Kitchissippi Ward Candidate Questionnaire: Where the Candidates Stand on Wellington West

With Ottawa’s 2026 municipal election approaching, the Wellington West BIA invited all four certified candidates for Kitchissippi Ward to respond to a series of questions focused specifically on the issues affecting our local business community.

Wellington West is a diverse and growing commercial district that depends on safe streets, reliable City services, thoughtful development, accessible parking, well-maintained public spaces and a strong environment for independent businesses.

We wanted our members and the broader community to have an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates about their priorities, proposed actions and commitments to Wellington West.

All candidates were sent the same 15 questions and asked to respond by September 28.

The four certified candidates for Kitchissippi Ward are Joanne Chianello, Subhir Uppal, Brian Innes and Xavier Commerford.

Brian Innes and Subhir Uppal submitted responses to the questionnaire. Joanne Chianello responded to the BIA but did not directly answer the individual questions, instead directing readers to information about her priorities and positions on her website. The City of Ottawa did not provide contact information for Xavier Commerford.

The responses below are presented for public information. Candidate responses have not been evaluated, ranked or endorsed by the Wellington West BIA.

1. Paid Parking

What is your position on the introduction or expansion of paid parking in Wellington West? Please explain how you would balance the needs of businesses, residents, visitors, and the City’s transportation objectives.

Brian Innes

Our main street is one road, but it has three names and a lot of diversity. I’ve spoken to residents and businesses. People express real frustration about not being able to exit their driveways. People express real frustration about not being able to navigate their street, especially in the winter. People express real frustration about how the system is operating. These are things we can fix with accountability and a councillor advocating for our community’s needs. I support reviewing how paid parking is working for businesses, and neighbours.

Joanne Chianello

Did not directly respond to this question. Joanne Chianello directed readers to her website for more information on her priorities and positions.

Subhir Uppal

I led the charge against paid parking in Wellington West because it penalizes customers, workers and small businesses. It increases the cost of shopping locally and getting to work, and creates another barrier for independent businesses trying to attract customers. I will continue to stand up for affordable, convenient access to our local business district. I will oppose further expansion unless meaningful consultation with the BIA, businesses and residents demonstrates strong local support. I will also seek a review of existing paid parking, including its effects on customer access, employee parking, turnover and nearby residential streets. Proposed changes must include public information on costs, alternatives and expected impacts. I believe we can support local commerce while managing curb space responsibly. My priorities are accessible parking, dependable loading and delivery access, quick visits, appropriate longer stays and protection of residential needs. I will also advocate for reliable transit and safe walking and cycling connections so people have convenient choices for reaching Wellington West.

Xavier Commerford

The City of Ottawa did not provide contact information for Xavier Commerford.

2. 15-Minute Free Parking

Will you advocate for a 15-minute free-parking option in Wellington West to support quick visits to local businesses? Why or why not?

Brian Innes

It’s a great idea – I’d like to understand how it will work.

Joanne Chianello

Did not directly respond to this question. Joanne Chianello directed readers to her website for more information on her priorities and positions.

Subhir Uppal

Yes. I support a 15-minute free-parking option and will advocate for a six-month pilot at selected Wellington West locations. Picking up a prescription, collecting takeout or making a quick purchase should be simple and affordable. A well-designed short-stay option can improve convenience and support customer turnover. I will work with the BIA and City parking staff to identify suitable locations, clear signage and a simple registration process that accommodates people without smartphones. I will seek a published evaluation of use, space availability, business feedback and costs, and advocate for continuation or expansion where the pilot demonstrates a benefit.

Xavier Commerford

The City of Ottawa did not provide contact information for Xavier Commerford.

3. Three-Hour Parking

Will you advocate for increasing the current on-street parking time limit to three hours in appropriate areas of Wellington West? Why or why not?

Brian Innes

I’d like to better understand the concerns of businesses and residents, and how the current system is operating. A review of how the system has worked in the last year will be important to inform the best path forward.

