There are four candidates on the ballot running to be councillor in Kanata South in the 2026 municipal election. Incumbent Allan Hubley is seeking a fifth term as councillor of the ward in Ottawa’s west end. Hubley, who was first elected in 2010, was elected in the 2022 election with 33.8 per cent of the vote. Erin Coffin, the president of the Bridlewood Community Association, is running in Kanata South for a second time, after coming in second in the 2022 election with 22.9 per cent of the vote. Also running in Kanata South are public servants Sam Bhalesar and Megan Strazds-Esenbergs. Kanata South The ward of Kanata South includes the neighbourhoods of Hazeldean, Katimavik, Glen Cairn, the Kanata South Business Park and Bridlewood. Meet the candidates CTV News Ottawa invited all registered candidates to answer a questionnaire and submit a video introducing themselves to voters. Sam Bhalesar Age: 51 Political experience: 2022 provincial candidate -National Party secretary two terms - Vice president and acting president for the National Women’s Commission - Eastern Co-chair to Provincial leader Bonnie Crombie - Political strategist - campaign manager - policy advisor - 38 years of experience. Professional experience: Senior policy analyst, senior Communications advisor, indigenous reconciliation, negotiations, budget analyst, stakeholder engagement and Communications. Served on numerous boards including Queensway Carleton Hospital, Ottawa Community Housing Foundation, Canadian Broadcast Standards council, Kanata Minor Hockey Association, Hockey Helps the Homeless and the founder of the Canadian South Asian Women’s Chamber of Commerce. How long have you lived in Ottawa? 23 years Favourite Ottawa location/landmark: Parliament Hill and Walter Baker Park What was the last book you read? Do The Impossible What is the top song in your playlist? Sapphire and Diljit Dosanjh How often do you use OC Transpo? When going downtown to work Would you work to increase or decrease transit fares as part of a plan to improve OC Transpo? I wouldn’t support raising transit fares as the first step to fixing OC Transpo. Transit needs to be affordable and reliable if we want more people to use it. I would focus first on improving service, reliability and efficiency, cutting unnecessary costs, and increasing ridership before asking riders to pay more. I would also protect affordable fares and programs for seniors, students and lower-income residents. A better transit system should bring in more riders, not push people away because it costs too much. Would you support increasing the police budget? Yes. Community safety must be a priority. I would support appropriate investment in frontline policing, with a focus on preventing and responding to car theft, organized crime and human trafficking, while strengthening partnerships with schools and community organizations to protect our youth. Do you support an infrastructure levy to improve road and sewer infrastructure? Before asking residents to pay more through an infrastructure levy, I would prioritize essential roads, sewers and neighbourhood infrastructure. We also need to review major projects like Lansdowne and ensure taxpayer dollars are focused on the infrastructure residents need most. Describe in 250 words or less what the biggest issues are in your ward in this election: The biggest issues facing Kanata South are traffic and transportation, infrastructure, community safety, housing affordability, and access to recreation and youth programs. Our community is growing, but our infrastructure and transportation systems need to keep pace. Residents are frustrated with congestion, road conditions and delays, and we need better planning and investment in roads, transit and essential infrastructure. Transit must also become more reliable so residents can depend on it to get to work, school, appointments and recreation. Safety is another priority. Residents want safer roads, stronger traffic enforcement, better lighting and a community that works closely with police to address issues such as speeding, vehicle theft and other emerging safety concerns. We also need to ensure that families, seniors and young people can afford to live and thrive in Kanata South. That means supporting a range of housing options while protecting the character of our neighbourhoods. Finally, we need to invest in the facilities and programs that bring our community together. As a sports mom and founder of a youth sports organization, I know how important accessible recreation and safe spaces are for our children. My priority will be simple: make sure Kanata South has the infrastructure, services and community investments needed to support the people who live here today—and the families who will call it home tomorrow. Erin Coffin Age: 51 Political experience: My political experience has not been learned from a textbook or developed through a political party. It has been earned in Kanata South — at residents’ doors, school council meetings, seniors’ events, coaching youth sports teams, events at the Legion and delegations at City Hall. I also ran for councillor for Ward 23 in 2022 and have spent nearly four years leading the Bridlewood Community Association, turning local concerns into practical advocacy and