Windsor·#WEvotes

Ward 4's Chris Holt seeks re-election, announces plans in front of Walkerville Power Building

Ward 4 city councillor Chris Holt said he will be seeking re-election this fall. Holt made the announcement in front of the Walker Power Building, which is currently under construction.

The incumbent was the first to file nomination papers in the ward

Ward 4 incumbent Coun. Chris Holt stood between Piero Aleo, left, and Vincent Aleo, as he announced he is seeking re-election. The Aleos are redeveloping the century-old Walkerville power plant into a retail space. (Kaitie Fraser/CBC)

With less than two weeks left in the nomination period, another incumbent councillor announced he's seeking re-election. 

Ward 4 Coun. Chris Holt said he filed his papers on Monday, and he becomes the first candidate to do so in his ward. 

Holt made that announcement in front of the Walker Power Building — a hulking construction project at the corner of Devonshire Road at Riverside Drive East.

"We've accomplished many things together in our bid to build stronger, healthier, resilient and connected neighbourhoods, which is why I've chosen this location to announce my campaign for re-election," Holt said. 

"When you think about Chris Holt you think about core neighbourhood investment, you think about heritage structures ... this exemplifies everything I've been working on."

Aleo Associates Inc. purchased the iconic building — constructed in 1910 — in 2016 with plans to turn it into a retail space.

Piero Aleo, a lead consultant on the project, had hoped to finish construction by the end of 2018, but that's been pushed back.

"It's very technically challenging, it's been a bit of a slow process," he said at Holt's announcement. "Our goal is to now complete the building envelope by the end of 2018, we will continue working over the winter on the interior work." 

The company hopes to have occupancy in the building by June 2019. 

Council candidates

Meanwhile, a few more candidates have filed papers seeking a spot in Windsor's new city hall this fall. 

In Ward 3, Patricia Mary Copus has entered the race. Copus said her experience as a restaurant owner, computer trainer and owner of a small tool and die business will help her to realize economic opportunities for the city.

Copus is the only candidate in that ward so far, as is Holt in Ward 4. 

In Ward 5, Adam Castle is now in the running. Castle is director of venture services at WEtech Alliance and sits on the board of directors at Windsor Music Archive — a non-profit that archives Windsor's musical history. 

And Ward 7 now has a candidate — Angelo Marignani.

In Ward 8, Gary Kaschak has also entered the race. 

As of Monday, all wards have at least one candidate in place for the fall election. The nomination period ends July 27.