Joanne Chianello

Did not directly respond to this question. Joanne Chianello directed readers to her website for more information on her priorities and positions.

Subhir Uppal

Yes. I support three-hour parking in appropriate locations because customers should be able to enjoy a meal, attend an appointment or visit several businesses without rushing back to move their vehicle. I will work with the BIA and City staff to identify suitable blocks using occupancy, turnover and business feedback. The plan must protect quick-stop spaces, loading areas and accessible parking, while considering residential pressures and employee parking needs. I will advocate for a pilot with clear signs and a published evaluation. We should assess parking rates and time limits separately, and adjust the pilot where longer stays reduce access to the spaces businesses rely on most.

Xavier Commerford

The City of Ottawa did not provide contact information for Xavier Commerford.

4. City-led Funding Opportunities

Wellington West was not included in the City of Ottawa’s recent application to the Local Impact Stream of the federal Building Communities Strong Fund.

What will you do to ensure Wellington West is considered in future City-led funding applications and economic-development opportunities?

Will you commit to establishing a process whereby the BIA is consulted when funding opportunities arise that could materially benefit Wellington West?

Brian Innes

I will support the effort of the BIA, their staff team and executive director, as well as their broader network through the Ottawa Coalition of Business Improvement Associations and their Chief Advocate.

Joanne Chianello

Did not directly respond to this question. Joanne Chianello directed readers to her website for more information on her priorities and positions.

Subhir Uppal

Yes. Wellington West deserves timely consideration for City-led investment, and the BIA must have a meaningful opportunity to help shape proposals. I will request a written explanation of how the City selected projects for its recent application, whether Wellington West projects were considered and what is needed to strengthen future submissions. I will advocate for a standing City process that gives affected BIAs early notice of relevant opportunities, a reasonable window to submit priorities and a clear explanation of selection criteria and decisions. My office will convene quarterly funding-planning meetings with the BIA and relevant staff. Together, we will maintain a prioritized project list with preliminary costs, public benefits, eligibility requirements, matching contributions and readiness milestones. I will use that preparation to advance Wellington West proposals when suitable funding intakes open, including future opportunities under the Build Communities Strong Fund.

Xavier Commerford

The City of Ottawa did not provide contact information for Xavier Commerford.

5. Provincial / Federal / Private Sector Funding

What provincial, federal, or private-sector funding opportunities would you pursue to bring additional investment to Wellington West?

Brian Innes

I will support the effort of the BIA members, their staff team and executive director as feasible and appropriate.

Joanne Chianello

Did not directly respond to this question. Joanne Chianello directed readers to her website for more information on her priorities and positions.

Subhir Uppal

I will actively pursue investment that supports local businesses, improves public spaces and brings people into Wellington West. With the BIA, I will match priority projects to suitable programs and partners as eligible intakes become available: ·         Federal funding: Future Local Impact Stream opportunities under the Build Communities Strong Fund for eligible public infrastructure, and Canadian Heritage’s Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program for qualifying local arts and heritage festivals. ·         Provincial funding: Future Experience Ontario intakes for eligible tourism festivals and events, together with relevant infrastructure and accessibility opportunities as they are announced. ·         Tourism partnerships: Ottawa Tourism’s Destination Development Fund for eligible visitor experiences and collaborative projects that encourage local spending. ·         Private investment: Voluntary partnerships with property owners, employers, financial institutions and sponsors for events, public art and public-space improvements, with transparent agreements and clear maintenance responsibilities. I support bringing back Westfest. I will bring the BIA, prospective organizers, arts partners and sponsors together to develop a viable relaunch plan with a realistic budget, suitable venue and sustainable funding strategy. We will assess grant eligibility for that plan on its own merits. For every proposal, I will help identify eligibility requirements, matching contributions and ongoing costs, and work with City staff, our MP and our MPP to advance viable applications.

Xavier Commerford

The City of Ottawa did not provide contact information for Xavier Commerford.

6. Public Safety and Police Presence

Businesses in Wellington West are reporting increasing concerns related to theft, public drug use, disruptive behaviour, and employee and customer safety.

