Statement on Jim Watson Not Running for Re-Election

OTTAWA - Today, Jim Watson made the long-awaited announcement on his future as Mayor of Ottawa and decided that he would not seek re-election in 2022.

Many residents across the City of Ottawa feel and continue to feel that under his leadership, our city has lagged behind on many important issues - including the housing crisis, climate crisis, overdose epidemic and police violence to name a few.

In fact, this was exactly why we founded Horizon Ottawa in May of 2020. We came together because we wanted to fight for a city free of developer influence and give residents an opportunity to push for change in a meaningful and powerful way. 

Jim Watson's announcement today creates another opportunity for change and for people across Ottawa who want to build a better, more imaginative city and see a bold step forward towards tackling inequalities in our neighbourhoods and communities.

For our part, we are and have been working towards building the largest grassroots movement this city has ever seen and will be working to put that vision into action and help elect a council that will finally work to create the city we all deserve.

Horizon Ottawa Board of Directors

For Media Inquiries:

Sam Hersh

613-663-7018

[email protected]