The city of Ottawa, Canada held municipal elections on November 14, 1988.

Quick Facts Candidate, Popular vote ...

1988 Ottawa mayoral election

← 1985 November 14, 1988 1991 →

Candidate Jim Durrell Michael Bartholomew Popular vote 69,813 4,800 Percentage 86.77% 5.97%

Results by ward

Mayor before election Jim Durrell Elected Mayor Jim Durrell

Close

Mayor Jim Durrell was re-elected with little opposition. Rideau Street businessman Michael Bartholomew finished 2nd with just 6% of the vote. Due to the lack of competition, only about one third of the electorate participated in the election.^[1]

A plebiscite was held asking voters if they supported establishing a single level of municipal government for the urban part of the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton. It was a non binding plebiscite, and was only held in Ottawa. The measure was supported by mayor Durrell.^[2] The city would eventually amalgamate with the region in 2001, including the non-urban areas.

The ballot question read "Are you in favour of the City of Ottawa working towards one level of municipal government for the urban area of Ottawa-Carleton?"^[3]

The composition of Ottawa's city council was more left leaning than the previous council due to the defeat of Durrell-ally Bob Morrison in Carleton Ward and the election of New Democratic Party backed candidates Lynn Smyth and Michael Jannigan.^[5] Jannigan, who was declared elected on election night had to wait over a year to take his seat however, as a recount gave his opponent the win, but after the case was taken to court, a special election was held in 1989 which Jannigan won.

* Results after a recount.^[6]

* Results after a recount.