action. Professional experience: My professional life has been dedicated to serving Canadians and my community. For nearly 30 years, I have worked to ensure policy meets real life — because when government gets it wrong, there are real consequences. My federal public service career has enabled me to work in public health, infrastructure, heritage, transportation, public safety and emergency response. I have also served as a chair, director and fundraiser for local charities and community organizations, especially those in food security. I know how to navigate complex systems, challenge assumptions and turn good ideas into practical action. How long have you lived in Ottawa? I am from Ottawa but have called Kanata South my home since 1990. Favourite Ottawa location/landmark: My new favourite spot is the Kanata Sports Club — a small slice of Kanata South charm. What was the last book you read? “Murder at St. Saviour’s” by Merryn Allingham. What is the top song in your playlist? “Murder on the Dancefloor” by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, 2001. How often do you use OC Transpo? I use OC Transpo occasionally, so I rely on daily riders to understand where service falls short. Would you work to increase or decrease transit fares as part of a plan to improve OC Transpo? I would not support an across-the-board fare increase without better service. Fares must remain affordable, targeted discounts protected and results published before riders are asked to pay more. Residents should pay for reliable trips—not missed connections. I would extend free transit to children 12 and under and ask OC Transpo to cost an affordable monthly pass for youth aged 13 to 18, targeting the $43.25 Community Pass rate with a clear funding plan. Would you support increasing the police budget? I would support additional police funding when there is clear evidence it will improve service. A bigger budget does not automatically mean more officers in Kanata South. A councillor can vote on the police budget but cannot direct day-to-day operational decisions or determine where officers will be deployed. Before asking residents to pay more, I would want to know what the money will change and how we will measure the result. More money is not better service. Better service is better service. Do you support an infrastructure levy to improve road and sewer infrastructure? I would not support a blank-cheque infrastructure levy. Before voting yes, I would advocate for the city to publish the projects, costs, timelines, funding gaps and system dependencies. Underground work should be coordinated with road reconstruction, so we dig once. Any levy must be time-limited, tied to a project list and reported publicly each year. Without a list, timeline and public reporting, I would not support it. Describe in 250 words or less what the biggest issues are in your ward in this election: In 2010, many of the concerns in Kanata South centred on basic city services. In 2026, we are fighting to ensure those services work together, keep pace with growth and withstand disruption. That is the biggest issue in this election. Transit, traffic, flooding, road safety and crowded community facilities may appear to be separate problems, but they are connected. When a bus does not arrive, more people drive. That adds pressure to Eagleson, Hazeldean and our neighbourhood streets. When underground infrastructure and road reconstruction are planned separately, residents pay more and endure repeated disruption. When facilities such as Eva James do not keep pace with population growth, programs for seniors, families and young people are squeezed. Too often, these pressures have been addressed one project at a time — a road improvement here, a transit change there and repairs after something fails. Each project matters, but the same concerns return when the pieces are not planned together. Kanata South needs reliable transit, safer roads, infrastructure that can withstand severe weather and community facilities that reflect the population they serve. Residents should also be told what was promised, what was delivered and whether it worked. Many of the issues facing Kanata South have persisted since 2010, but our community has changed. It has grown, and keeping pace with that growth requires a new voice for Kanata South at City Hall. Allan Hubley Age: 67 Political experience: 16 years as councillor Professional experience: 25 years federal public service, 10 years as Community Association President, 10 years private sector How long have you lived in Ottawa? 