Stratford, Ontario · Municipal & school-board elections

Meet the candidates.
Compare their commitments.

This comparison is based on scraping the candidate links from the official Stratford candidate list. Summaries are AI generated. Please use this as a basis for further research! Topics include public participation, social issues (homelessness, addictions and mental health), and budgetary transparency.

For Candidates with missing details: Please make sure your campaign information is publicly accessible without a Meta account requirement. Information will be re-scraped weekly.

Research checked Results checked City of Stratford candidate list

Unofficial election results: Votes and percentages follow the City’s results page, checked October 27, 2026. Percentages are shown as published, without recalculation; for multi-seat races, they are shares of candidate votes, not shares of voters. The elected filter includes acclaimed trustees. Jamie-Lee Wagler’s result is not published on the City’s page; acclaimed candidates have no vote totals or percentages.

Municipal candidates

Mayor

5 candidates
Mayor candidates, campaign priorities and source links, reviewed October 21, 2026.
Candidate & contactPhotoBrief bioMain campaign pointsPreviously on city council?Public forums with councilAddressing Social IssuesBudgetary transparency
Jo-Dee Burbach

3,738 votes
27.4% of votes

Unofficial City results
Listed contact details

Email Address:
jodeeburbach2026@gmail.com
Link to campaign website:
Jo-Dee Burbach | Stratford Mayoral Candidate
Link to Social Media Account:
Facebook
Link to Social Media Account:
Instagram

Jo-Dee Burbach
Campaign website

Entrepreneur and community volunteer; Stratford resident since 1999, with a master’s degree in communication studies.

Campaign biography

Housing, childcare and transit affordability; safer streets and infrastructure renewal; improved city communications; economic and environmental resilience.

Campaign source

Yes — current councillor.

City council roster
“provide a variety of opportunities for connection and conversations”

Proposes a city communication plan with more opportunities for conversation and outreach to underrepresented residents.

Campaign source

Proposes public forums co-hosted with individual councillors in different neighbourhoods; no fixed frequency specified.

Campaign priorities

Proposes closing gaps in housing, increasing affordable childcare and improving transit connections.

Campaign source

Targets the 12 Erie Street units being ready by the end of 2027, using them as transitional housing if full support funding is still pending. Would combine the Warming Centre and Connection Centre to provide emergency beds and coordinated housing, mental-health and addictions support.

Stratford Cares questionnaire (PDF)

Promises better communication and transparency, but no specific budget disclosure or reporting process found.

Campaign source
Mark Hunter

2,542 votes
18.6% of votes

Unofficial City results
Listed contact details

Business Telephone Number: 519-273-3151
Email Address:
mark@huntersteel.ca
Link to Social Media Account:
Facebook - Hunter4Mayor2026
Link to Social Media Account:
Instagram - hunter4mayor2026
Link to campaign website:
votemarkhunter.ca

Mark Hunter
Campaign website

President and internal legal counsel of Hunter Steel, with a background in business leadership and municipal council.

Campaign biography

Restrain tax increases, invest in core infrastructure, expand affordable and supportive housing, advance Grand Trunk redevelopment, and improve communication.

Campaign source

Yes — current councillor.

City council roster

Proposes regularly delivering city information directly to residents. No recurring public council forum specified.

Campaign source

Links ending homelessness to more affordable and supportive housing; proposes faster approvals and development incentives through builder, community and provincial partnerships.

Campaign source

Proposes replacing selected municipal detached rentals with fourplexes, funded through other municipal house sales. Estimates this could add 16 rent-geared-to-income units over four years without raising taxes.

Stratford Cares questionnaire (PDF)

Proposes public tracking of council commitments so residents can see project progress, spending and reasons for decisions.

Campaign source
Andrew Rea

206 votes
1.5% of votes

Unofficial City results
Listed contact details

Email Address:
bestmayorever2026@gmail.com
Link to Social Media Account:
Andrew Rea for Stratford Mayor | Facebook

Andrew Rea
Stratford Times / Grant Haven (fallback)

Regular attendee at council meetings who is running a self-funded mayoral campaign.

Stratford Times · Sep 3, 2026
Campaign interview

Emphasizes affordability, healthcare access, infrastructure, sustainable growth and accountability. This summary is from a campaign interview, not a detailed platform.

Stratford Times · Sep 3, 2026

Supports taller residential buildings and increased density.

MyStratfordNow · Sep 23, 2026
Not verified

Not on current council. Earlier council service not verified.

City council roster

Calls for residents to be heard and officials held accountable. No specific new public forum mechanism described.

Stratford Times · Sep 3, 2026

Supports establishing wards by the next election, without using strong mayor powers to do so.

Stratford Times · mayoral Q&A

Raises affordability and healthcare access as priorities. No specific homelessness, addictions or mental-health intervention described.

Stratford Times · Sep 3, 2026

Calls for a full departmental audit to identify waste; no specific commitment to publish audit results or a budget-reporting schedule described.

Stratford Times · mayoral Q&A
Martin Ritsma

2,899 votes
21.3% of votes

Unofficial City results
Listed contact details

Qualifying Address: 75 Kelly's Lane, Stratford, ON, N5A 6S2
Primary Telephone Number: 519-276-9659
Campaign Office Telephone Number: 519-274-0407
Email Address:
martinritsma@gmail.com

Martin Ritsma
City council portrait (fallback)

Educator and former multi-term councillor who became Stratford’s mayor in 2022.

StratfordToday · Aug 16, 2026
Campaign interview

Campaign interview emphasizes continuing housing, infrastructure and Grand Trunk initiatives, the police station relocation, partnerships and municipal financial sustainability.

StratfordToday · Aug 16, 2026

Yes — current mayor.

City council roster
“open to conversation and interaction”

Promises openness to conversation and respectful exchanges; no recurring council forum proposal specified.

StratfordToday · Aug 16, 2026
Specific proposals

Calls for completing the 12 Erie Street supportive-housing units in the first year of the next term, while seeking provincial funding for round-the-clock support services.

Stratford Cares questionnaire (PDF)
Not found

No specific commitment found in the sources reviewed.

