FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
28 October 2026
Despite Mayoral Result, Horizon Ottawa helps advance progressive representation on council and school boards
Despite Mayoral Result, Horizon Ottawa helps advance progressive representation on council and school boards
OTTAWA – Horizon Ottawa is proud of their work organizing to elect a more progressive council and school board this election. The organization distributed over ten thousand flyers opposing incumbent councillors, garnered over 525,000 views on YouTube ads and raised thousands of dollars from residents across Ottawa to fund its grassroots campaign. These efforts helped put progressive alternatives in front of thousands of Ottawa residents and challenged incumbents who have benefited from significant financial backing from the development industry.
“The incumbents we chose to target have enjoyed immense support from the development industry in previous elections, and our work helps balance the scales by giving everyday residents a chance to have an impact”, said Tom Ledgley, Horizon Ottawa’s coordinator.
Horizon Ottawa’s campaign contributed to a more competitive political landscape, with all three targeted incumbents facing a challenge to their electoral support. Allan Hubley was defeated in Kanata South, while Matt Luloff (Orleans-East Cumberland) and Tim Tierney (Beacon Hill-Cyrville) saw their margins of victory shrink substantially compared with 2022.
Matt Luloff’s support was considerably reduced to just a 12-point margin, down from 59% in 2022. Similarly, Tim Tierney’s margin of support was down to 30 points, much lower than his 68% in the last election. These results represent significant shifts in both wards and demonstrate the impact of our campaign as well as the importance of organizing and ensuring that residents are aware of their councillors voting records.
Progressive candidates made significant gains. Bob Bell, who was endorsed by Horizon, ran a very strong campaign and nearly managed to defeat Luloff in Ward 1. Cathryne Milburn also far-exceeded expectations and substantially narrowed the gap for the Ward 11 race against Tierney. These races were 55% and 85% closer than in 2022 respectively.
Horizon Ottawa also made important gains at the school board level, with five of the organization’s eight endorsed OCDSB trustee candidates elected: John McRae (Zone 1), Emily Quaile (Zone 4), Hilary Clauson (Zone 9), Keelin Pringnitz (Zone 10) and Cathy Varette (Zone 12).
Horizon Ottawa extends its congratulations to all of its recommended and endorsed candidates who won their races, and its gratitude for all the hard work to those who came so close. These results show that there is progressive momentum; Horizon will continue fighting to make this change happen.
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For media requests:
Tom Ledgley
[email protected]
613-663-7018
