In his term as alderman, McDougall spearheaded the creation of an air and water anti-pollution committee, of which he was made chairman.
[7] Following the announcement of the retirement of George McIlraith, McDougall entered the race for the Liberal nomination in Ottawa Centre for the 1972 Canadian federal election.
[9] On September 5, 1972, McDougall was elected to the Ottawa Board of Control, defeating his ward counterpart, Des Bender after a 10-9 council vote.
He also continued to support a single-tier municipal government in the region, and an injection of federal and provincial funds to solve the city's water pollution problems.
He also supporter an early start on rapid transit, and the preservation of the character and integrity of older neighbourhoods, but also avoid concentrating low-rental housing in large developments.
McDougall supported rapid transit, while Greenberg preferred improved bus service, including exclusive busways and bus-only lanes.
[13] McDougall also campaigned on "[g]etting (the) board of control to function as a unit", environmental concerns, and opposed arterial roads being built through Vanier and Britannia.