StratfordToday · Aug 16, 2026
Robert Ritz
Elected (unofficial)

4,246 votes
31.1% of votes

Unofficial City results
Listed contact details

Qualifying Address: 322 Ontario St, N5A 3H8
Primary Telephone Number: 519-271-6466
Campaign Office Telephone Number: 416-720-9829
Email Address:
robert@ritzfor26.ca
Link to campaign website:
www.ritzfor26.ca

Robert Ritz
Campaign website

Lifelong Stratford resident and architect with more than 40 years of business experience.

Campaign biography

Open decision-making, consultation before decisions, disciplined spending, thoughtful infill housing, community partnerships and productive use of public land.

Campaign source

Proposes municipal development corporations for Grand Trunk and housing, and a first-year tax increase ceiling of 3.5%.

Stratford Times · Oct 1, 2026

No prior council service identified; the campaign interview describes his lack of political experience.

StratfordToday · Aug 7, 2026

Calls for earlier public consultation. A campaign interview also proposes restoring wards so residents have a designated councillor; it does not specify recurring council forums.

StratfordToday · Aug 7, 2026

Promises collaboration with community organizations and other governments on homelessness and affordability.

Campaign source

Would establish a housing task force including frontline workers and people with lived experience; declines to set measurable targets before meeting relevant groups.

Stratford Cares questionnaire (PDF)

Proposes a municipal housing corporation to use city land and build affordable housing where private development falls short.

Stratford Times · Oct 1, 2026

Promises spending discipline and open decisions. No specific budget dashboard, reporting schedule or budget consultation process found.

Campaign source

Municipal candidates

Councillor

26 candidates
Councillor candidates, campaign priorities and source links, reviewed October 21, 2026.
Candidate & contactPhotoBrief bioMain campaign pointsPreviously on city council?Public forums with councilAddressing Social IssuesBudgetary transparency
Brad Beatty
Elected (unofficial)

5,078 votes
5.9% of votes

Unofficial City results
Listed contact details

Qualifying Address: 36 Sutter Street, Stratford, ON N4Z 1G8
Telephone Number: 519-276-0393
Email Address:
bradcbeatty@hotmail.com
Link to campaign website:
www.bradbeatty.ca

Brad Beatty
Campaign website (undated)
Undated material

Stratford native and Carleton graduate; his undated biography describes work in employment services and Chamber of Commerce leadership.

Undated campaign biography
Campaign interview

Jobs and the next industrial park, infrastructure, and phased Grand Trunk redevelopment with housing and a shared YMCA-library facility; supports up to $15 million for that community facility.

Stratford Times · 2026 candidate Q&A

Yes — current councillor.

City council roster
Not found

No specific commitment found in the sources reviewed.

Campaign source
Specific proposals

Supports affordable and supportive housing linked to mental-health and addictions outreach, faster approvals, suitable city land and partnerships with housing providers and other governments.

Stratford Times · 2026 candidate Q&A

Supports sustainable funding and protecting reserves from short-term budget fixes. No specific public budget reporting mechanism described.

Stratford Times · 2026 candidate Q&A
Lesley Biehn
Elected (unofficial)

5,880 votes
6.9% of votes

Unofficial City results
Listed contact details

Email Address:
lesley@votelesley.ca
Link to Social Media Account:
Facebook
Link to Social Media Account:
Instagram
Link to campaign website:
votelesley.ca

Lesley Biehn
Campaign website

Longtime Stratford resident with more than two decades of volunteering, mentoring and community service.

Campaign biography

Affordable housing through partnerships, planned growth and financial sustainability; highlights a housing reserve, rental-tax reform and protection of subsidized seniors’ housing.

Campaign source

Yes — current councillor.

City council roster
Not found

No specific commitment found in the sources reviewed.

Campaign source

Proposes mixed-income housing and partnerships with nonprofit supportive-housing providers such as Indwell. Would assemble construction funding while nonprofit operators run the housing, limiting ongoing property-tax costs.

Housing plan

Prioritizes the Erie Street units with round-the-clock support and exploring conversion of larger apartments into smaller bachelor units.

Stratford Cares questionnaire (PDF)

Emphasizes financial discipline and stretching housing dollars through partnerships.

Campaign source

Would require a public Grand Trunk business case showing partner contributions, grants, operating costs and spending limits before committing an amount.

StratfordToday · Grand Trunk Q&A
Bill Boon

4,435 votes
5.2% of votes

Unofficial City results
Listed contact details

Qualifying Address: 77 Waddell Street, Stratford, ON N5A 6K6
Primary Telephone Number: 519-537-0346
Email Address:
bill@stratfordboon4council.ca
Link to campaign website:
stratfordboon4council.ca

Bill Boon
Campaign website

Lifelong Stratford resident and Vice President, Administration at AISIN Canada, with community and economic-development involvement.

Campaign biography

Affordable taxes with protected services, housing approvals, local business, infrastructure maintenance, Grand Trunk progress and transit connections.

Campaign source
Not verified

Not on current council. Earlier council service not verified.

City council roster
“I'll meet with residents, businesses, neighbourhood associations, and community organizations before important decisions are made”

Commits to meeting residents and community groups before major decisions. No fixed council forum schedule specified.

Campaign source

Proposes more affordable housing and nonprofit partnerships; connecting residents with financial counselling, benefits navigation and existing relief programs.

Campaign source

Prioritizes Erie Street supportive housing with provincial service funding, planned winter warming services and supported housing for adult men.

Stratford Cares questionnaire (PDF)

Commits to measuring budget results and explaining spending increases, efficiencies and rejected spending requests.

Campaign source

Proposes scheduled public reports comparing emergency-accommodation and supported-housing costs, alongside homelessness and housing-retention results.

Stratford Cares questionnaire (PDF)

Would treat $15 million as the Grand Trunk municipal maximum, requiring full financing and operating-cost information before commitments.

StratfordToday · council decisions Q&A
Taylor Briscoe

3,446 votes
4.0% of votes

Unofficial City results
Listed contact details

Email Address:
taylor@briscoeforstratford.ca
Link to campaign website:
briscoeforstratford.ca
Link to Social Media Account:
Re-Elect Taylor Briscoe for Stratford Council
Link to Social Media Account:
@BriscoeforStratford

Taylor Briscoe
Campaign website

Former professional hockey player with a background in social services, homelessness advocacy and national policy work.

Campaign biography

Housing and renter protection, economic development, climate-resilient infrastructure, family services, and more accessible civic participation.

