Bob Chiarelli has won the race for mayor of the new city of Ottawa.

Chiarelli defeated his main opponent, Claudette Cain, by about 40,000 votes.

Chiarelli comes to the job after three years as chair of the Ottawa-Carleton region.

Addressing his supporters in his victory speech, Chiarelli thanked family members and volunteers for sticking with him through a "gruelling" campaign.

Chiarelli joked that his extended family put him and his nephew Rick Chiarelli, who won in Ward 8, over the top.

"The secret to our political success is that we grow our own voters," he said.

Cain also thanked her supporters, encouraging them to continue fighting for what they believe in.

"The wonderful memories that we've shared over the past few months will be in my heart forever," she said after hugging his daughters.

Cain predicted the next three years will be challenging for the new mayor, adding that she will do what she can to help.

"I want you to know Bob that you'll have my support and best wishes," she said.

Chiarelli will head up a council composed of 21 incumbents and one newcomer to municipal government, Phil McNeely, who won in Ward 19.

The council will officially begin its work on January 1.