Additional police resources have been deployed in some neighbouring downtown areas. What specific public-safety measures will you advocate for in Wellington West, including police presence, community outreach, crisis-response resources, or other supports?

If elected, how will you measure whether those interventions are working?

Brian Innes

Social services, such as affordable housing and support for those on our streets with mental health and addiction challenges are part of what’s needed for our city. So too is law enforcement, such as the community policing model that allows officers to know our neighbourhoods. As councillor, I’ll support those who need our support by expanding the Alternative Neighbourhood Crises Response (ANCHOR) program and community policing to keep our community safe. To monitor how efforts are working, I’ll meet regularly with the BIA, our police liaison as well as service providers like ANCHOR.

Joanne Chianello

Did not directly respond to this question. Joanne Chianello directed readers to her website for more information on her priorities and positions.

Subhir Uppal

Business owners, employees and customers deserve to feel safe in Wellington West. I will advocate for a coordinated safety plan that reflects reported incidents, business operating hours and conditions at recurring problem locations. My priorities include visible foot or bicycle patrols where warranted, a regular police liaison with the BIA and focused attention to repeat theft, threats and drug trafficking. I will also press for accessible crisis response and outreach, better lighting and prompt removal of hazardous materials. I will engage police leadership on operational concerns and the Police Services Board on resources and priorities. With the BIA and partner agencies, I will establish a baseline and seek quarterly reporting on repeat incidents, response times, business losses and employee perceptions of safety. We will assess changes in reporting alongside these measures and use the results to identify where interventions need to improve.

Xavier Commerford

The City of Ottawa did not provide contact information for Xavier Commerford.

7. Business and Employee Safety

Wellington West business owners and employees are increasingly encountering individuals experiencing serious mental-health, addiction, and homelessness-related challenges inside and around their businesses.

What specific actions will you take to improve safety for business owners, employees, customers, and the broader community?

Please identify the municipal, provincial, health, police, or community partners you would engage and explain what role you believe the ward councillor should play in coordinating that response.

Brian Innes

Social services, such as affordable housing and support for those on our streets with mental health and addiction challenges are part of what’s needed for our city. So too is law enforcement, such as the community policing model that allows officers to know our neighbourhoods. As councillor, I’ll support those who need our support by expanding the Alternative Neighbourhood Crises Response (ANCHOR) program and community policing to keep our community safe. As councillor, I will bring together partners such as the ANCHOR program, the Somerset West Community Health Centre, housing partners such as Salus, provincial agencies responsible for supportive care, our community police officer and police liaison officer to review the situation as necessary. As the local elected official closest to our community, I will lead this effort and bring in our provincial and federal members of Parliament as needed.

Joanne Chianello

Did not directly respond to this question. Joanne Chianello directed readers to her website for more information on her priorities and positions.

Subhir Uppal

I believe businesses need dependable help when situations become unsafe, and people experiencing crisis need access to appropriate care. I will bring together the BIA, Ottawa Police Service, Ottawa Public Health, City housing and social-services staff, Somerset West Community Health Centre, ANCHOR partners and local outreach providers to develop a practical response protocol. That protocol will clarify emergency and non-emergency reporting, access to crisis and outreach services, and ANCHOR referrals through 211 where eligible. I will seek practical safety and de-escalation training for business owners and employees, and ask each partner to identify an escalation contact for recurring concerns. I will engage Ontario Health and the provincial government on treatment capacity and continuity of care. My office will coordinate partner meetings, track commitments and escalate unresolved service gaps. I will use the councillor’s convening and advocacy role to strengthen cooperation while respecting each agency’s professional responsibilities.

Xavier Commerford

The City of Ottawa did not provide contact information for Xavier Commerford.

8. Impacts of Health and Social-Service Providers

The BIA and its members have experienced significant community-safety concerns in areas surrounding some health and social-service providers, including public drug use, drug trafficking, discarded needles and drug paraphernalia, theft, and disruptive behaviour.

