Stittsville Councillor Glen Gower Will Not Run Again in 2026 Election

Stittsville Councillor Glen Gower is stepping down after two terms, saying it's time for new people to lead. This follows a promise he made eight years ago.
By Newsroom | Politics, Ottawa |

Decision Follows Two Terms, Cites Need for New Voices

Glen Gower, the current councillor for Stittsville ward, has announced he will not seek re-election in the upcoming municipal elections. This decision marks the end of his two-term tenure representing the ward. Gower stated that his choice is driven by a belief in the necessity of introducing "new voices and new experience" to city hall. He indicated a commitment to fulfilling the remainder of his current term, focusing on specific projects and encouraging potential successors.

Background and Tenure

Glen Gower was first elected to represent Stittsville ward eight years ago. He was re-elected for a second term, ultimately serving two full terms on city council. His initial election saw him unseat the incumbent Shad Qadri, securing 57.86% of the vote in that election. During his time in office, Gower has held leadership positions, including chair of the transit commission and vice-chair of the planning and housing committee. He also co-chaired the Planning Committee alongside Councillor Scott Moffatt.

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  • First Election: Gower defeated incumbent Shad Qadri in 2018, receiving 57.86% of the vote.

  • Second Term: Re-elected, Gower has served two terms in total.

  • Key Roles: Chaired the transit commission, served as vice-chair of the planning and housing committee, and co-chaired the Planning Committee.

Reasons for Not Seeking Re-election

Gower has explicitly stated his intention to adhere to a promise made during his first campaign to serve only two terms. This principle of limiting tenure appears to be a foundational reason for his decision. Furthermore, he has articulated a belief in the ongoing need for fresh perspectives within municipal government.

"We always need new voices and new experience around the council table." - Glen Gower

The councillor also mentioned his intention to keep a promise made eight years ago to serve only two terms.

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Focus for the Remainder of the Term

With approximately nine months left in his current term, Gower indicated he will concentrate on several key initiatives. These include overseeing existing parks and road safety projects. He also plans to prioritize the development of a health facility intended to serve residents in Kanata and Stittsville, providing primary care services.

Gower has also extended an invitation to any residents interested in running for the councillor position to connect with him during his remaining time in office.

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Previous Priorities and Engagements

During his electoral campaigns, Gower highlighted priorities such as extending Robert Grant Avenue, revitalizing Stittsville Main Street, and addressing the housing crisis. He also expressed support for a strong volunteer fire department.

On the city council, Gower has been involved in policy-shaping roles. His nomination as Vice-Chair of the Planning Committee, alongside a Member-at-large position on the Finance and Economic Development Committee, placed him in a position to influence the city's growth and development strategies. His previous weekly updates have touched on local infrastructure, community events, and various resident inquiries, indicating a hands-on approach to constituent service.

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Expert Analysis and Community Perspectives

The decision by Councillor Gower to step down after two terms aligns with a stated commitment from his initial campaign, suggesting a consistent approach to public service. The emphasis on "new voices" is a common sentiment in political transitions, reflecting a broader dynamic of generational or experiential change in governance. The timing of his announcement, well in advance of the election, allows for potential candidates to prepare and for the community to engage with the prospect of new representation.

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Conclusion and Implications

Glen Gower's decision not to seek re-election signifies a planned transition in Stittsville ward's representation. His departure after two terms, based on a self-imposed limit and a belief in introducing new perspectives, marks the end of his current role. The focus will now shift to the upcoming election, where new candidates will emerge to represent the ward. Gower's stated commitment to completing his current projects and his openness to assisting potential successors suggest a desire for a smooth handover. The development of the health facility and ongoing infrastructure projects will likely remain points of attention as his term concludes.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Stittsville Councillor Glen Gower not running for re-election in 2026?
Councillor Glen Gower has decided not to seek re-election in the upcoming 2026 municipal elections. He has served two full terms, which he promised when he was first elected eight years ago. He believes it is time for new voices and new experience at city hall.
Q: What has Councillor Glen Gower done during his two terms as Councillor for Stittsville?
During his eight years as councillor, Glen Gower served on the transit commission and the planning and housing committee. He also co-chaired the Planning Committee. He was first elected in 2018 and re-elected for a second term.
Q: What will Councillor Gower focus on for the rest of his term in Stittsville?
With about nine months left, Councillor Gower will focus on finishing current projects. These include park and road safety work. He also wants to help with building a new health facility for Kanata and Stittsville.
Q: Has Councillor Gower encouraged others to run for his seat in Stittsville?
Yes, Councillor Gower has invited people who are interested in becoming the next councillor for Stittsville to talk with him. He wants to help make sure there are good candidates for the next election.