Louis Antonakos

October 26, 2018 ·

2018 POST ELECTION STATEMENT

Dear Residents

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the residents of Carleton Place, Town staff, and all of the volunteers who helped ensure our election was successful. Your participation and commitment is appreciated by our community and your involvement is crucial to our democracy. I would also like to personally thank those of you who supported me throughout my re-election campaign.

I wish Mayor-Elect Black well and also those of you chosen to serve our community as elected officials over the coming term. It is my sincere hope that everyone who was not selected as representatives this term, continue to serve our community in some capacity as volunteers or active citizens in our community.

Respectfully,

Louis Antonakos

Mayor of Carleton Place

2018 Re-Election Platform

Managing Growth - Fiscal Responsibility – Infrastructure

As Mayor of Carleton Place, I am excited and proud to present to you my 2018 re-election campaign platform which will focus on the work that we as a community have done together while also outlining what we can continue to accomplish as we move forward to ensure that municipal governance processes lead to healthy public policy, effective public administration, and the desired outcomes and services that most benefit the health and safety of all members of our community.

Looking back over the last four years of growth and stability for our community is something all of us can be proud of as residents, elected officials, and town staff. To know that our community has become one of the top communities in Ontario to live in (and 5th best place in Canada to retire) is no small accomplishment and much of this success resides in the fact that our community has come together and embraced change.

Four Years of Success

· Tax increases have been held at under 2% for the past four years.

· $100 million in new economic development and investment transpired.

· $8.75 million in hospital funding for a new emergency room was secured.

· 50 plus new businesses started up within our municipality.

· And over 2,000 new homes are currently on the books with many new builds already underway or completed.

Hospital

Meeting with the Minister Of Health

It is with confidence that I can say to you that we can expect our local health care infrastructure to be upgraded with the building of a new emergency room beginning in 2020. Carleton Place has secured $8.75 million dollars (approximately 90%) in provincial funding and the community will focus on raising the remaining construction and medical/clinical equipment dollars required (approximately $3 million) over the near-term.

Infrastructure

Meeting with the Minister Of Infrastructure

The central bridge replacement is another key health and safety focus for our community. The reconstruction cost will be approximately $7 million. The project tendering process is expected to begin in the fall of 2019. Given the amount of central bridge money required, the province will be directly involved through grant programs in assisting our community with the financing of this undertaking.

Municipal Affairs

Meeting with the Minister of Municipal Affairs

It has always been important to me that I am open and accessible to anyone and everyone in our community regarding any issue or concern that cultivates a better community life. I have worked in partnership with many community members and many business owners over the last four years and it is my plan if re-elected, to continue to be open and accessible to everyone in our community. With past success in dealing with county council members, provincial cabinet ministers and senior public officials in providing rational arguments, good business plans, well thought out proposals and serious discussions, our municipality will continue to seek support at all levels of government in dealing with the serious infrastructure challenges our community now faces over the coming years.

If re-elected, my focus over the next four years will continue to be centered on strong and sensible management that leads to more effective implementation associated with amenities such as the community centre, arena, long term care facilities, hotel accommodations, beaches, soccer fields, baseball fields, tennis courts, parks, and trails, including the county trail that runs through the heart of our community and improving our downtown streetscape.

We have made so much progress together as a community.

I sincerely hope I can count on your support on October 22nd.

Respectfully,

Louis Antonakos

613-257-1459

louisantonakos@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/louis.antonakos

https://louisantonakosarchive.blogspot.com/

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL - June 25th, 2018

Looking back over the last four years of growth and stability for our community is something we can all be proud of as residents, elected officials, and town staff. To know that our community has become one of the top communities in Ontario to live in is no small accomplishment and much of this success resides in the fact that we’re a community that has come together and embraced change.

We have provided many different opportunities to share and cultivate a better community life and it truly has paid off. From social media groups engaging every aspect of small town living to numerous community events and festivities year-round, people in our area and across the province now see what we have done to reach out and come together as a growing community.

During this election campaign season I will carry forward the message of community-building and personally acknowledge the many people who have taken the time to help our town become a better place to live and call home. And if you haven’t taken up a community mindset in your approach to where we live, take a look around, I assure you that opportunities to join in and be a part of our success awaits everyone!

