Rawlson King Answers CTV News Voter Survey Ahead of October 26 Municipal Election
Councillor Rawlson King shares his positions on transit, public safety, infrastructure, and the issues shaping Rideau-Rockcliffe, along with a closer look at the person behind the public service.
OTTAWA, Ontario, September 13, 2026. As part of CTV News' voter survey ahead of the October 26 municipal election, Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward 13 Councillor Rawlson King submitted his responses on the issues that matter most to residents, from transit fares and public safety to infrastructure investment and the unique challenges facing one of Ottawa's most diverse wards.
Rawlson King's CTV News segment
On the Issues
Political experience
First elected during a historic by-election in April 2019, I was re-elected in October 2022. I served as Deputy Mayor in 2024 and acted as Chair of the Built Heritage Committee this Term of Council. I have served on the Community Services, Environment and Climate Change, and Finance and Corporate Services committees. I’ve also served on the Board of Health, Library Board, Police Services Board and as a Board member of the Climate Action Fund and the local Business Improvement Area (BIA).
Professional experience
Before entering municipal politics, I was an entrepreneur who ultimately built a successful career in communication, market research, international trade and the high-technology sector.
How long have you lived in Ottawa?
Over 30 years
Favourite Ottawa location/landmark
The Rockeries in Rockcliffe Park
What was the last book you read?
“Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump” by Maggie Haberman & Jonathan Swan
What is the top song in your playlist?
“Redemption Song” by Bob Marley
How often do you use OC Transpo?
On average, I use OC Transpo twice to three times a week, including the LRT.
Would you work to increase or decrease transit fares as part of a plan to improve OC Transpo?
I would not support fare increases as a solution to OC Transpo’s challenges. We need to focus on improving service reliability and frequency first. Ridership grows when people trust the system. I support exploring fare structures that make transit more accessible and affordable, particularly for low-income residents, seniors, and youth.
Would you support increasing the police budget?
I believe in evidence-based public safety investment. Rather than simply increasing the police budget, I support ensuring resources are balanced and directed where they are most effective: including investing in social services, mental health supports, and community programs that address the root causes of crime and reduce demand on police.
Do you support an infrastructure levy to improve road and sewer infrastructure?
Ottawa faces a significant infrastructure deficit, and we cannot ignore the backlog of road and sewer repairs. While I have been successful in securing $400 million in infrastructure for Ward 13, I am open to examining dedicated infrastructure funding mechanisms, provided they are transparent, accountable, and implemented in a way that is fair to residents and does not disproportionately burden those with lower incomes.
The Biggest Issues in Rideau-Rockcliffe
Rideau-Rockcliffe is one of Ottawa's most diverse wards, stretching from New Edinburgh, Manor Park, Overbrook, Cummings and Rockcliffe Park. That diversity is our greatest strength, but it also means our residents face very different challenges.
Affordability and housing are top concerns. Many long-time residents are facing rising costs, rents and displacement. We need thoughtful development that adds housing supply while protecting the character of our neighbourhoods.
Transit reliability matters deeply. Residents depend on OC Transpo to get to work, school, and appointments. LRT and bus service failures over recent years have shaken public confidence, and restoring trust in the system is essential.
Community safety is also a priority. I believe in a holistic approach: supporting our police service while balancing investments in youth programming, mental health services, and social supports that help prevent crime before it occurs.
Finally, infrastructure in parts of the ward is aging and is in need of renewal. From roads and sidewalks to parks and community facilities, we must invest strategically to serve all residents equitably.
I am committed to addressing all these challenges in a way that is balanced, responsive, and genuinely representative of every corner of Rideau-Rockcliffe.