Farah Gulzar
Independent for Ward 17 Councillor
Businesses & Jobs
Artificial Intelligence & Data Centres
“Support transparent municipal planning and public reporting for AI and data-centre developments.”
Business Permitting
“Streamline business permitting through clear requirements, digital services and predictable timelines.”
Economic Growth
“Support local businesses, workforce development and infrastructure that enables sustainable economic activity
Tourism
Support initiatives that strengthen Ottawa’s tourism economy and attract visitors to local businesses.
Climate Change, Heat, Fires, & the Environment
Artificial Intelligence & Data Centres
“Support transparent municipal planning and public reporting for AI and data-centre developments.”
Private Vehicles & Parking
“Improve parking availability and management while supporting residents and local businesses.”
Zoning
“Support clear, predictable zoning that enables appropriate housing growth while respecting existing communities.”
Culture & Events
Festivals & Events
Support accessible, well-organized community festivals and events that reflect Ottawa’s diverse communities.
Public Art
Support public art that improves community spaces and reflects local culture
Tourism
Support initiatives that strengthen Ottawa’s tourism economy and attract visitors to local businesses.
Housing & Homelessness
Affordability
“Support policies that increase the supply of affordable rental and ownership housing while improving transparency around housing costs and municipal approvals.”
“Support policies that increase the supply of affordable rental and ownership housing while improving transparency around housing costs and municipal approvals.”
Building Maintenance & Occupant Health
“Support policies that increase the supply of affordable rental and ownership housing while improving transparency around housing costs and municipal approvals.”
Homelessness
“Support coordinated services that help people access stable housing and essential supports.
Housing Accessibility
“Improve access to safe, affordable and accessible housing for residents with different needs.”
Indigenous-Led Housing
“Support Indigenous-led housing initiatives in accordance with applicable municipal responsibilities and partnerships.”
Property Taxes
“Keep property-tax increases below inflation whenever possible, while maintaining essential municipal services.”
Public & Assistive Housing
“Expand access to safe, affordable and accessible public and supportive housing
Rent & Rental Stock
“Support the creation and preservation of affordable rental housing and a diverse supply of rental homes
Zoning
“Support clear, predictable zoning that enables appropriate housing growth while respecting existing communities.”
Human Rights
Human Rights Abroad
Support human rights and dignity through respectful community engagement and civic education.”
Physical Accessibility
“Improve accessibility of sidewalks, public buildings, transit and other municipal spaces for people with disabilities
Recent Immigrants
“Improve access to municipal services, information and community resources for newcomers.”
Local Government, Planning, & Democracy
Mental Health, Drugs, & Addiction
Mental Health Crisis Response
“Expand access to timely, community-based crisis response and support services.”
Overdoses & the Contaminated Drug Supply
“Support evidence-based harm-reduction, prevention and emergency-response services to reduce overdose deaths.”
Treatment for Addiction
“Improve access to timely, affordable addiction treatment, recovery and support services.”
Public Safety & Policing
Public Spaces & Services
Reconciliation & Indigenous Nations
Transit & Getting Around
Private Vehicles & Parking
“Improve parking availability and management while supporting residents and local businesses.”
Sidewalks & Bike Paths
“Invest in safe, accessible, well-maintained sidewalks and bike paths.”
Transit Projects
“Improve reliable, affordable transit service and connections across Ottawa.”
Biography
submitted by the candidate or their team
Farah Gulzar is a community advocate dedicated to supporting families, seniors, youth, and residents facing barriers. She is running for practical, accountable local government focused on safer streets affordable housing, and transparency at City Hall.
Farah Gulzar is a community advocate and candidate for Ottawa City Council in Ward 17. She has spent many years supporting families, women, children, seniors, and residents facing barriers in the community.
Farah is not a career politician she is a community member who decided to step forward because she believes residents deserve to be heard and represented. Her approach is practical and community-focused, with priorities including safer streets and sidewalks, affordable housing, better parks and public facilities, cleaner public spaces, support for seniors and youth, and greater transparency and accountability at City Hall.
Farah believes local government should listen to residents, communicate clearly, follow through on commitments, and make responsible use of public funds. Her goal is to bring the voices and everyday concerns of Ward 17 residents directly to City Hall.
Reason for running
submitted by the candidate or their team
I am running to bring practical, accountable and community-focused leadership to Ottawa. I want to focus on affordability, housing, safer streets, better infrastructure, accessible services, and transparent decision-making while listening.