Campaign source

Would defer bus-fleet electrification while building a reserve for a future purchase.

StratfordToday · tax levy Q&A

Yes — current councillor.

City council roster
Specific proposal
“Establish monthly informal council and director nights.”

Proposes rotating evenings where councillors and a city director meet residents informally, plus working remote-participation tools and plain-language updates.

Governance platform
Specific proposals

Proposes supportive housing with onsite case management, health and addictions services; a recovery model guaranteeing a room for four years through detox, rehabilitation and outpatient care; family housing, coordinated service data, modular homes and a charitable housing entity.

Housing platform

Provincial advocacy: opposes expanding involuntary care without major investment in voluntary treatment and supportive housing; supports continued regional addiction-treatment funding, more accessible social assistance and a housing-first response to encampments. These are her descriptions of her advocacy.

Provincial advocacy

Federal advocacy: calls for stable, expanded mental-health and addictions funding, including the Emergency Treatment Fund, and direct food-provider funding and survivor-service hubs.

Federal advocacy

Proposes clearer community-grant tiers, defined funding terms and restrictions on overhead; better public access to file history and status. No city-wide budget reporting schedule specified.

Governance platform
Amy Brodhagen

3,817 votes
4.5% of votes

Unofficial City results
Listed contact details

Qualifying Address: N5A 5T3
Email Address:
amyforstratford@gmail.com
Link to Social Media Account:
Facebook - Amy Brodhagen for Stratford City Council

Amy Brodhagen
Campaign social profile

Community volunteer with more than 16 years in banking roles, including leadership and process improvement; now works part-time for a youth and family mental-health nonprofit.

Campaign biography

Environmental responsibility, food security and community gardens, housing affordability, accessible recreation and arts, and reviewing residential animal bylaws.

Campaign priorities
Not verified

Not on current council. Earlier council service not verified.

City council roster
Not found

No specific commitment found in the sources reviewed.

Source reviewed
Specific proposals

Proposes an extreme-weather plan covering warming spaces, emergency accommodation, transport and communication before winter; prioritizes year-round shelter/drop-in support, transitional housing and connections to mental-health and addictions services.

Stratford Cares questionnaire (PDF)
Specific proposals

Calls for a public action plan reporting completed and outstanding work, funding obtained and remaining gaps.

Stratford Cares questionnaire (PDF)
Naireta Chatterjee

1,578 votes
1.8% of votes

Unofficial City results
Listed contact details

Primary Telephone Number: 438-505-8330
Email Address:
naireta.chaudhuri@gmail.com
Link to campaign website:
naireta.com

Naireta Chatterjee
Campaign website

Property manager behind Mirapac Properties, with experience helping residents navigate housing and everyday affordability.

Campaign biography

Housing affordability and fair taxes, newcomer access to services, food-bank expansion, youth opportunities, healthcare access and support for local businesses and agriculture.

Campaign source
Not verified

Not on current council. Earlier council service not verified.

City council roster

Wants council to be more accessible to underrepresented communities. No specific public forum structure or schedule found.

Campaign source

Supports shelters, housing choices, food-bank expansion, newcomer access to city and family services, and youth access to local healthcare and opportunities.

Campaign source

Would seek a costed service-gap report in year one, review year-round emergency accommodation, strengthen eviction prevention and improve housing plans after hospital or treatment discharge.

Stratford Cares questionnaire (PDF)
Specific proposals

Proposes public housing targets and reporting on spending, project delays and corrective action, including housing retention after six and twelve months.

Stratford Cares questionnaire (PDF)
Jason Davis

3,098 votes
3.6% of votes

Unofficial City results
Listed contact details

Qualifying Address: 585 Brunswick St, Stratford ON N5A 3N7
Primary Telephone Number: 519-703-9994
Email Address:
jason310t@gmail.com
Link to campaign website:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1DapTKS3jm/

Jason Davis
Campaign social profile

Diesel technician, co-founder of the Stratford Affordable Alliance and director of Mikinaak Community Land Trust.

Campaign biography

Non-market housing and year-round shelter, childcare-worker retention, more frequent transit and zero-based budgeting.

Campaign source
Not verified

Not on current council. Earlier council service not verified.

City council roster
Specific proposals

Proposes assigning two councillors to each of five municipal regions as residents’ direct contacts. This is a representation proposal, not a recurring public-forum schedule.

Stratford Cares questionnaire (PDF)
Specific proposals

Proposes a year-round overnight shelter, Erie Street supportive/transitional housing, a reserve for non-market homes for sale and childcare wage supplements.

Campaign source

Also supports a renoviction bylaw and more wraparound mental-health and addictions support.

Stratford Cares questionnaire (PDF)
Specific proposals

Proposes zero-based budgeting and placing government housing proposals and the responses to them on the public record.

Campaign source
Ryan Doyle

1,671 votes
1.9% of votes

Unofficial City results
Listed contact details

Qualifying Address: 1-88 Avonwood Dr, Stratford, ON N4Z1B3
Primary and Campaign Office Telephone Number: 226-261-4934
Email Address:
doyle4stratford@gmail.com
Link to campaign website:
www.ryandoyle.ca

Ryan Doyle
Campaign website

Stratford-raised IT professional at Wilfrid Laurier University and longtime condominium corporation president.

Campaign biography

Predictable taxes and long-term financial planning, affordable workforce housing, support for vulnerable residents and a stronger year-round economy.

Campaign source

Would defer the $1 million ERP project planned for 2027 and target an October 1, 2030 opening for a Grand Trunk YMCA-library hub.

Stratford Times · 2026 candidate Q&A

Would reconsider the Wright Boulevard police project and investigate the existing YMCA site instead.

StratfordToday · council decisions Q&A
Not verified

Not on current council. Earlier council service not verified.

City council roster
Not found

No specific commitment found in the sources reviewed.

Campaign source

Supports services for people experiencing homelessness, mental-health challenges, addiction, domestic abuse or human trafficking. Also supports housing programs for families, single parents and workers.

Campaign source

Calls for more beds with wraparound support and increased investment in the Connection Centre, working with CMHA.

Stratford Times · 2026 candidate Q&A

Advocates disciplined budgets and long-term reserve planning, drawing on condominium budgeting experience. No specific public budget disclosure process found.

