In April of 2025, I made the decision to run for city councilor in a by-election in Ottawa (Osgoode – Ward 20).
I had never run for office before. I didn’t even live in the Ward I was planning on running in.
But I ran anyway.
And it was the best decision.
Here are a few lessons I’ve learned
1. Don’t Overthink It
This was a difficult lesson to learn. If you’re a chronic overthinker like me, the only advice I can give you is to make micro-decisions that build, like a snowball, until the only choice is to move forward. When the Ontario provincial election was called in the winter, something in me said: ‘Pay attention’. I researched the candidates and found that the former city councillor of Osgoode-Ward 20 put his name in the hat to become an MPP. When the councillor won the provincial election, leaving a vacancy in Osgoode, the same gut feeling: Pay attention.
On March 26th, the City of Ottawa decided to run a by-election in the Ward. The next day, I sent a Whatsapp message to a few friends saying the following:
This conversation served as the seal, marking my intention to run. It’s out in the public, I have to see it through.
I wasn’t able to begin my run for office right away because I was in Southern Ontario working on a Federal campaign (big year for elections in 2025). If you’ve ever worked on a campaign, you know that you don’t have much time to do anything other than work on the campaign. So I didn’t.
The Federal Election was called on Monday, April 28th. The deadline to submit forms to run in Osgoode was Friday, May 2nd. The week went like this:
- Monday – Election Day
- Tuesday – Post-Election Cleanup
- Wednesday – Drive Home
- Thursday – Collect signatures/Fill out Forms
- Friday – Form Submission at Elections Ottawa Office
The first All-Candidates Meeting in Carlsbad Springs was the following Tuesday. In four days, I had to create a platform, my social media channels, my website, my literature pieces, put together a team and prepare my responses for Tuesday.
Had I thought about the steps it would have taken for me to run, I wouldn’t have done it.
Sometimes you have to jump in with both feet.
2. Stand Upright
Once I submitted my paperwork to become a candidate, the City soon after published the names of my competition. There were 11 candidates in total. I did my research, and the biographies of the candidates were beyond impressive. Former councillors, business leaders, community advocates. Their longevity and impact in Osgoode Ward was incredible. So what can I, a non-ward resident, do or say to compel a ward to vote for me? So I got to work, did the research and prepared.
Tuesday, Carlsbad Spring Community Centre. The first debate. My campaign manager was in the crowd as well as my cousin and his wife who live on Boundary Road. Felt like the first day of school. I walked up to the moderator, who had never seen me before.
‘Hi, I’m Dalton, one of the candidates for the by-election’
‘Hello Dalton’, the moderator responded, ‘you’ll be sitting at the front at the table on the left’.
I took my seat, said hello to some of the other candidates, and steadied myself for what was to come.
The night began with candidate introductions. When my name was called, I stepped up to the mic and off to the races we go. Nothing mattered in that moment. Our histories, our accomplishments. It was sharing a vision that would resonate with the residents. We were all equal in that moment. If you see yourself as lesser, you’ve lost.
3. Expect The Unexpected
One of my main forms of outreach was through door-knocking (or canvassing). Having just finished work on a federal campaign, my legs were prepared to continue the doorbell marathon. Some days I had some reinforcements, but I mostly ran solo.
Osgoode residents were kind at the doors, hearing my vision, asking questions. On one particularly hot and humid day in late-May, I was canvassing in Metcalfe. After a long conversation with a resident, he asked: It’s really hot, would you like something to drink?
Sweat was beading down my face, so I accepted.
‘Ok, I’ve got Gatorade and Perrier. What would you like?’
‘I’ll have the Gatorade.’
He comes back, and gives me both drinks. ‘Here. It’s gonna be a hot one. Stay hydrated. Good luck.’
I was thankful and floored. During that particular canvass, three other residents offered me a drink throughout the day. Ward 20 has some very kind people!
Some residents didn’t have the time for me. Others slowly peeking through the blinds, seeing my smiling face, then going back to whatever they were doing.
Municipal politics doesn’t receive the same kind of press that a provincial or federal campaign gets. Despite it only being a by-election, residents knew the issues that were most pressing for the ward. I was prepared to answer most of the questions asked and was honest about the issues I needed more information on.
4. Grab The Lessons
On Monday, June 16th, I got together with my team. Over burgers and cake, we refreshed our smartphones to catch the results. After the first set of numbers came in, it was clear that I wasn’t going to represent the good people of Ward 20.
I gave my concession speech and reflected on the past six weeks of mayhem. The people I met, the conversations I had, the pushback I received. Even now, there are things I realized about politics, people and myself that I didn’t know before running.
No regrets. Perhaps one day I’ll have the opportunity to serve in the position of city councillor in the future. For now, I have the memories, stories and lessons from a hectic six weeks.