What responsibility do you believe the City, service providers, and ward councillor have to monitor and respond to neighbourhood impacts associated with these services?

Will you commit to establishing a regular process involving service providers, the BIA, residents, Ottawa Public Health, Ottawa Police Service, and other relevant agencies to identify concerns, track impacts, and implement corrective measures when necessary?

Brian Innes

Primary responsibility to respond to concerns rests with service providers such as the Needle Hunters program, first responders such as our police and others closest to those in need. As the local elected official closest to our community, I will be active in advocating for our community and bringing together partners when needed.

Joanne Chianello

Did not directly respond to this question. Joanne Chianello directed readers to her website for more information on her priorities and positions.

Subhir Uppal

Yes. I believe neighbourhood safety and access to essential care are shared responsibilities that require active coordination. I will establish a regular forum involving service providers, the BIA, residents, Ottawa Public Health, Ottawa Police Service and relevant City departments, beginning with monthly meetings. I will seek clear commitments from providers on neighbourhood contacts, complaint handling, site management and safe disposal of hazardous materials. I will press the City to coordinate cleanup, outreach and municipal services, and raise suspected criminal activity with police. My office will maintain an action log that records concerns, supporting evidence, responsible agencies, agreed deadlines and follow-up. This will help partners understand where problems are occurring, assess their causes and respond consistently. When measures are ineffective, I will request a documented corrective plan and escalate unresolved concerns to the responsible agency or funder. Businesses and residents deserve clear answers, timely action and evidence that conditions are improving.

Xavier Commerford

The City of Ottawa did not provide contact information for Xavier Commerford.

9. Supporting Small Business

What are your top three specific ideas for strengthening the City of Ottawa’s support for small businesses?

For each, please identify what you would seek to accomplish during your term and how you would work with BIAs and local businesses to advance it.

Brian Innes

I will listen to the priorities expressed by the BIA, the Ottawa Coalition of Business Improvement Associations and their Chief Advocate as well as the Ottawa Board of Trade. For example, I have heard about the importance of reasonable patio fees for our restaurants. I have also heard about the importance of efficient service delivery by the city so that processes move at the speed of business.I will regularly attend BIA meetings, and work collaboratively to advance priorities where possible.

Joanne Chianello

Did not directly respond to this question. Joanne Chianello directed readers to her website for more information on her priorities and positions.

Subhir Uppal

1.    Make City approvals easier to navigate. I will designate a business contact in my office and work with BIAs and owners to identify recurring delays involving permits, patios, signs and licenses. During my term, I will advocate for published processing expectations and keep a record of unresolved cases so my office can follow up and escalate delays. 2.    Protect business access during construction. I will advocate for business-access plans before major City projects begin, covering safe pedestrian routes, deliveries, accessible entry and clear open-for-business signs. With the BIA, I will seek a coordinated construction calendar and a named City contact for each project. My office will track access concerns through to resolution.  3.    Help businesses and BIAs secure investment. I will maintain a funding-opportunity calendar with the BIA, convene quarterly project-planning meetings and seek City assistance with eligible applications. During my term, I will report on applications supported, projects advanced and funding secured, while supporting events and visitor experiences that generate local spending.

Xavier Commerford

The City of Ottawa did not provide contact information for Xavier Commerford.

10. BIA Levy Transparency

The City of Ottawa does not currently provide BIAs with sufficient tax-roll information to independently confirm that BIA levies are being assessed and collected correctly.

Will you commit to working with City staff to establish an appropriate and transparent mechanism that allows BIAs to verify their levy base and confirm that assessments and collections are accurate?

If elected, what action would you take to advance this issue?

Brian Innes

I will support the effort of the BIA, their staff team and executive director, as well as their broader network through the Ottawa Coalition of Business Improvement Associations and their Chief Advocate.

Joanne Chianello

Did not directly respond to this question. Joanne Chianello directed readers to her website for more information on her priorities and positions.