Campaign source
Andrew Fraser

2,044 votes
2.4% of votes

Unofficial City results
Listed contact details

Primary Telephone Number: 416-301-6030
Email Address:
fraserforstratford@gmail.com
Link to campaign website:
FraserForStratford.ca

Andrew Fraser
Campaign website

Realtor since 2010, local business founder and youth soccer coach; moved to Stratford in 2016.

Campaign biography

Tax freeze, faster approvals for attainable housing, year-round downtown activity, disciplined Grand Trunk delivery and clearer council communication.

Campaign source
Not verified

Not on current council. Earlier council service not verified.

City council roster

Proposes plain-language summaries after every meeting, advance notice of major votes and publicly declared conflicts. No recurring council forum schedule specified.

Campaign source

Supports temporary assistance that leads to permanent housing, with measurable results and public costs; proposes suitable city land and expansion of Britannia Street affordable housing.

Campaign source

Proposes a partner-run, low-barrier day centre with showers and caseworkers, coordinated access and early tenant–landlord mediation.

Stratford Cares questionnaire (PDF)

Calls for value-for-money reviews before major project spending, public reporting of homelessness costs, meeting summaries and public conflict declarations.

Campaign source

Would publish the division of homelessness spending between direct help and administration, alongside placements and waiting times.

Stratford Cares questionnaire (PDF)

Proposes plain-language budget summaries, multi-year budgeting and a public Grand Trunk construction schedule with delay penalties.

Stratford Times · 2026 candidate Q&A
Jason Frey

913 votes
1.1% of votes

Unofficial City results

No contact details listed.

No verified
photo

No candidate portrait verified from the available public sources.

Not verified

A public biography could not be verified from the available sources.

Listed candidate source
Campaign interview

Calls for departmental spending audits and justification for increases.

StratfordToday · tax levy Q&A

Opposes further Grand Trunk investment and favours demolition and remediation.

StratfordToday · Grand Trunk Q&A

Proposes a $10–15 million budget for an alternative police facility.

StratfordToday · council decisions Q&A
Not verified

Not on current council. Earlier council service not verified.

City council roster
Not found

No specific commitment found in the sources reviewed.

Source reviewed
Not found

No specific social-issue commitment verified in the sources reviewed, including homelessness, addictions or mental health.

Source reviewed

Seeks audits across city departments; no commitment to publish results or a reporting schedule specified.

StratfordToday · tax levy Q&A
Christopher Giannakopoulos
Elected (unofficial)

4,458 votes
5.2% of votes

Unofficial City results
Listed contact details

Qualifying Address: 252 Queen Street, Stratford, ON N5A 4P1
Primary Telephone Number: 519-274-2510
Email Address:
ask@chrisforstratford.com
Link to campaign website:
chrisforstratford.com

Christopher Giannakopoulos
Campaign website

Stratford-raised hospitality professional and University of Waterloo lecturer who completed a PhD in 2025.

Campaign biography

Downtown vitality and heritage, infrastructure oversight, Grand Trunk redevelopment, childcare and affordable family activities.

Campaign source

Adds environmental stewardship and supportive housing as platform priorities.

Campaign platform

Proposes a multi-storey parking garage on the Erie Street lot.

StratfordToday · council decisions Q&A
Not verified

Not on current council. Earlier council service not verified.

City council roster

Proposes written advance notice of planning and infrastructure disruptions to businesses and residents.

Campaign source

Proposes more opportunities for community delegations at council; no recurring forum schedule specified.

Campaign platform

Proposes easier access to childcare, affordable seasonal programs and more arts and cultural activities for families.

Campaign source

Proposes year-round overnight beds and a supportive-housing facility serving more than 12 people with wraparound services.

Stratford Cares questionnaire (PDF)

Would fund expanded daytime/overnight capacity through a three-year emergency operating budget while longer-term facilities are developed.

StratfordToday · homelessness Q&A

Proposes milestone-based infrastructure spending and costing projects to operate as well as build. No specific public budget reporting mechanism found.

Campaign source
Matthew Hartney

772 votes
0.9% of votes

Unofficial City results
Listed contact details

Email Address: matthewhartney2026@gmail.com
Link to Social Media Account:
facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593453876794

No verified
photo

The listed profile uses an initial, not a candidate photograph.

Not verified

A public biography could not be verified from the available sources.

Listed candidate source
Not verified

No verified 2026 platform found. The listed social profile was accessible only as a preview; its posts could not be reviewed.

Listed social profile
Not verified

Not on current council. Earlier council service not verified.

City council roster
Not found

No specific commitment found in the sources reviewed.

Source reviewed
Not found

No specific social-issue commitment verified in the sources reviewed, including homelessness, addictions or mental health.

Source reviewed
Not found

No specific commitment found in the sources reviewed.

Source reviewed
Bonnie Henderson
Elected (unofficial)

4,629 votes
5.4% of votes

Unofficial City results
Listed contact details

Primary Telephone Number: 519-271-4545
Email Address:
bonnie48henderson@yahoo.ca
Link to Social Media Account:
https://www.facebook.com/bonnie.henderson.5891

Bonnie Henderson
Campaign social profile

Serving Stratford city councillor seeking re-election in 2026; further career background was not verified.

City council roster

Accessibility, affordability, more childcare spaces, lower emissions and a Grand Trunk community hub; aims to keep tax increases within CPI.

Stratford Times · 2026 candidate Q&A

Yes — current councillor.

City council roster
Not found

No specific commitment found in the sources reviewed.

Source reviewed
Specific proposals

Supports more affordable, accessible housing and provincial rent-control advocacy; says housing and mental-health/addictions support should be provided together.

Stratford Cares questionnaire (PDF)
Not found

No specific commitment found in the sources reviewed.

Source reviewed
Adrienne Johnson

2,572 votes
3.0% of votes

Unofficial City results
Listed contact details

Primary Telephone Number: 519-273-6105
Email Address:
adriennejohnson2026@gmail.com

Adrienne Johnson
Campaign website

Stratford educator for 31 years, with degrees in English and Communications.

Campaign biography

Youth opportunities, affordable housing, safe and accessible neighbourhoods, long-term financial planning and clearer council communication.

Campaign source
Not verified

Not on current council. Earlier council service not verified.

City council roster
Specific proposals

Proposes regular community conversations on major projects so residents can discuss options and costs; no fixed frequency specified.

