Free transit for seniors, affordable housing make up latest Watson platform promises
Posted Oct 18, 2018 11:03:00 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The latest campaign announcement from mayor Jim Watson calls for more affordable housing, a dedicated council liaison to fight for women's issues and free transit for seniors on Sunday.
The release promises an affordable and inclusive city for all residents.
Watson announced that his first priority, should he be elected, would be to get new affordable housing units along the Light Rail line.
Part of his campaign promise includes advocating for Inclusionary Zoning regulations that would make it easier to get affordable housing built with all new developments in Ottawa.
Watson vowed to provide no-charge transit services to seniors on Sunday. The city already offers free service on Wednesdays. The cost for adding another day is approximately $100,000 per year but Watson explained it helps get seniors out of their home to take part in social outings.
The other plank in the platform, includes plans to appoint a council liaison on women's issues that would advocate for women. Watson explained that he has a goal of appointing women to 50 per cent of the agency boards and advisory committees, but would not commit to creating a women's bureau at city hall.
Voters will head to the polls on October 22.
