Somerset ward to be represented by Ariel Troster

Three candidates ranin Ward 14 Somersetto replace mayoral candidate Catherine McKenney: transit advocate and historian Stuart MacKay,Brandon Russell, and Ariel Troster, who works at theFederation of Canadian Municipalities and is an LGBTQadvocate.

Voters in the urban ward chose Ariel Troster, CBC projects.

After hearing she was projected to win, Troster toldCBC News her mainpriority was affordable housing.

"I heard from so many people who feel that either they're being pushed out of the neighbourhood because rents are out of controlthe average cost of a one-bedroom has gone up to $2,000 a month or they feel like if they ever need to leave their apartment they won't be able to stay."

"We need to make sure that our city remains an inclusive, diverse downtown community."

Trostersays she is looking forward to co-operation between councillors in urban, suburban and rural wards.

"I'm ... really excited for a new city council, a new mayor," she said."I think we all want an affordable place to live, we want transit that works, we want people-friendly streets, so I'm really excited to get to work."

Troster'spriorities included separated bike lanes on Kent Street and Gladstone Avenue, addinga full-depth outdoor pool to the ward and more investment in health and social services.

MacKay'spriorities included better sidewalks, improving OC Transpo's Route 11 and stops along its way, and turning the former Somerset House into a community hub.

Russell'spriorities included improving parks, affordable housing and ending queer and youth homelessness 100 days into the next term.

Ward at a glance

Projected population 2022: 48,587

Projected population 2026: 51,438