Before I decided to run for office, I sat down with the people who have shaped my path, my mentors, and asked them one simple question: Is this the moment? Their answer was unanimous. They know how ambitious I am, but more than that, they know I can do the work. Every one of them encouraged me to take the leap.
For years, I’ve worked alongside decision-makers at the highest levels of government, including three federal ministers and the Office of the Prime Minister. I’ve seen how policies are built and how budgets are shaped. I’ve also seen how one strong voice in the right room can make a real difference for a community.
My name is Elsa Niyongabo, and I’m a candidate for Alta Vista, Ward 18, in the 2026 Municipal Election. I’m running to listen, to serve, and to work alongside the residents of Alta Vista to build a thriving, strong community. Alta Vista gave me so much, and my family still calls it home. Now it’s time to bring everything I’ve learned back to the place where it matters most.
Once elected, I’ll get to work on the issues that matter most to our community. While knocking on doors and speaking with residents, I’ve heard one concern again and again: affordability. Every family deserves a place to call home that is safe, secure, and within reach. Getting there will take all levels of government working together to build faster, build more affordable homes, and protect the affordable homes we already have. I will be a strong voice at City Hall to make sure Alta Vista gets its share of that work.
For some time now, families here have been calling for more school-zone signage and traffic calming near our schools. I will work with the appropriate City services to get that signage in place quickly. I will also push to prioritize road repairs and make sure our infrastructure is safe for everyone who uses it.
Across Ottawa, and in Alta Vista, people have lost confidence in the reliability of our transit system. Our city deserves better. One of my first priorities will be working with my fellow councillors to rebuild the trust of transit riders by delivering service people can count on. In Alta Vista, there is also a serious shortage of bus shelters. Seniors, young people, and families should not be left waiting in the summer heat or the winter snow, and I will fight to change that.
This summer, I attended the Youth Film Festival organized by Herongate youth in collaboration with organizations. One message came through clearly in the short films created by Alta Vista’s young people: there isn’t enough for them to do in our ward. Unlike other wards, Alta Vista has not received the funding needed to expand its community centres. I will work with residents and community centre organizers to understand their needs. Together, we will expand programs and opportunities for youth, strengthen bilingual programming, and enhance services, activities, and supports for seniors.
There is a lot of work ahead, but I know what this community is capable of. Alta Vista’s residents want more, and they deserve more. We have the resources to build more and to build stronger, together.
Contact info
Email: [email protected]
Web address: https://www.elsaniyongabo.ca/