Three priorities for the next council.
I am running for council to support new infrastructural developments that will help Stratford become a year-round destination. I am in support of protecting downtown vitality, supporting local small businesses, creating arts and culture opportunities for families, communicating clearly about arts and culture initiatives, and developing stronger communication systems between the city and its residents.
Downtown Heritage & Vitality
"Stratford's character is its competitive advantage. I plan to work with council to preserve what makes our city extraordinary while ensuring that our downtown functions for everyone who lives and works here, not just visitors."
The Grand Trunk site, the Heritage Conservation District stewardship, and vibrant downtown core — including the Festival, shops, and restaurants — are not competing priorities. They are Stratford's integrated community, arts, and cultural centre. Stratford's heritage community is its greatest arts and culture asset; council needs someone who understands it at depth.
Strategy In Infrastructure
"The GO train changes Stratford's visitor profile by creating consistent travel corridors between major centres in Southwestern Ontario. This positively reinforces the development of the Grand Trunk project, not to mention supports the development of additional short-term housing and accommodations for locals and visitors alike."
The city is making many major building decisions simultaneously. A coordinated portfolio study, missing middle housing policy, and a strengthened Attainable Housing CIP are the foundations of a city that works for everyone who lives — and wants to live — here.
Stratford's Year-Round Economy
"The Grand Trunk project is a once-in-a-generation decision. The GO train and future transportation projects are initiatives that support its development. I will bring project planning and rigorous communication expertise to ensure that the involved parties get both the plan and the execution right."
July 6, 2026 changes Stratford's relationship with the rest of Southwestern Ontario. Shoulder-season programming, affordable housing development plans in underused areas, and a stronger communication pipeline to keep the public informed are all municipal decisions that the next council must work on adamantly.
Communication expert with 20 years in hospitality. Ready to work.
Chris Giannakopoulos is a resident with deep roots in the Stratford community. His professional expertise spans both academic and hospitality industries. A graduate of the University of Waterloo, Chris is a technical communicator with an understanding of systems-level planning. Over twenty years, Chris worked at Cafe Ten, The Bruce Hotel, The Stratford Chefs School, Pizza Bistro, and Foster's Inn. In addition to living and working in Stratford, Chris also serves his cultural community, acting as principal of the Greek School in the London Greek and continuing education community.
Chris is committed to applying his knowledge and professional qualities in council; for Chris, a hospitality-forward approach to civic life ensures that Stratford residents feel served and taken care of.
The Giannakopoulos family has been part of Stratford's social fabric for decades, having owned and operated multiple businesses in the downtown core, having attended local schools and universities, and having been visible in the community through public food and cultural events. Chris brings his brand of community commitment to this campaign, offering a distinct perspective shaped by academic rigour, a deep connection to Arts, heritage, small business, and infrastructural planning, and a genuine desire to serve Stratford's residents.
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Endorse Chris →Your vote is your voice.
To vote in a municipal election is among the greatest actions a citizen can take in deciding the immediate and long-term future of their city. A vote for Chris is more than a checkmark in a box — it is a representation of your intent to fill council with knowledgeable professionals whose fundamental mandate is to take action in the interest of the community. Your voice matters. This October 26th, make it heard.
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