On Monday, October 5, 2026, OakWood Design-Build welcomed Mayor Mark Sutcliffe to our Design Studio at 865 Taylor Creek Drive in Orléans, where he announced his economic growth platform ahead of Ottawa’s October 26 municipal election.
For a family business with roots in Ottawa dating to 1956, the discussion connected directly with our work: local jobs, local suppliers, and the homes and neighbourhoods that serve this city’s residents.
Why We Hosted
Our Design Studio is where clients explore the design ideas, materials, and finishes that will shape their projects. Recognized with the CHBA National Award for Design/Decor Centre, the Taylor Creek Drive facility provided a practical setting for a conversation about investment and Ottawa’s growth.
We were pleased to make the space available. Hosting the announcement gave us an opportunity to welcome discussion about issues that matter to our employees, trade partners, suppliers, and clients. Our participation was as the event’s host.
What Was Announced
As reported in CTV News Ottawa’s coverage, Sutcliffe outlined proposals to strengthen Ottawa’s economy if re-elected. His published economic platform provides further detail. Key priorities include:
- Trade with Gatineau. Work with Gatineau and provincial and federal governments to reduce barriers to trade and talent mobility.
- Visitors and investment. Pursue more direct flights and major events, and host an Ottawa-Gatineau investment summit in 2027.
- Buying local. Encourage local shopping and review City procurement to favour local and Canadian purchasing wherever possible.
- Neighbourhood employment. Propose an Eastern Economic Council and an Orléans Town Centre economic district, alongside a Barrhaven town centre plan and suburban and rural initiatives.
- Skilled trades. Develop a workforce plan with apprenticeship opportunities and a fair wage policy for municipally procured projects.
- Main street renewal. Connect entrepreneurs with vacant storefronts through short term lease matchmaking, support storefront improvements, and streamline approvals for converting vacant buildings.
“With many local businesses suffering from new U.S. tariffs, we must make it easier for them to sell their products in Canada, including just across the river into Quebec,” Sutcliffe said in the statement reported by CTV.
Why It Matters to Ottawa Homeowners
A renovation or new home brings together designers, technologists, tradespeople, and suppliers. The strength of those businesses and the availability of skilled people matter to the work homeowners are planning.
At OakWood, we coordinate those contributions through The OakWood Design-Build Process®, bringing planning, design, and construction together within one accountable team. That connection helps clients consider how their design choices affect the scope and investment required for their project.
Whatever the election outcome, our work continues: helping Ottawa homeowners make informed decisions and bringing their projects from plans into completed spaces.
Thank You
We thank Mayor Sutcliffe, his team, the attending media, and our staff for making the event possible.
If the announcement introduced you to our Design Studios, we invite you to see them for yourself. Visit us in Orléans or the Glebe to explore materials, discuss your renovation or custom home, and understand the next steps with our team.
Designed for Your Life. Built for Generations.