Mayor Toby Randell reflects on growth, council priorities and plans for the 2026 municipal election
Hometown News reached out to reeves and mayors across its coverage area with a series of questions reflecting on the year that was.
With the 2026 municipal election approaching, local leaders were also asked whether they intend to seek another term.
In the Town of Carleton Place, Mayor Toby Randell highlighted the pressures rapid growth continues to place on the municipality, council decision making, and the challenge of balancing expansion with the town’s ability to provide services and amenities while preserving its sense of community.
Responses are published as provided, without edits to content.
What was the single most important decision you made this year, and why?
Carleton Place council and staff were very busy this year, and a lot of documents, drafts and studies that started in 2024 wrapped up in 2025. A few decisions that happened entirely within 2025 stand out though. Our decision to investigate an updated recreation facility is one that will have a profound impact on our community moving forward. Our pool is set to cost us millions of dollars to update, and with the age of the facility, we believe it is prudent to study our ability to build new amenities. I look forward to public engagement on this idea, hopefully in the first quarter of 2026.
The second item was our decision to green light a secondary study for the land behind Walmart. With so many landowners, approvals from previous terms and multiple approvals from this term, we needed a common-sense plan to move what will be hundreds and hundreds of residents and future shoppers in and out of what is currently a one way in, one way out area, which is frankly not sustainable long term. Thankfully, it was passed unanimously by both Carleton Place and county councils.
What was the hardest part of the job in 2025 that residents may not see?
As we have continued to grow and our population rises, the toughest part is balancing expectations and blending the new parts of Carleton Place with the old. We have many new residents figuring out their new hometown, mixed with long-time residents adjusting to all the changes. We are trying to respect everyone while doing what we feel is needed as we grow.
Is there a decision or moment you would handle differently now?
No, I would not change a decision I have made. We take all the information available at the time and consult with many people to ensure it is as accurate as possible. Then we make the best decision we can, using everyone’s lived experiences and knowledge.
What issue took up more time and energy than you expected?
I do not know that any one item took up more time than expected. You get used to being busy. Being Warden of Lanark County added a lot to my plate, which I knew would happen and was prepared for. It was an exciting year because of the added duties.
What do you believe council or staff got right this year?
I believe council and staff work very well together. We set goals at the start of our term, and we have accomplished or started to work toward all of them. Updating our technology to assist both staff and citizens has been a game changer. We continued to attract tourists and shoppers and enhanced our own citizens’ sense of community by adding festivals and partnering with people running large events.
We completed updates to our Development Permit Bylaw, Development Charges Study, Transit Study and Secondary Plan. These are major undertakings that benefit our community in many ways and require an enormous amount of time and collaboration.
Where do you think the municipality fell short?
I would like to believe we have not fallen short on anything. We remain as accessible to the public as we always have, providing information and explanations whenever asked. We look ahead, trying to account for the town needs we control, and we work to bring added value for the tax rate we charge.
How do you respond to residents who feel unheard or frustrated?
I respond the same way I always have, by providing all the knowledge I have as truthfully and honestly as possible. I have never been one to tell people what they want to hear. I give honest information and let them decide how to use it.
What is the most urgent issue heading into 2026?
Growth and the pressures it puts on a community. Whether infrastructure, amenities or tax rates, we cannot afford to get decisions wrong. That is why we put so much effort into the decision-making process. Each decision has significant impacts moving forward, and we take that responsibility seriously.
How do you define success in this role?
Being available, honest, fiscally responsible and accountable to our constituents.
When your term is over, what do you hope people remember about your leadership?
That I was available, honest, fiscally responsible and accountable to our constituents.
Will you run in the 2026 municipal election? If not, who would you endorse for the position?
Yes, it is my intention to run again. I have relished the opportunity to be mayor of my hometown and Warden of Lanark County this term. I have learned a great deal and thoroughly enjoyed working with my fellow council members and staff. They are dedicated and passionate, and our community is well served by that commitment. I am proud to have played my part and hope my fellow council members run again. We work well together, and I believe our community benefits from our collective knowledge and experience.
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