Subhir Uppal

Yes. I strongly support a transparent, reliable process that allows BIAs to verify their levy base and identify errors. Early in my term, I will bring the City Treasurer, revenue staff and BIA representatives together to define the information needed and the lawful arrangements for sharing it. I will advocate for a standard annual reconciliation covering levy boundaries, eligible property classes, the assessment base, exemptions, rates and adjustments. I will seek secure access to legally shareable property-level assessment and levy-calculation information, supported by appropriate aggregate reporting on collections and remittances. The process must protect personal information and provide a documented route for reviewing discrepancies and correcting confirmed errors. I will request a staff report with implementation options and timelines, and bring any required policy changes to the appropriate committee or Council.

Xavier Commerford

The City of Ottawa did not provide contact information for Xavier Commerford.

11. City Maintenance Standards

The City of Ottawa has Council-approved Maintenance Quality Standards (MQS), yet Wellington West businesses continue to report deficiencies in services such as sidewalk sweeping, streetscape maintenance, and general upkeep.

Will you commit to working with the BIA and City staff to establish a clearly documented set of service expectations for Wellington West, based on existing City standards, and to regularly report on whether those standards are being met?

When City service standards are not met, what role do you believe the ward councillor should play in ensuring corrective action is taken?

Brian Innes

I will support the efforts of BIA members, their staff team and executive director.I will regularly attend BIA meetings, and support BIA staff to advocate for solutions when deficiencies are identified.

Joanne Chianello

Did not directly respond to this question. Joanne Chianello directed readers to her website for more information on her priorities and positions.

Subhir Uppal

Yes. Reliable maintenance is a basic City responsibility and directly affects safety, accessibility and the customer experience. I will work with the BIA and Public Works staff to document the current standards that apply to Wellington West, the responsible departments, maintenance schedules and reporting procedures. The document will address sidewalk and street cleaning, litter, winter maintenance and relevant streetscape services. I will seek clarification wherever an applicable standard is unclear and advocate for Council-approved improvements where existing expectations are inadequate. My office will maintain a quarterly summary of completed work, missed standards and outstanding requests. When a standard is missed, I will seek an explanation, a corrective schedule and confirmation of completion. I will raise persistent shortfalls with senior management and pursue the necessary committee or budget action.

Xavier Commerford

The City of Ottawa did not provide contact information for Xavier Commerford.

12. Streetscape Assets and Accountability

Wellington West has experienced significant deterioration of public-realm assets, including street lamps, sidewalks and pavers, bike racks, trees, and other streetscape infrastructure.

The BIA has spent considerable time identifying deficiencies, reporting them to the City, and following up with multiple departments to have them addressed.

Will you commit to participating in an annual walkthrough of Wellington West with the BIA and relevant City staff to identify and document deficiencies, assign departmental responsibility, establish timelines for repairs or replacement, and review outstanding items from the previous year?

Will you also commit to a regular follow-up process throughout the year so unresolved issues do not remain outstanding indefinitely?

Brian Innes

Yes, I will gladly participate in an annual walkthrough. By regularly attending BIA meetings, I will be informed of ongoing needs and be able to support BIA staff in their efforts.

Joanne Chianello

Did not directly respond to this question. Joanne Chianello directed readers to her website for more information on her priorities and positions.

Subhir Uppal

Yes. I will participate in an annual spring walkthrough with the BIA and relevant City staff, followed by a fall review of outstanding items. Regular follow-up will be a standing responsibility of my office. I will work with the BIA and staff on a shared repair tracker covering lamps, sidewalks, pavers, bike racks, trees and other streetscape assets. Each entry will identify the location, responsible department or owner, priority, agreed target date and current status. My office will immediately escalate urgent hazards through the appropriate City reporting process. We will review overdue items monthly and seek explanations and revised schedules for delays. Where work depends on a larger capital project, I will request clear information on timing and interim measures. My office will keep items open until completion is confirmed and provide the BIA with regular progress updates.

Xavier Commerford

The City of Ottawa did not provide contact information for Xavier Commerford.

