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Jo-Dee Burbach.jpg

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 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 and several community fundraising initiatives. 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 that time in academia learning, expanding my perspective and building on my communication skills 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, receiving the 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 of Stratford's five Council Committees and have leadership roles on the Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Commitee (Chair) and Planning and Heritage Committee(Vice-Chair), as well as 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 advance Stratford’s Transportation Master Plan, 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. I also advocated for a Recreation Master Plan and a downtown parking study, which are critical for moving the Grand Trunk development project forward. Recently, my motion brought about the reinstatement of a Housing and Homelessness Task Force, which then led to the opening of an overnight warming centre.

Throughout my time on Council, I have focused on collaboration, community engagement, and building strong partnerships to help Stratford thrive now and into the future.

© 2026 authorized by JO-DEE BURBACH official candidate

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