Hope to see and speak with you on the campaign trail. And if I don’t see you, please drop me a line and let me know what you’re thinking.

Best regards,

Louis Antonakos

Contact Information:

Phone: 613-257-6206

Email: lantonakos@carletonplace.ca

CAMPAIGN STATEMENT – June 1st, 2018

Four years ago, it was my honour to be elected Mayor of Carleton Place with a clear mandate from the residents. On May 1st, I registered to run for re-election early to show my commitment to the town, and on October 22, I hope that you will support me once again so we can keep working together to enhance our highly valued town and county services while keeping our growth affordable.

Over this last term I have had the privilege of serving the residents of Carleton Place and we have seen our town grow at a very manageable and progressive rate.

My re-election campaign will be focused on the work that we have done together so far, while outlining what we can continue to accomplish as we move forward ensuring that governance processes lead to healthy public policy, effective public administration and the desired outcomes that most benefit our community.

With past success in dealing with county council members, cabinet ministers and senior public officials in providing rational arguments, good business plans, well thought out proposals and serious discussions, our municipality will continue to seek support at all levels of government in dealing with the serious infrastructure challenges our community now faces over the next four years.

It is with confidence that all of us can expect our local Health Care infrastructure and new emergency room to be built now that we have secured $8.75 million dollars in provincial funding. The bigger challenges ahead will be the estimated $12 million dollars required for the main bridge and the upgrades to the arena, plus a number of other projects that have only been specked out and will require additional tax dollars and provincial and federal grant monies in order to shore up and secure our municipal infrastructure over the coming years.

Getting back to basics, which at times over the last four years was lost through a series of attacks and coordinated disruptions intended to confuse the planning department, by-law enforcement, and the administration of our municipality, will be the main focus of my mandate if re-elected on October 22, 2018.

It has always been important to me that I am open and accessible to anyone and everyone in our community, including councillors and members of the public regarding any issue or concern. I have worked in partnership with many community members and many business owners over the last four years, and it is my plan if re-elected, to continue to be open and accessible to everyone in our community.

In the past four years leading council, the following was accomplished;

• Tax increases have been held to under 2% for four years.
• $100 million in new economic development and investment transpired.
• $8.75 million in hospital funding for a new emergency room was secured.
• 50 plus new businesses started up within our municipality.
• And over 2000 new homes are currently on the books with many new builds already underway or completed.

We as a community have to embrace growth. But we need to grow in such a way that we do not destroy the small town feel and charm that makes Carleton Place one of the top communities in Ontario to live in.

I want Carleton Place to continue to be a vibrant, safe, and healthy community. I am proud of the accomplishments of council, in spite of our differences, and I pledge to continue in a professional manner for a second term in order to bring my knowledge and experience to the task of building a more prosperous and sustainable future for our community.

Over the next several months, I look forward to engaging residents face-to-face in conversations or through social media and email to discuss community concerns and what matters most to the residents of Carleton Place over the next four years and beyond. I will work hard to earn your vote and lay out a vision worthy of your support. I will present a full election platform that will be released over the course of the campaign, and I look forward to receiving your feedback and support.

Louis Antonakos

Contact Information:

Phone: 613-257-6206
Email: lantonakos@carletonplace.ca

ELECTION 2018 PRESS RELEASE

Re-Elect Louis Antonakos for Mayor October 22, 2018 ( Facebook )

As Mayor of Carleton Place, I am excited and proud to throw my hat in the ring once again to officially announce my 2018 candidacy for Mayor. I look forward to representing everyone in Carleton Place favourably. I will run a positive campaign, one in which I will display integrity and honesty in all my interactions and treat those who I encounter on the campaign trail with respect.

It will be a great privilege to serve my community once again on Town Council. I will do so by continuing to listen openly to the concerns of all our community members with the continued goal of building a better Carleton Place, one that thrives economically and maintains that “small town” feel in our neighborhoods.

We live in a great town! Let’s work together to make it an even better place to live, work and play!

Louis Antonakos

Contact Information:

Phone: 613-257-6206
Email: lantonakos@carletonplace.ca

Highlights & Concerns (2014 – 2018)

Progress Edition Highlights 2014 - 2018



Louis Antonakos·February 9, 2018 (Facebook)

Public Address: Mayor Louis Antonakos

Since taking office as Mayor of Carleton Place, our municipality has become one of the top municipal success stories regarding progress, growth, and fiscal responsibility among the 444 municipalities in the province of Ontario.

