Voters in Riverside South-Findlay Creek have two candidates to choose from for councillor for the 2026-2030 term. Incumbent Coun. Steve Desroches is seeking a second conservative term as councillor in the ward. Desroches, who served two terms as a councillor between 2008 and 2014, won the 2022 municipal election in Riverside South-Findlay Creek with 67.8 per cent of the vote. The other candidate on the ballot is Muyiwa Ojo, a finance professional. Riverside South-Findlay Creek The ward of Riverside South-Findlay Creek includes Riverside South, Findlay Creek and Leitrim. Meet the candidates CTV News Ottawa invited all registered candidates to answer a questionnaire and submit a video introducing themselves to voters. Steve Desroches Age: 57 Political experience: Served three terms on Ottawa City Council which included four years as Deputy Mayor. Professional experience: Federal public servant with several federal departments including Canada Border Service Agency, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Privy Council Office and Elections Canada How long have you lived in Ottawa? Since 1988 as a university student and I have lived in the ward since 2002 Favourite Ottawa location/landmark: Vimy Memorial Bridge What was the last book you read? Shawinigan Fox by Robert Plamondon What is the top song in your playlist? Ahead by a Century by the Tragically Hip How often do you use OC Transpo? Periodically depending on meeting schedule Would you work to increase or decrease transit fares as part of a plan to improve OC Transpo? Main focus is on reliability and service to growth areas Would you support increasing the police budget? Yes Do you support an infrastructure levy to improve road and sewer infrastructure? I will support a city budget that invests in road and infrastructure that mindful of affordability. Describe in 250 words or less what the biggest issues are in your ward in this election: My priority is to build complete, connected communities where families can live, work, and thrive. I want to keep City Hall focused on the practical issues that matter most to residents and continue delivering results for Riverside South and Findlay Creek. I will continue investing in parks, recreation facilities, libraries, and community spaces that bring people together and support families. Expanding access to recreation and delivering the Southeast Ottawa Recreation Complex are important steps toward ensuring our growing communities have the facilities they need. Public safety remains a key priority. I will continue supporting appropriate police resources and working to strengthen community safety and emergency response. I am committed to improving housing affordability by increasing housing options, reducing barriers to construction, and ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with growth. At the same time, I want to attract businesses, employers, and services that create good local jobs and allow residents to work closer to home. Transportation and infrastructure are essential to our community’s future. I will keep pushing for safer roads, improved traffic flow, better cycling and pedestrian connections, and stronger transit links, including improved access to LRT and future rapid transit. I also believe growth must be environmentally responsible. I will continue supporting tree planting, enhancing green spaces and wetlands, expanding our electric bus fleet, and improving access to our natural areas. Muyiwa Ojo No response from candidate
