GOHBA and OREB Put Ottawa’s Housing Priorities Centre Stage in Mayoral Debate

OTTAWA, ON – September 24, 2026 – The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) and the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) co-hosted a mayoral debate today, bringing key questions about housing, development and the future growth of Ottawa directly to the candidates.

Co-moderated by Jason Burggraaf, Executive Director of GOHBA, and Nicole Christy, Chief Executive Officer of OREB, the debate gave GOHBA and OREB members, industry leaders and community stakeholders an opportunity to hear from candidates Alex Lawson, Jeff Leiper, Neil Saravanamuttoo and Mark Sutcliffe ahead of the October 26 municipal election.

The conversation focused on housing supply and affordability, development approvals, infrastructure, responsible growth and the costs and challenges of building in Ottawa.

“Today’s debate put the people who want to shape Ottawa’s next chapter in front of the people building it,” said Burggraaf. “We look forward to continuing our work with the City and the mayor elected for the next term to build the housing and communities that Ottawa needs.”

GOHBA and OREB thank their members for helping ensure that housing and responsible growth remain at the forefront of the municipal election conversation.

“REALTORS® see Ottawa’s housing challenges every day: first-time buyers stretching further, families struggling to find homes that meet their needs and renters facing high costs with too few options,” said Christy. “These pressures affect not only individuals, but Ottawa’s ability to attract workers, support local businesses and remain competitive. Today’s debate moved beyond broad commitments to give candidates an opportunity to outline clear choices, practical actions and measurable outcomes.”

As Ottawa approaches election day, GOHBA and OREB remain focused on working with the City to advance the policies and partnerships needed to build more homes and stronger communities.