The KBCA, working with other local Community and Business Associations, has been investigating the consequences of Jenna Sudds no longer being our Councillor since the Federal election call in August and the options open to the community.

There are critical issues in progress or requiring Councillor representation in the next six months (40% agreement, Kanata Golf Course, new Official Plan, new Kanata Tech Park plan). Therefore, leaving the position vacant is not in the community interest.

The ideal solution would be to immediately appoint someone knowledgeable on Kanata North issues with experience at City Hall while starting a by-election for an elected replacement in parallel, which will take 3+ months. Based on past by-elections, the projected voting date (as of 27 Sep 2021) is 31 Jan 2022. In addition, the next full Ottawa Municipal election cycle starts on 1 May 2022, limiting the impact window for a by-elected Councillor.

However, an appoint plus by-election option is not supported by the City of Ottawa policy. The options to replace Jenna Sudds are the appointment of an interim Councillor for the remainder of the term or a by-election. The City Clerk (Rick O’Conner) is responsible for replacing a city Councillor. He has announced on 23 Sep 2021 that he will be making a recommendation to City Council at the 13 Oct 2021 meeting. CTV News reported on 9-Oct-2021 that the City Clerk will be recommending a by-election with a 24-Jan-2022 election date. 

Based on these trade-offs and a limited time window to influence the City of Ottawa’s decision, the KBCA (along with other local Community and Business Associations) has signed a letter of support for appointing Marianne Wilkinsons as the interim Councillor, based on her understanding of the issues and experience at City Hall. In addition, former Councillor Wilkinson has agreed, with the limitation, that she will not run for election in fall 2022.

The letter sent by the local Associations to the City is (letter)

The following outlines background on the by-election option based on past Ottawa elections and by-elections - What can be expected for a Kanata North by-election

Feel free to disagree.

Anyone can provide input to the City’s decision. 

If you wish to have your opinion heard by all Councillors (prior to their vote), you can write an email directly.

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