election: Orléans South–Navan has experienced extraordinary growth, and our biggest challenge is making sure the infrastructure and services our community relies on finally catch up. For too long, thousands of new homes were approved without the same urgency given to the roads, intersections and transit infrastructure needed to support them. Residents feel that gap every day. Over the last term, I have worked relentlessly to change that trajectory and secure greater investment in our community. We have built real momentum on long-awaited projects like the widening of Brian Coburn, Renaud realignment, Innes HOV priority measures and other critical connections. My focus next term is to see that work through and move these projects from design to construction. We also need to do a better job of managing growth itself. New housing cannot be planned in isolation. It needs to come with the roads, transit and active transportation, but also the parks, recreation, schools, and other services that make a complete community. With provincial legislation increasingly limiting the City’s planning tools, we need to be even smarter about using the tools we still have. And as a rural and suburban ward, protecting and investing in rural Ottawa remains equally important. That means better rural roads and services, protecting agricultural communities and villages from major projects that threaten rural lands and livelihoods, and ensuring rural residents have a strong voice at City Hall. Affordability, community safety, and ensuring residents have access to the services they need to thrive are all top of mind. Jason Wing Age: 39 Political experience: I am not a politician, but it’s been a lifetime interest and passion. I keep up with local, regional and global affairs and firmly believe in the democratic system. Professional experience: I have been working in the hospitality industry for 20 years. I am a small business owner in Orleans, serving the community for the last 10 years. How long have you lived in Ottawa? 39 yrs Favourite Ottawa location/landmark: The Mer Bleue Bog What was the last book you read? Solving Tough Problems - An Open Way of Talking, Listening and Creating New Realities by Adam Kahane What is the top song in your playlist? Hey Hey, My My by Neil Young How often do you use OC Transpo? I have used it a few times in the last year, but not as often as I need more reliable transportation Would you work to increase or decrease transit fares as part of a plan to improve OC Transpo? I support transit fare decreases for residents who rely on OC Transpo for essential travel. However, affordability has to be matched with reliability. OC Transpo will only become a preferred transit option when the service is dependable, buses and trains actually show up on time and operations are properly managed. Would you support increasing the police budget? Yes, I would support increasing the police budget, security is of the utmost importance. Residents should be able to go out, live, work and play in our community without fear. The police make that happen. An increased police presence in our community directly targets criminal activity, while giving residents the security they deserve. Do you support an infrastructure levy to improve road and sewer infrastructure? No, I do not support a new infrastructure levy. The City of Ottawa does not have a revenue problem; it has a spending problem. Council needs to rein in unnecessary projects and prioritize core infrastructure so that tax dollars are invested where they belong for generations to come. Describe in 250 words or less what the biggest issues are in your ward in this election: Transit: Orléans should not feel disconnected from the rest of the city. Residents need reliable, efficient transit to commute within the ward and travel into downtown Ottawa without frustration. Affordability: Rising living costs are placing immense pressure on local families. Food is an absolute necessity, yet grocery prices continue to climb. When we reduce cost of living burdens, families can thrive and invest back into the community. Housing: Affordable, diverse housing options are critical. New developments must intentionally accommodate seniors, persons with disabilities, and low to moderate income residents so people can remain in the community they love. Accountability and Change: Fresh leadership is necessary when representation becomes complacent. Practical ideas, transparent processes, and proactive community engagement are what drive our ward forward. If we keep doing what we’ve always done, nothing improves.