StratfordToday · council decisions Q&A
Specific proposals

Supports eviction prevention, outreach and rent assistance, plus affordable, transitional and supportive housing connected to mental-health and addictions services.

Stratford Cares questionnaire (PDF)
Specific proposals

Calls for regular public reporting on funding and housing/support outcomes.

Stratford Cares questionnaire (PDF)
Anthony Kane

1,098 votes
1.3% of votes

Unofficial City results
Listed contact details

Qualifying Address: 56 Dixon Road, Stratford, ON N5A 6X8
Primary  and Campaign Office Telephone Number: 519-998-1536
Email Address:
stratfordfds@gmail.com

No verified
photo

No candidate portrait verified from the available public sources.

Stratford resident for nine years who works with a driving school.

Campaign biography

Road safety, youth employment, tax restraint and Grand Trunk renewal; would explore free senior transit and free downtown parking for residents.

Campaign priorities
Not verified

Not on current council. Earlier council service not verified.

City council roster
Not found

No specific commitment found in the sources reviewed.

Source reviewed

Supports affordable and supportive housing, shelter/outreach partnerships and access to mental-health and addictions services; no named service expansion, amount or delivery date specified.

Campaign priorities
Not found

No specific commitment found in the sources reviewed.

Source reviewed
Larry McCabe
Elected (unofficial)

4,825 votes
5.6% of votes

Unofficial City results
Listed contact details

Qualifying Address: 2-63 Elizabeth St, N5A 4Z1
Primary Telephone Number: 519-272-6559
Business Telephone Number: 519-273-6666
Email Address:
larry@pazzo.ca

Larry McCabe
City council portrait (fallback)

Hospitality entrepreneur with a background leading Pazzo Pizzeria and supporting local tourism.

Public professional profile

Housing supply, phased Grand Trunk redevelopment, a year-round economy and tighter capital-project cost controls.

Campaign source

Yes — current councillor.

City council roster
Not found

No specific commitment found in the sources reviewed.

Source reviewed
Specific proposals

Proposes a $3 million revolving housing-loan fund, subject to financial review and council approval; prioritizes Erie Street supportive housing, rent assistance and Housing First with continuing care.

Stratford Cares questionnaire (PDF)
Specific proposals

Proposes public reports on housing spending, outcomes, loan risks and repayments.

Stratford Cares questionnaire (PDF)

Calls for regular police-headquarters cost reports and disclosure of capital-project costs, risks and operating trade-offs.

Campaign priorities
Sarah Merkel
Elected (unofficial)

5,631 votes
6.6% of votes

Unofficial City results
Listed contact details

Email Address:
sarahinstratford@gmail.com
Link to Social Media Account:
Instagram
Link to Social Media Account:
Facebook
Link to campaign website:
sarah4stratford.ca

Sarah Merkel
Campaign social profile

Public Health Promoter and municipal liaison coordinator at Huron Perth Public Health; founding member of Stratford’s Iris Collective.

Campaign biography

Housing First, a Grand Trunk community hub, support for families and seniors, accessibility and climate resilience.

Published campaign vision

Opposes city spending on the strong-mayor-powers lawsuit.

StratfordToday · council decisions Q&A
Not verified

Not on current council. Earlier council service not verified.

City council roster

Proposes earlier engagement through workshops, focus groups, interviews and community conversations, with explanations of how public input affected decisions. No fixed council-forum schedule specified.

Campaign vision

Reports serving on the Emily Murphy Centre’s Tiny Homes capital campaign cabinet. This is existing volunteer work, not a published municipal policy pledge.

Campaign biography

Her published vision supports Housing First, home-sharing and collaboration with the Connection Centre and CMHA on mental health and substance use.

Campaign vision

Would explore interim encampment washrooms, privacy fencing and electricity where feasible, plus a housing advisory committee and monthly or quarterly progress report cards.

Stratford Cares questionnaire (PDF)
Not found

No specific commitment found in the sources reviewed.

Source reviewed
Ian Morton
Elected (unofficial)

4,919 votes
5.7% of votes

Unofficial City results
Listed contact details

Qualifying Address: 300 Britannia St, Stratford, ON N5A 5Z8
Primary and Campaign Office Telephone Number: 519-807-6442
Email Address:
morton.stratford@gmail.com
Link to campaign website:
www.ianmorton.ca

Ian Morton
Campaign website

Veteran elementary teacher, track-and-field coach and community volunteer with environmental and active-transportation committee experience.

Campaign biography

Collaborative and inclusive council decision-making, housing affordability, community well-being and bringing residents’ concerns to council. Also proposes fare-free transit and expanded active-transportation routes.

Campaign priorities
Not verified

Not on current council. Earlier council service not verified.

City council roster

Commits to hearing residents and carrying their concerns to council. Also calls for earlier, wider notice of council issues so residents can attend, ask questions or delegate.

Campaign priorities

Proposes more town-hall discussions about projects and issues, with annual progress checkpoints; no fixed town-hall frequency specified.

Stratford Cares questionnaire (PDF)
Specific proposals

Proposes building a shelter, a vacant-home tax dedicated to housing solutions, rental licensing and maintenance standards, and non-market housing through municipal or nonprofit building programs.

Campaign priorities

Targets supportive and bridge housing opening before winter 2027–28; would expand Connection Centre support and add mental-health professionals and social workers to police emergency calls.

Stratford Cares questionnaire (PDF)
Not found

No specific commitment found in the sources reviewed.

Campaign source
Harj Nijjar
Elected (unofficial)

5,186 votes
6.0% of votes

Unofficial City results
Listed contact details

Primary Telephone Number: 519-301-7754
Email Address:
harjforstratford@gmail.com
Link to Campaign Website:
www.harjforstratford.ca
Link to Social Media Account:
Facebook - harjforstratford
Link to Social Media Account:
Instagram - harjforstratford

Harj Nijjar
Campaign website

Lifelong Stratford resident, senior IT professional and local business owner.

Campaign biography

Responsible finances and growth, housing and economic opportunity, safety, youth and seniors, and an inclusive community.

Campaign source

Yes — current councillor.

City council roster

Commits to listening and collaborative council work. No specific public forum proposal found.

Campaign source

Lists housing, community safety, inclusion and support for youth and seniors as priorities.

