Carleton Place Mayor discusses 2025 accomplishments and 2026 priorities
CARLETON PLACE — At the Jan. 13 committee of the whole meeting, Carleton Place Mayor Toby Randell delivered his end of year address, reflecting on a productive 2025 and outlining priorities for the year ahead.
Randell credited council and staff for closing out the year with a strong record of achievement, guided by a clear strategic plan, disciplined financial management and a continued focus on residents.
“Along the way, we have advanced critical studies, updated our planning framework, invested in core infrastructure and supported steady, managed growth,” Randell said.
One of the year’s most notable achievements was the approval of a 1.95 per cent municipal tax increase, among the lowest in the region. Randell acknowledged the financial pressures facing both municipalities and residents, noting the modest increase was the result of careful budgeting and difficult decisions.
“We realize that it is tough out there right now. There are some unstable financial situations for not only municipalities, but individuals,” Randell said.
Council’s strategic priorities, including service delivery, transit planning, facilities and infrastructure, tourism and events, and economic development, were largely completed ahead of schedule. Major accomplishments included adoption of a new Official Plan, a development permit bylaw, a transit feasibility study, a development charges background study, and a secondary plan to guide future growth. Much of the work was completed internally by municipal staff.
Infrastructure projects dominated 2025, highlighted by $140 million in water and wastewater upgrades, the largest capital investment in the town’s history, supporting growth to approximately 25,000 residents. Additional projects included pumping station upgrades, road rehabilitation and construction on Captain A. Roy Brown Boulevard, slated for completion in 2026.
Resident driven improvements were also delivered, including a new multi use path along the south side of Cavanagh Road.
“That project came directly from citizens asking for improved safety, and we found a way to make it happen,” Randell said.
Carleton Place continued to grow socially and economically, celebrating 11 business openings and securing more than $60 million in grant funding over seven years, including $7.43 million in 2025 alone. Festivals, cultural events and recreation programs thrived with strong support from local business sponsors.
Looking ahead to 2026, an election year, Randell emphasized council’s focus will remain steady. Planned initiatives include public consultation on an updated recreation concept plan, new parks and playground upgrades, improvements at Riverside Park, expanded trail amenities and continued investment in essential infrastructure.
“This is an election year, but our commitment remains the same,” Randell said. “We will continue to work hard, remain accessible and deliver for the community we serve.”
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