Not only has Carleton Place’s economy been one of the fastest-growing within the province, it has also become one of the most efficient due to our effectiveness in managing growth, economic development, and ability to attract new investment to our community.

Our plan and vision has been working and the quality of life for the residents of our community is improving although there are growing concerns regarding the administration of the corporation, the effectiveness of council, and staying the course on the current progressive and balanced path.

2014-2018 Highlights

Tax increases held under 2% for four years.

$100 million in new economic development and investment.

$8.75 million in hospital funding for a new emergency room.

50 new businesses in town including:

Save on Fitness; Anytime Fitness; Bergeron Clifford LLP; Burns Jewellers; Davan Salon; Et Cetera Home; Kaleidoscope Designs Inc.; Little Loves Co.; Little Paws Gift and Thrift; Open Doors for Lanark Children and Youth; Sagar Indian Cuisine; SOAK Artisan Bath & Body; Smith & Barrel; The Grand Hotel; Twisted Barber; The Creative Studio; CP Gymnastics; RockGarden Medical; Parrot Partners; Kids World; McDonald’s; Black Tartan Kitchen; Brown & MacFarlane Glass; Carousel Kids Consignment; Chesswood; CP Rentals and Property Management; Donna MacDonald Mortgage Brokers; Giardino Lifestyle Salon and Academy; Sargent Fire & Security; Haley Rehab; Ink & Iron Tattoo Co.; Insight Studio; Renewed With Love Bridal Outlet; Rhonda’s Kitchen; Under Pressure Coffee House; French Press Café; Turpin KIA; Motorhouse; Robillard Hearing Centre; Petals and Paint; Stalwart Brewing Company; Bonanza Kidz; Laurysen Kitchens; Kean’s Greens Lawncare; Cooper Street Productions.

Over 2000 new homes are currently on the books and many new builds are already underway or completed, including:

Miller’s Crossing - 282 units, Meadow Ridge Estates - 442 units, King Street subdivision - 22 units, High Gate subdivision – 112 units, Jackson Ridge subdivision - 149 units, Bodnar -Cavanaugh subdivision - 582 units, Townline Road - 9 units, Beckwith St. at Lake Ave. Apartment complex - 51 units, Carambeck Bridge Street - 20 units, Carambeck Edmund Street – 20 units, Coleman, Miguel and McGregor - 148 units, Moore Street - 6 units.

Concerns:

Since taking office I have witnessed a number of escalating issues that now deeply concern me, not only as Mayor but also as a resident of Carleton Place. It is my belief that our local municipal council has become a “council within a council” and is no longer effective in honestly serving the community at an acceptable level in accordance with the Municipal Act, Best Practices, or our current Code of Conduct.

There are clear signs that malfeasance has taken control of council and the integrity of our municipality is now becoming a concern regarding its neutrality, non-partisanship, effectiveness and innovativeness as an institution that serves the best interests of the government and the citizens of our community.

It is also my belief that there are members of the current council who have adopted demoralizing practices to wield power, influence, and information that is not beneficial to the community in general but directed towards the benefit of a few small, special-interest groups. These negative practices are breeding contempt for the law and inviting people to become a law unto themselves which, in turn, is now an open invitation for destructive behavior and aggressive activity at the town hall and in our community.

The pervasive mood of cynicism and distrust in the community has grown and many residents have begun voicing words and statements such as: incompetence, wrong doing, no transparency or accountability within the governance of our municipality, and no municipal operations accountability or transparency with the public. Some of the causes for this shift in our community’s opinions can be attributed to the following:

· the Ombudsman’s report;

· the two Quintet Reports that were not properly distributed to council or discussed with the proper authorities;
· the ongoing circumvention of mayoral duties and responsibilities by council;
· the derelict of duties by council regarding bylaw enforcement, non-responsiveness to communications, misinformation delivery to the integrity commissioner, and turning a blind eye towards inappropriate activity in and around the town hall, just to name a few.

These types of questionable actions and inactions are a potential concern in regards to municipal performance, ability to protect public resources, providing services efficiently and in maintaining the trust of the community we serve.

What have I done as Mayor about these issues and concerns?