46 years Favourite Ottawa location/landmark: Acceptance at Hope What was the last book you read? The Oak Island Mystery What is the top song in your playlist? Chiseled In Stone How often do you use OC Transpo? Last week I traveled on route 168 with my granddaughter, but most of the time, transit is not practical for my travels since I move around Kanata multiple times a day. That will change when the suburban service improves. Would you work to increase or decrease transit fares as part of a plan to improve OC Transpo? Residents have not asked me to lower fares; what transit users ask for is a reliable service with more capacity and better schedules. Would you support increasing the police budget to boost officer presence in your ward? We certainly need this, and I support more frontline officers in our city. First let’s try funding by savings elsewhere or by reallocation of funds. Do you support an infrastructure levy to improve road and sewer infrastructure? Again, and always, first let’s try funding by savings elsewhere or by reallocation of funds. Describe in 250 words or less what the biggest issues are in your ward in this election: My first priority continues to be keeping taxes low & respecting your tax dollars while being focused on fiscal responsibility, improving our core services, and positive changes throughout our community. I believe you are best positioned to make decisions that are right for your family. My role is to listen and help identify and implement improvements in our community. I have proven that improving infrastructure is my priority over social engineering. I delivered over $300 million in quality infrastructure projects that make a difference in your daily lives, which adds value to your homes. We renew parks, streets, paths, sidewalks & more across the Ward annually. We are one of the safest communities in the city. That statement is supported by police and Bylaw statistics. We have invested in traffic calming that provides measurable results, and I supported the change to District Policing, which brought local officers back into our communities along with a dedicated Traffic team. We are transitioning to an integrated bus/rail transit system. My focus remains that Transit needs to be more reliable—period. After last fall’s E-bus shortage, additional buses are now in service with more on the way. I worked with staff on the addition of a shuttle to Tunney’s, added trips to the 256, and will continue to work to increase the service level to our ward. In my 40 years of volunteering and serving in our community, I have always and will continue to put the people in our community first. Megan Strazds-Esenbergs Age: 37 Political experience: This is my first time running for elected office. Professional experience: I have approximately 10 years of professional experience in research and public policy, working across community organizations, academia, and government. I currently work as a Policy Analyst with the federal public service, where my work has included policy research and analysis, stakeholder engagement, evidence synthesis, and supporting decision-making. How long have you lived in Ottawa? 3 years Favourite Ottawa location/landmark: NCC River House What was the last book you read? A Promised Land by Barack Obama What is the top song in your playlist? Something In the Heavens by Lewis Capaldi How often do you use OC Transpo? I use OC Transpo three days a week to commute to and from work in Gatineau. Would you work to increase or decrease transit fares as part of a plan to improve OC Transpo? I would be interested in exploring targeted fare reductions rather than an across-the-board change. In particular, I would like to look at reducing fares for older adults and Para Transpo users, as well as expanding opportunities for youth to use transit for free. Any fare changes would need to be considered alongside the financial sustainability of OC Transpo and our ability to improve the reliability and accessibility of the system. Would you support increasing the police budget? I would consider increases to the police budget where there is a demonstrated need and clear benefit to community safety. Residents in Kanata South have raised concerns about speeding and road safety, including the need for greater enforcement. I would want to ensure that any additional investment is targeted, evidence-based, and connected to measurable outcomes for residents. Do you support an infrastructure levy to improve road and sewer infrastructure? Yes. Residents have told me they want the city to prioritize fixing existing problems, including aging roads, sewer infrastructure, community centres, and rinks. I recognize this requires investment, but residents deserve transparency about how additional tax dollars are spent and the results they can expect. I would also explore other revenue sources, including opportunities for developers to contribute more toward infrastructure costs associated with growth. Describe in 250 words or less what the biggest issues are in your ward in this election: My top priorities reflect what I have heard directly from Kanata South residents throughout my listening-first campaign: 1. Municipal Government – Residents want increased trust, accountability, and transparency. 2. Roads, Traffic, and Speeding – Residents want better road conditions, safer streets, and meaningful action to address speeding and traffic concerns. 3. Transit – Residents want a public transit system that is reliable, accessible, and better meets their day-to-day needs. 4. Parks, Recreation, and Community Services – Residents value their local parks, recreation facilities, and community services and want them maintained and supported. 5. Taxes and Budgeting – Residents want greater transparency about where their tax dollars are being spent and want to see value for their money. These priorities come directly from my conversations with residents and reflect what they have identified as most important in their community.