Campaign source

Prioritizes opening the 12 Erie Street units and expanding the Connection Centre and Warming Centre to connect housing, mental-health and addictions services.

Stratford Cares questionnaire (PDF)

Promises responsible financial management and respect for tax dollars.

Campaign source

Calls for Grand Trunk funding tied to milestones and regular public reporting.

StratfordToday · Grand Trunk Q&A
Gary Robinson

1,586 votes
1.8% of votes

Unofficial City results

No campaign links listed.

Listed contact details

Primary Telephone Number: 519-272-7028
Email Address:
gary_robinson59@hotmail.com

No verified
photo

No candidate portrait verified from the available public sources.

Lifelong Stratford resident and community sports volunteer, with more than 40 years refereeing hockey and umpiring baseball.

Stratford Times · 2026 candidate Q&A

Tax restraint, faster infrastructure work, housing for seniors and families, and a volunteer-built tiny-home community.

Stratford Times · 2026 candidate Q&A

Proposes a three-year municipal wage freeze and ending retention pay.

StratfordToday · tax levy Q&A
Not verified

Not on current council. Earlier council service not verified.

City council roster
Not found

No specific commitment found in the sources reviewed.

Source reviewed
Specific proposals

Proposes a tiny-home village with shared kitchen and bathrooms on city land near the landfill, seeking donated supplies and volunteer construction.

Stratford Times · 2026 candidate Q&A
Not found

No specific commitment found in the sources reviewed.

Source reviewed
Cody Sebben
Elected (unofficial)

6,335 votes
7.4% of votes

Unofficial City results
Listed contact details

Primary Telephone Number: 519-274-9662
Email Address:
csebben@live.ca
Link to Social Media Account:
facebook.com/votesebben
Link to Campaign Website:
codysebben.ca

Cody Sebben
Campaign website

Stratford-raised behavioural-science graduate and rehabilitation facilitator supporting people with brain injuries.

Campaign biography

Consistent access to councillors, lower tax increases, affordable housing incentives, stronger homelessness partnerships, climate action and smaller transit buses.

Campaign source

Yes — current councillor.

City council roster
Specific proposal
“I will continue to host monthly forums with the public”

Commits to continuing monthly informal meetings for residents’ questions and feedback.

Campaign source

Proposes affordable-housing development incentives and expanded support for people experiencing homelessness through nonprofit and private-sector partnerships.

Campaign source

Proposes minimum affordable-housing ratios in new developments.

Stratford Cares questionnaire (PDF)

Advocates tax-increase targets, closer spending scrutiny and separating necessities from discretionary spending. Publishes his past budget remarks, but no new budget disclosure system is specified.

Budget & finances
Elaine Strawbridge

3,222 votes
3.8% of votes

Unofficial City results
Listed contact details

Primary Telephone Number: 519-276-7656
Email Address:
strawbridge4council@gmail.com
Link to Campaign Website:
strawbridge4council.ca

Elaine Strawbridge
Campaign websitePhoto: Terry Manzo

United Church minister whose campaign draws on experience with community service needs.

Campaign biography

Good-paying year-round jobs, affordability for younger and older residents, inclusion, active listening and fiscal responsibility.

Campaign source
Not verified

Not on current council. Earlier council service not verified.

City council roster
Not found

No specific commitment found in the sources reviewed.

Campaign source

Links good-paying jobs to reducing poverty; supports affordable housing and services for vulnerable residents, bringing stakeholders together and matching community expertise to needs.

Campaign source

Proposes a street-level housing advocate, potentially shared with nearby municipalities, and recruiting provincially funded psychiatrists.

Stratford Cares questionnaire (PDF)

States a commitment to fiscal responsibility. No specific budget transparency mechanism found.

Campaign source
Amber-Leah Margaret Timmons

793 votes
0.9% of votes

Unofficial City results
Listed contact details

Qualifying Address: 13-192 Kemp Crescent, Stratford, ON, N5A 5C5
Primary Telephone Number: 519-275-2896
Email Addresses:
s.g.timmons1987@gmail.com
Link to Social Media Account:
Lady, Amber-Leah Margaret Timmons for City Council | Facebook

No verified
photo

The listed profile uses campaign artwork; no candidate portrait verified.

Volunteer with the Perth Huron Multicultural Association, according to her listed campaign profile.

Campaign profile preview
Not verified

No verified 2026 platform found. The listed social profile was accessible only as a preview; its posts could not be reviewed.

Listed social profile
Not verified

Not on current council. Earlier council service not verified.

City council roster
Not found

No specific commitment found in the sources reviewed.

Source reviewed
Not found

No specific social-issue commitment verified in the sources reviewed, including homelessness, addictions or mental health.

Source reviewed
Not found

No specific commitment found in the sources reviewed.

Source reviewed
Ken Wood

2,413 votes
2.8% of votes

Unofficial City results
Listed contact details

Qualifying Address: 103-230 Britannia St, Stratford, ON, N5A 5Z7
Primary and Business Telephone Number: 519-814-2027
Email Addresses:
kwood.stratford@gmail.com
and
wood@woodspeaksup4u.ca
Link to campaign website:
woodspeaksup4u.ca
Link to Social Media Account:
facebook.com/votekenwood

Ken Wood
Campaign websitePhoto: Fred Gonder

Retired IT and human-resources professional with nonprofit board experience, including food-bank and supportive-housing organizations.

Campaign biography

Affordability, core services, open decisions, accountability, accessible representation and addressing housing insecurity.

Campaign source

Would reverse the city’s legal challenge to strong mayor powers.

StratfordToday · council decisions Q&A
Not verified

Not on current council. Earlier council service not verified.

City council roster
“I will advocate for fair and open debate at public meetings”

Supports earlier public input and open debate; promises to explain every vote. No recurring forum schedule specified.

Campaign source

Would publish regular council agendas two weeks ahead and record and archive all votes.

Stratford Cares questionnaire (PDF)
Specific proposals

Proposes roughly $600,000 annually for homelessness operations, adjustable with need and capital-project results; a men’s shelter, tiny-home pilot, renoviction bylaw and vacant-property tax.

Stratford Cares questionnaire (PDF)

Says city finances should be publicly accessible, final decisions publicly voted on, and every vote explained. No budget-specific dashboard or publication schedule found.