First and foremost, all of my actions regarding these issues and concerns have been meticulously documented in public presentations and in exchanges with council, staff, our local member of parliament, the province, and the Ontario Provincial Police.

On many occasions, my efforts in trying to deal with these issues and concerns have been intentionally blocked by council and, at times, by senior staff. Much of the information relevant for public consumption has been cut off, sanitized, not properly disseminated out into the community through the local newspaper, on the town’s website, or through other town communications channels.

At this point, I believe that in order to set the record straight and re-align the roles and responsibilities of all council members and senior staff with the Municipal Act, Best Practices and our Code of Conduct, all relevant documentation should be released to the public and a full inquiry into the actions and transgressions of this council should be investigated and dealt with through a judicial inquiry.

Contact Information:

Phone: 613-257-6206
Email: lantonakos@carletonplace.ca

Carleton Place Progress Edition 2018

Progress Edition 2018

Louis Antonakos·Saturday, January 13, 2018 (Facebook)

“Carleton Place continues to grow” says Mayor

Another amazing year of growth for the Town of Carleton Place.

With projections and new housing builds on target with plenty of new business opportunities along with home investment and property values continuing to improve, the community is clearly open for business and well positioned for receiving anyone who is looking for a new place to call home.

Conveniently located minutes away from the nation’s capital, the Town of Carleton Place is a remarkably picturesque community with some amazing offerings not typical of most Eastern Ontario communities. With the Mississippi River flowing through the heart of town, beaches, festivals, first class manufacturing and technology businesses, leading edge green initiatives, and a forward growth agenda, the Municipality’s economy continues to be securely positioned for long-term growth and sustainability.

As the Mayor of Carleton Place, Louis Antonakos is pleased to state: “The Town of Carleton Place will experience another exciting year of growth, development and new initiatives in 2018. Our plan is to stay at the forefront as one of Ontario’s most livable towns. Realizing this means to continue planning in co-operation and consultation with residents and focusing on a framework that integrates the Town’s official plan into a comprehensive road-map for our community. We’re looking to the future with Carleton Place’s fiscal strengths in mind. We will continue to enhance our highly valued Town and County services while keeping our growth affordable.”

Challenges

Our main challenges continue to relate to planning and managing the on-going successful growth of our community. Many of the larger employers in Town continue to plan on increasing their number of employees over the coming years while others are well positioned with their recently completed expansion plans.

Other challenges include senior staff succession planning and corporate planning around the on-going cuts in provincial government funding. Carleton Place and other municipalities have come to realise that the grants from the Province have diminished due to the continuing provincial deficits.

Special Note: The Town of Carleton Place has hired a new CAO: Diane Smithson, former Mississippi Mills chief administrative officer. Smithson will take over the reins in Carleton Place from long time CAO Paul Knowles, who is retiring, but will stay on in a supporting role as project manager for special projects. The transition for the new CAO is expected to take place in March, 2018.

Through the efforts of Staff and Council, we were able to keep the 2017 property tax increase under two per cent (2018 property tax increase will also be held under two per cent). Our Town continues to be viewed by other municipalities, and by the provincial government, as a well-run, fiscally responsible community with a strong infrastructure and sound financial and long-term asset management plan. It is these factors that give us the ability to handle the reductions in provincial grants and any unforeseen changes in provincial policies. This stability, this ability to move forward in a positive and safe manner, is a direct result of the diligent and dedicated work of Town Officials and Senior Staff.

New initiatives

In order to improve on the management and planning of Carleton Place, the Town will continue to focus on community engagement and communications.

We have a clear commitment to continue to improve communications and also improve the Town’s direction and commitment to openly provide information about programs, services and decisions.

This entails a more open approach of getting positive news out about the Town, focusing on a two-way communications dialogue with the community and managing issues in an efficient and timely fashion.

This communications approach protects our existing communications assets and marketing investments; enhances our relationship between constituents and local government; re-engages residents and vested parties in community problem solving; and ensures that everyone is going in the same direction, carrying the same messaging.

Economic development

In the coming years, the new McNeely Avenue extension to Highway 15 will open hundreds of acres of valuable property slated for housing, parks and trails, schools and highway commercial development. Opposite this property and located just southwest of the Highway 15 – Captain A. Roy Brown Boulevard junction, is a 35-acre site identified for light industrial/business uses.

