Stéphanie Plante fends off challenger to win Rideau-Vanier

Incumbent Stéphanie Plante thanks supporters as they wait for Rideau-Vanier councillour result. Photo by Micki Lam /Special to the Citizen

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In one of the tighter election results of the Ottawa municipal election, Stéphanie Plante will return as city councillor for Rideau-Vanier.

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The incumbent won with 54 per cent of votes, besting popular former OCDSB trustee Lyra Evans, who finished with 33 per cent of the vote.

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The room erupted in cheers at the back of sports bar Father and Sons, as Plante celebrated her win with dozens of supporters.

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“This is where it all started, so it’s only fitting that we finished our campaign here,” Plante said, surrounded by her friends and family. “Look at all the people here. You are the ones who made it happen.”

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The crowd congratulated the incumbent over mozzarella sticks and beers, sitting on wooden booths with her bright yellow campaign signs taped to them.

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Plante, who narrowly won the seat in 2022, has been an Ottawa resident for over 20 years and has served on multiple committees citywide, including as vice-chair of the Built Heritage Committee and chair of the French Language Services Committee.

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“There’s more people this time. Everybody’s a little more seasoned,” said Plante. “My head is already onto the next thing. I have people who want things done and I’m just hoping to do the ward some good.”

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Homelessness remains one of the key issues in the Rideau-Vanier, which includes the ByWard Market, along with the neighbourhoods of Lowertown, Sandy Hill and Vanier. In her campaign, Plante tied the issue to mental health, calling for funding from higher levels of government for health care and transitional housing instead of shelters.

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Earlier this year, Plante announced plans for the transformation of the former Shepherds of Good Hope emergency shelter into a permanent supportive housing.

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The ward was one of the more contested seats in the city, with five other candidates competing for the role. Other issues addressed in the candidates’ campaigns were housing, affordability and public transportation.

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Even after months of hard campaigning, the work doesn’t end for the councillor and mother. On how she’ll celebrate, Plante jokes: “I got to put all the laundry away. And I have something I want to put in the crockpot.”

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ELECTION RESULTS FROM MORE OTTAWA WARDS:

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