Campaign source
Geza Wordofa
Elected (unofficial)

4,764 votes
5.6% of votes

Unofficial City results
Listed contact details

Primary Telephone Number: 226-339-1547
Email Address:
gwordofa@gmail.com
Link to Social Media Account:
Geza for City Council

Geza Wordofa
Campaign social profile

Multicultural Association president, community volunteer and RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award recipient.

Campaign profile preview

Affordable housing, newcomer integration, childcare capacity, and support for seniors and people with disabilities.

Campaign platform

Yes — current councillor.

City council roster
Specific proposals

Proposes a housing advisory committee including people with lived experience, agencies and healthcare providers, reviewing policy twice yearly. This is a subject-specific advisory forum.

Stratford Cares questionnaire (PDF)

Would reduce closed council meetings and reconsider exclusions from municipal buildings.

StratfordToday · council decisions Q&A
Specific proposals

Proposes nonprofit supportive housing on city land within 24 months, a 24/7 mental-health/outreach crisis team, expanded Housing Stability Bank funding and eligibility, and regional advocacy for treatment beds.

Stratford Cares questionnaire (PDF)

Also proposes a centralized advocacy office for seniors and people with disabilities, and a municipal home-daycare licensing approach.

Campaign platform
Specific proposals

Proposes an annual public dashboard showing housing stability, waiting times and funding allocations.

Stratford Cares questionnaire (PDF)
Jefferson George Wright

585 votes
0.7% of votes

Unofficial City results
Listed contact details

Email Address:
jgw.stratford@proton.me
Link to campaign website:
littlethames.neocities.org

Jefferson George Wright
Campaign website

Garden landscaper with 25 years of film and television experience, including assistant directing and location management.

Campaign biography

A municipal housing census and non-market housing, renoviction protection, heritage and tourism, traffic changes, term limits, and Grand Trunk demolition/remediation and redevelopment.

Campaign source
Not verified

Not on current council. Earlier council service not verified.

City council roster
Not found

No specific commitment found in the sources reviewed.

Campaign source
Specific proposals

Now supports encampment closure followed by “non-market adaptive electrified private housing” and “compulsory if-applicable addiction interruption”; the site does not define that intervention. Retains renoviction protection. The previous tiny-home-at-encampment proposal is no longer stated.

Campaign source

Emphasizes transparent government. No specific budget transparency mechanism found.

Campaign source

School-board trustee candidates

Avon Maitland District School Board

4 candidates

Social issues include homelessness, addictions, mental health and other community supports. School-board proposals are identified in their school context.

Avon Maitland District School Board candidates, campaign priorities and source links, reviewed October 21, 2026.
Candidate & contactPhotoBrief bioMain campaign pointsPreviously on city council?Public forums with councilAddressing Social IssuesBudgetary transparency
Michael Bannerman
Elected (unofficial)

6,139 votes
48.5% of votes

Unofficial City results
Listed contact details

Qualifying Address: 55 Norwood Court, Stratford, ON N5A 7N9
Primary and Campaign Office Telephone Number: 519-703-0885
Email Address:
mcbannerman@rogers.com

Michael Bannerman
Campaign website

AMDSB board chair and psychosocial rehabilitation specialist with more than 25 years of mental-health work.

StratfordToday · Sep 6, 2026
Campaign interview

School-board priorities: affordable before/after-school care, school space and transport as Stratford grows, extracurricular costs, responsible AI use, funding and elected trustee representation.

StratfordToday · Sep 6, 2026
School-board service

City council service not verified. Separate role: AMDSB trustee in 2010–2014 and 2022–2026; board chair.

StratfordToday · Sep 6, 2026

Discusses representing families in school-board governance. No proposal for public forums with city council found.

StratfordToday · Sep 6, 2026

Highlights accessible before- and after-school care, extracurricular affordability and student belonging. His campaign interview describes his mental-health work experience, but does not specify a new mental-health or addictions program.

StratfordToday · Sep 6, 2026

Highlights a balanced school-board budget and funding pressures. No new budget transparency mechanism specified.

StratfordToday · Sep 6, 2026
Deepika Mishra
Elected (unofficial)

2,221 votes
17.5% of votes

Unofficial City results

No campaign links listed.

Listed contact details

Primary Telephone Number: 416-709-9630
Email Address:
deepikamishra3478@gmail.com

No verified
photo

No candidate portrait verified from the available public sources.

Engineer with an MBA and corporate, nonprofit and school-committee experience; appointed an AMDSB trustee in 2025.

StratfordToday · Sep 7, 2026
Campaign interview

Prioritizes student achievement, mental health, safety, inclusion and stronger engagement with students, families and educators.

StratfordToday · Sep 7, 2026
School-board service

City council service not verified. Separate role: appointed AMDSB trustee in 2025.

AMDSB announcement · Nov 3, 2025

Advocates listening to students, parents and educators in school-board decisions. No specific city council forum proposal described.

StratfordToday · Sep 7, 2026

Identifies student mental health, safety and inclusion as priorities; advocates listening, collaboration and practical solutions. No named mental-health service or addictions program specified.

StratfordToday · Sep 7, 2026
Not found

No specific budget transparency mechanism described in the campaign interview.

StratfordToday · Sep 7, 2026
Ed Montgomery

1,359 votes
10.7% of votes

Unofficial City results

No campaign links listed.

Listed contact details

Email Address:
edmontgomery@hotmail.com

No verified
photo

No candidate portrait verified from the available public sources.

Stratford native and educator who has taught in Japan, South Korea and China.

StratfordToday · Sep 4, 2026
Campaign interview

Improve student learning and communication among students, families and staff; gather local evidence, compare other boards’ approaches and explain changes.

StratfordToday · Sep 4, 2026
Not verified

Not on current council. Earlier council service not verified.

City council roster

Calls for consultation and better school-board communication. No proposal for public forums with city council found.

StratfordToday · Sep 4, 2026

Proposes listening to students, parents and educators, gathering evidence on challenges and supporting each student’s potential. No specific homelessness, addictions or mental-health program described.

StratfordToday · Sep 4, 2026
“How decisions are made and how spending is done should be a much more open process”

Calls for more open school-board decisions and spending, school visits, and scrutiny of the justification for public expenditure. No reporting format or schedule given.