In 2017, the Town of Carleton Place planning department reviewed and approved an unprecedented number of planning applications from minor projects all the way to major subdivisions and other large apartment projects.

Two subdivision agreements were signed, one being Miller’s Crossing which holds 282 units and the other being Meadow Ridge Estates which boasts 442 units. This year Longwood Homes and Lepine Corporation were added to the list of developers in the area.

The King Street subdivision developed by Brigil Homes and approved at the later end of 2016, for 22 townhouse units, is now nearing completion. Brigil has also made application for their next phase of the subdivision along Munro Street.

High Gate subdivision located along Townline Road and High Street is also nearing completion with 92 out of the 112 units already constructed.

Jackson Ridge subdivision’s 149 units have begun construction with 24 units already built and occupied.

An application for a subdivision has been made to develop the Bodnar lands. The proposal is for 582 units which are to be a mix of singles, townhouses and apartment buildings.

Other applications currently under review are the development of 2 of the Town’s 4 strategic properties. The intent of the strategic property designation is to allow for increased residential density and have people live and shop in and around the downtown core. The first application is to re-develop the McArthur Island Woolen Mill and island with apartment units and commercial space. The second application is to revitalize the Hawthorne Mill and associated property with both apartments and condominiums and some commercial use.

An application has also been received for a 9 unit stacked townhouse on Townline Road.

The planning department has reviewed and Council has approved 4 different apartment projects. One is to be located on Beckwith St. at Lake Ave. East and contains 51 units, 70% or more are to be accessible. A commercial space of 283 square meters is also included on the lower level. Another project is located behind Carambeck School with one 20 unit building fronting on Bridge Street and one 20 unit building fronting on Edmund Street. The third project is located on Coleman, Miguel and McGregor and holds 148 units in three buildings. The fourth project is to construct a triplex at the corner of Beckwith and Franklin Streets.

Further, Council has approved construction of a mixed-use commercial/residential building along Moore Street containing 6 apartment units and 51 square meters of commercial area. Directly adjacent to this building, construction has started on Braumeister Inc., the latest Brewery in the downtown area.

The Town of Carleton Place also welcomes a number of new businesses to Town including: Save on Fitness; Anytime Fitness; Bergeron Clifford LLP; Burns Jewellers; Davan Salon; Et Cetera Home; Kaleidoscope Designs Inc.; Little Loves Co.; Little Paws Gift and Thrift; Open Doors for Lanark Children and Youth; Sagar Indian Cuisine; SOAK Artisan Bath & Body; Smith & Barrel; The Grand Hotel; Twisted Barber; The Creative Studio; CP Gymnastics; RockGarden Medical; Howard Kelford & Dixon Barristers & Solicitors; Laurysen; Parrot Partner; and Kids World.

The Town has begun construction on a new dog park and trail system extending from Thomas/Bridge St. through to the north end of the Town limits. Applications have also been approved for the construction of a new snow dump and Public Works yard.

Roy Brown Park is also under development due to the Town receiving a generous Canada 150 Grant from the Province of Ontario as well as through negotiations with Cavanaugh Construction relating to the development of a water feature within the Roy Brown Park. A network of pathways have been constructed.

Further, a portion of the Lanark County Rail Trial that goes by the Woolgrowers property and designed as parkland and community space is now under construction.

Hospital construction & redevelopment update

Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital (CPDMH) has retained the services of Parkin Architects Limited to design the new Emergency Department. The firm was chosen following a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process. Over the past 60 years, Parkin has designed some of Canada’s most notable buildings, including many hospitals. The next step in the project is to finish the Functional Plan for submission to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. This detailed look at programs and services will inform the design and layout of the new department. Once the Functional Plan is approved, the project moves into Stage 3 which is Preliminary Design. During this stage, preliminary block and sketch designs are developed. As well, details about all major components, timelines and costs are prepared and submitted for approval. Construction is on track to begin in less than 30 months.

Antonakos stated: “Moving forward together, Council and Staff will continue to focus on improving our downtown while continuing to upgrade our streetscape and improve our business community in order to create more opportunities while at the same time upgrading our infrastructure.”

Carleton Place “Meet me on the Mississippi”

Contact Information:

Phone: 613-257-6206
Email: lantonakos@carletonplace.ca