13. Downtown Funding and Investment

The area of Wellington West around Loretta Avenue and Gladstone Avenue is identified as part of the “Downtown Core” in the City’s planning framework, yet Wellington West has not benefited from the same level of downtown-focused funding and programming received by several other central-area BIAs.

With significant development anticipated in this area in the coming years, what specific actions will you take to ensure Wellington West is included in future City funding, economic-development, infrastructure, and placemaking initiatives before major construction begins, and how will you advocate for Wellington West to receive its fair share of municipal funding and infrastructure investment?

Brian Innes

I will support the efforts of BIA members, their staff team and executive director, as well as their broader network through the Ottawa Coalition of Business Improvement Associations and their Chief Advocate.I will regularly attend BIA meetings, and support BIA staff to advocate for solutions when needed.

Joanne Chianello

Did not directly respond to this question. Joanne Chianello directed readers to her website for more information on her priorities and positions.

Subhir Uppal

Wellington West deserves investment that reflects its growth, infrastructure needs and contribution to Ottawa’s economy. I will advocate for its explicit inclusion in relevant downtown economic-development, infrastructure and placemaking initiatives. I will ask staff to map applicable program boundaries, explain exclusions affecting the Loretta–Gladstone area and identify opportunities to include eligible projects. Before major construction begins, I will work with the BIA, residents and City staff on a prioritized investment plan for safe connections, lighting, trees, public spaces and business access. I will bring those priorities into capital-budget discussions, funding applications and development-related infrastructure planning. I will advocate for BIA participation in downtown revitalization planning and early consultation on construction schedules. My office will track proposed investments, funding decisions and delivery milestones so Wellington West can assess whether commitments are translating into improvements.

Xavier Commerford

The City of Ottawa did not provide contact information for Xavier Commerford.

14. The Next Four Years

Beyond the issues identified above, what do you believe is the single greatest challenge facing Wellington West over the next four years, and what would you do as ward councillor to address it?

Brian Innes

More people and more density are already straining city services and infrastructure that help make Kitchissippi the best place to live, work and play. As councillor, I’ll be the voice for the services and infrastructure we need from City Hall. I'll work alongside other councillors and the mayor to deliver solutions for our growing community.

Joanne Chianello

Did not directly respond to this question. Joanne Chianello directed readers to her website for more information on her priorities and positions.

Subhir Uppal

The greatest challenge is ensuring that independent businesses can remain viable as Wellington West grows and changes. I believe new investment should strengthen the shops, services and gathering places that give this community its identity. I will work with the BIA on a business-retention program that identifies pressures early by combining information on openings, closures and vacancies with regular conversations with owners. My office will help address avoidable municipal delays and costs, connect businesses with eligible support and raise emerging pressures before they become closures. Through planning discussions and voluntary partnerships with property owners, I will encourage commercial spaces suited to independent businesses. I will also support events and initiatives that introduce new residents to local businesses. My goal is a district where established and new enterprises can remain, adapt and grow together.

Xavier Commerford

The City of Ottawa did not provide contact information for Xavier Commerford.

15. Closing Question

Complete this sentence: “By the end of my term, Wellington West will be known for _____________________________.”

Brian Innes

Being the best place in the city to live, work and play!

Joanne Chianello

Did not directly respond to this question. Joanne Chianello directed readers to her website for more information on her priorities and positions.

Subhir Uppal

By the end of my term, Wellington West will be known for thriving independent businesses, safe and welcoming streets, and a City Hall that follows through.

Xavier Commerford

The City of Ottawa did not provide contact information for Xavier Commerford.

Learn More About the Candidates

The Wellington West BIA encourages residents and businesses to learn more about all four candidates and their broader platforms before the October 26 municipal election.

Joanne Chianello directed the BIA to her website, including her Vibrant Main Streets platform, for additional information on her priorities.

Candidate websites and contact information for certified candidates are also available through the City of Ottawa’s official Kitchissippi Ward candidate listing.

The Wellington West BIA does not endorse any candidate. This questionnaire was developed to give our members and community an opportunity to hear directly from candidates on issues affecting Wellington West’s businesses and commercial district.