StratfordToday · Sep 4, 2026
Jamie-Lee Wagler
Result not published

Votes: Not published
Percentage: Not published

Not listed in City results
Listed contact details

Qualifying Address: 497 Devon Street, Stratford, ON N4Z 1C1
Primary Telephone Number: 519-588-4964
Email Address:
hello@jamiewagler.ca
Link to campaign website:
jamiewagler.ca

Jamie-Lee Wagler
Campaign website

Ontario Certified Teacher, Registered Early Childhood Educator, college professor and school council chair.

Campaign biography

Student well-being, safe and inclusive schools, evidence-informed learning, family/community partnerships and responsible school-board governance.

Campaign source
Not verified

Not on current council. Earlier council service not verified.

City council roster

Promises family engagement and active listening in school-board governance. No city council forum proposal found.

Campaign source

Supports student well-being, emotional safety, belonging, inclusion and family/community partnerships. No specific clinical mental-health service, addictions program or homelessness intervention described.

Campaign source

Commits to transparency, accountability and responsible use of school-board resources. No specific budget reporting or consultation mechanism found.

Campaign source

School-board trustee candidates

Huron Perth Catholic District School Board

3 candidates

Social issues include homelessness, addictions, mental health and other community supports. School-board proposals are identified in their school context.

Huron Perth Catholic District School Board candidates, campaign priorities and source links, reviewed October 21, 2026.
Candidate & contactPhotoBrief bioMain campaign pointsPreviously on city council?Public forums with councilAddressing Social IssuesBudgetary transparency
David Charlesworth

239 votes
20% of votes

Unofficial City results

No campaign links listed.

Listed contact details

Qualifying Address: 290 Mornington St, Stratford, ON, N5A 5G6
Primary Telephone Number: 519-801-1234
Email Address:
d.charlesworth@mac.com

No verified
photo

No candidate portrait verified from the available public sources.

Previously ran for Huron Perth Catholic school-board trustee in 2014; further biographical details were not verified.

City election results · 2014
Not verified

No verified 2026 platform found. The City lists no campaign website or social profile.

Official candidate listing
Not verified

Not on current council. Earlier council service not verified.

City council roster
Not found

No specific commitment found in the sources reviewed.

Source reviewed
Not found

No specific social-issue commitment verified in the sources reviewed, including homelessness, addictions or mental health.

Official candidate listing
Not found

No specific commitment found in the sources reviewed.

Source reviewed
Heather Marcy
Elected (unofficial)

761 votes
63.6% of votes

Unofficial City results

No campaign links listed.

Listed contact details

Qualifying Address: 75 Feick Crescent, Stratford, ON
Email Address: heathermarcy7@gmail.com

No verified
photo

No candidate portrait verified from the available public sources.

Has coordinated a local tutoring-support program connecting the Catholic school board and St. Vincent de Paul.

Sarnia News Today · May 10, 2023
Not verified

No verified 2026 platform found. The City lists no campaign website or social profile.

Official candidate listing
Not verified

Not on current council. Earlier council service not verified.

City council roster
Not found

No specific commitment found in the sources reviewed.

Source reviewed
Not found

No specific social-issue commitment verified in the sources reviewed, including homelessness, addictions or mental health.

Official candidate listing
Not found

No specific commitment found in the sources reviewed.

Source reviewed
Laurie Thomson

197 votes
16.5% of votes

Unofficial City results

No contact details listed.

No verified
photo

No candidate portrait verified from the available public sources.

Digital-forensics company employee and Catholic-school graduate who has settled in Stratford.

Campaign biography

Catholic identity, strong academics, student well-being, family and parish connections, and accessible, accountable school-board representation.

Campaign source
Not verified

Not on current council. Earlier council service not verified.

City council roster
Not found

No specific commitment found in the sources reviewed.

Source reviewed

Supports safe, inclusive schools and student well-being; no specific homelessness, addictions or mental-health service program described.

Campaign source
Not found

No specific commitment found in the sources reviewed.

Source reviewed

French-language Catholic school board

Conseil scolaire catholique Providence

1 candidate

Social issues include homelessness, addictions, mental health and other community supports. School-board proposals are identified in their school context.

Conseil scolaire catholique Providence candidates, campaign priorities and source links, reviewed October 21, 2026.
Candidate & contactPhotoBrief bioMain campaign pointsPreviously on city council?Public forums with councilAddressing Social IssuesBudgetary transparency
Michael Salvatore
Elected by acclamation

Votes: N/A
Percentage: N/A

Acclaimed; no vote held

No campaign links listed.

No contact details listed.

No verified
photo

No candidate portrait verified from the available public sources.

Not verified

A public biography could not be verified from the available sources.

Listed candidate source
Not verified

No verified 2026 platform found. The City lists no campaign website or social profile.

Official candidate listing
Not verified

Not on current council. Earlier council service not verified.

City council roster
Not found

No specific commitment found in the sources reviewed.

Source reviewed
Not found

No specific social-issue commitment verified in the sources reviewed, including homelessness, addictions or mental health.

Official candidate listing
Not found

No specific commitment found in the sources reviewed.

Source reviewed

French-language public school board

Conseil scolaire Viamonde

1 candidate

Social issues include homelessness, addictions, mental health and other community supports. School-board proposals are identified in their school context.

Conseil scolaire Viamonde candidates, campaign priorities and source links, reviewed October 21, 2026.
Candidate & contactPhotoBrief bioMain campaign pointsPreviously on city council?Public forums with councilAddressing Social IssuesBudgetary transparency
Rachid Barrima
Elected by acclamation

Votes: N/A
Percentage: N/A

Acclaimed; no vote held
Listed contact details

Website:
www.rachidbarrima.ca
Email Address:
rbarrima@laurentian.ca

Rachid Barrima
Campaign website

Employment and community-services professional with experience supporting newcomers and serving as a school parent council chair.

Campaign biography

French-language education, student success, family engagement, inclusion, school access and regional representation. Listed as acclaimed.

Campaign source
Not verified

Not on current council. Earlier council service not verified.

City council roster

Offers family contact and follow-up and links to Viamonde consultation tools. These concern school governance; no city council forum proposal found.

Campaign source

Prioritizes student well-being, belonging, emotional safety, inclusive learning and family participation. No specific homelessness, addictions or clinical mental-health program described.

Campaign source

Promises to explain decisions and report back to families. No specific budget publication or review mechanism found.

Campaign source