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JO-DEE

BURBACH
B.A., M.A.

Stratford has been my home for over 25 years, and my commitment to this city is deeply personal. In 1999, I chose Stratford as the ideal place to raise a family and operate my small business. After serving the community as a volunteer in many different capacities, I stepped into public service in 2018 as a Stratford City Councillor. I decided to enter municipal politics because I believe that government can be responsive and work for all people – for our security, well-being, and quality of life. Over the last seven + years on Council, I have made it my mission to show up, do the work, engage with people and focus on delivering real results for our community.

Community service has been central to my life here in Stratford. Over the years I have volunteered with numerous local organizations, including Here For Now Theatre, Foundation for Education Perth Huron, Cycle Stratford, Doors Open Stratford, the Stratford BIA, Community Meal programs, The Local Community Food Centre, StopVAW Perth County, and several community fundraising initiatives. Before becoming a City Councillor, I also advocated to Council for safer routes to school and eliminating the use of pesticides in public places where children and adults play.

In 2016, I completed a Master of Arts in Communication Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University, specializing in political communication. My thesis examined Canadian women in politics and their use of social media, and my research was published in 2017. Spending time learning, expanding my perspective and building on my communication skills during that time has proven to be incredibly valuable.

My community involvement has been recognized through nominations for Stratford's Optimism Place’s Woman of the Year Award in 2016 and, in 2020, and receiving their Allyship & Advocacy Woman of the Year Award for my work addressing anti-Black racism in our community.

Elected to Stratford City Council in 2018, I have served on all five of Stratford's Council Committees, and have leadership roles on the Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee (Chair) and Planning and Heritage Committee (Vice-Chair), as well as Chair for the Energy & Environment, and Active Transportation Advisory Committees. I also serve as a Board trustee of the Downtown BIA, Gallery Stratford, and Stratford Public Library.

On Council, I have worked to make positive change in numerous ways. I helped to develop Stratford’s Transportation Master Plan, proposed and championed the city’s green bin program, supported the declaration of a climate emergency and carbon reduction targets, and initiated the Community Equity Action Team. Recently, I have also advocated for a Recreation Master Plan and a downtown parking study, which are critical for moving the Grand Trunk development project forward. My motion in the fall of 2025 brought about the reinstatement of a Housing and Homelessness Task Force, which then led to the opening of an overnight warming centre.

I am a practical, thoughtful and forward-thinking leader. Throughout my time on Council, I have focused on collaboration, community engagement, and building strong partnerships to help Stratford take important steps forward. I am ready to bring that experience, education, and commitment to the role of Mayor. I am running because I care deeply about this community and believe in its future.

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