Council candidates: Christopher Giannakopoulos

Introduce yourself to readers. Who are you?

My name is Dr. Christopher Giannakopoulos – I’m a father, husband, and Stratford resident, born and raised. I’ve worked in Stratford’s restaurant and hospitality industry for roughly 20 years; in parallel, I completed my PhD at the University of Waterloo.  People will recognize me from Pizza Bistro, Cafe Ten, Foster’s Inn, and the Bruce Hotel. Although entrepreneurship runs in my family, I’ve found success as an instructor at the University of Waterloo, where I teach engineering communication to some of the best undergraduates in Canada. I’m running for council because I believe in Stratford, its residents, and our future here together.

What are the core issues you are focused on this election?

I am running on three “pillars” for Stratford: protecting our downtown vitality, ensuring smart spending for maintenance and new projects, and supporting young families through increased child care and services. Stratford’s makeup is more complex, however, and a good councillor knows that decision-making in one area – eg. preserving agricultural land – will have connected effects – eg. increased intensification. My goal this election is to focus on core issues while bringing a deep knowledge of how Stratford’s organizations, demographics, and infrastructures affect one another. This awareness will ensure that decision-making is sound in the short-term and structurally effective in the long-term.

Next year’s budget, like last year’s, will be presented and guided by the mayor. As a councillor, what will you do to keep the tax levy low?

The popular phrases are “reduce” or “freeze” taxes; “watch the money” is a more realistic action, since controlling spending through budget decisions is the lever that councillors handle. Drumming up new business is another. My goal would be to keep the annual levy below the rate of inflation by redeveloping, intensifying, and using land and infrastructure we already own. Stratford punches above its weight, year in, year out; I’d like to see more responsible spending and levies, especially if we’re serious about affordability and keeping families here. Tomorrow’s taxes are determined by today’s spending.

Housing and homelessness in Stratford continues to be a challenge. What, in your opinion, is the strategy the city should be taking in building more homes and/or improving affordability?

People who are unhoused cannot simply be placed into apartments and asked to figure it out; in the short-term, they need protection from the elements and access to family, medical, and social services; in the long-term, Stratford needs a safe community where people can regain control of their lives at their pace. Stratford needs to work with its not-for-profit partners, use city-owned land, and provide access to health professionals so that supportive housing can be developed. Not every development should be low-density housing; new developments should include a higher ratio of affordable and well-sized apartments …

The Grand Trunk renewal project is underway, yet still far from any concrete changes to the grounds or superstructure. Are you in favour of the current council’s direction? If not, what strategy would you be in favour of?

The Grand Trunk signals Stratford’s possible transition to a year-round destination. Whether council approves the city’s proposal, a private proposal, or a hybrid between them, money needs to be spent according to a milestone-based approach. Development for existing partners needs to happen first, with seed capital from them; the rest progresses in stages, funded by commercial partners who understand Stratford’s local, national, and international identity. Despite necessary remediation, housing on site should not be a priority – instead, the Grand Trunk should focus on commercial viability, attracting Canada-wide businesses for job creation, and working with GO Train service for new tourism initiatives.