Article content continued

Those promises all came to fruition, and the evidence is visible in the riding she’s new defending as the incumbent. The Flora Footbridge opened in late June, and a pared-down Victims of Communism Memorial is now located in the Garden of the Provinces and Territories, rather than beside the Supreme Court, as originally, and controversially, planned.

More than $70 million in federal money has been budgeted for a new central library on the edge of LeBreton Flats, while McKenna’s government, along with the province, has committed $155 million to get LRT to the airport.

The old U.S. embassy has been promised to three national Indigenous organizations (although not without controversy, as the Algonquins want an equal share of the space).

At Thursday’s event, McKenna cited her government’s investment in local cycling infrastructure, and NCC multi-use pathways.

A few of her other campaign promises are more open to interpretation when it comes to determining success – an improved relationship with the public service, for example. Asked about this pledge Thursday, McKenna acknowledged that Phoenix has been a challenge. But she also raised areas of progress: collective bargaining, and the “unmuzzling” of government scientists.

“I think we’ve done a pretty good job. Always more we can do,” she said.

On her stated intention in 2015 to push for reform at the National Capital Commission, McKenna pointed to the inclusion of the mayors of Ottawa and Gatineau on the NCC board as non-voting members, which happened under the Liberal government.