Councillor Debbie Chapman
Ward 9
In Office: 2018 - present
Debbie grew up in Kitchener, completing her primary and secondary school education locally and later obtaining her first university degree at Wilfrid Laurier University. Following an MA at York University she obtained a PhD in Political Science from the University of Western Ontario in 2009. After twelve years living in Mexico, she has made her home in Kitchener since 1989 where she has raised her two daughters partly as a single mom and subsequently with her husband Peter.
Dr. Chapman has been teaching at Wilfrid Laurier University in the Political Science and Global Studies departments since 2009. She has taught a range of courses from global governance and issues in international development to urban politics and political economy. Her time as a professor followed private sector experience as a senior operations manager at a national wholesaler.
Debbie has been making contributions to Kitchener for years, including as president of the Cherry Park Neighbourhood Association and as a member of two community advisory committees. This involvement has given Debbie a broad understanding of the diversity of life in Kitchener and a strong commitment to local democracy.
In representing Ward 9 Debbie strives to involve all members of our community in decision-making and change, particularly as it relates to the city's rapid development. She believes, furthermore, that all members of society have a right to a dignified life.
Current committee appointments
- Planning & Strategic Initiatives Committee (Vice-Chair)
- Kitchener Downtown Business Improvement Association
- Downtown Action & Advisory Committee
- Heritage Kitchener
- Horticultural Society of Kitchener Board of Directors
- Enova Energy Corp. (June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026)
What's new in ward 9
Winter can be cold and gloomy. Fortunately, the Neighbourhood Associations (NAs) work throughout the winter offering programs and maintaining ice rinks around the City. There are 4 ice rinks in Ward 9. They can be found in Cherry Park, Victoria Park, Admiral Park and Glendale Park. They are always looking for volunteers to help maintain the rinks. Reach out to your NA if you would like to help. Of course there is the ever-reliable rink at City Hall as well, if the others melt. The best place to rent a pair of ice skates that I’m aware of is Kitchener Public Library at the Central Library. Details can be found here: https://www.kpl.org/things-to-check-out/cool-things You can check out the other ‘cool things’ they have to offer.
Winter programs are well underway and spring program registration opens on March 10 at 8:30 am for Kitchener residents and March 17 for non-residents. The Active Kitchener Program Guide lists all the programs around the City. You can also check out the NA newsletters for their offerings. Mill Courtland Community Centre won’t open until later this year, but they are still offering programs at other venues. Mill Courtland and Highland Stirling community groups are temporarily working out of Rockway Mennonite Church at 47 Onward Ave. Drop in; they love visitors.
Rockway Centre continues to offer programs for adults and seniors. There is lots of parking and its right on the bus line if you want to rent space to hold an event/meeting.
Ward 9 keeps giving!
Contact Us
City of Kitchener
200 King Street West,
Kitchener, Ontario
Telephone: 519-741-2345,
TTY: 1-866-969-9994
mailto:info@kitchener.ca