Councillor Stephanie Stretch
Ward 10
In Office: 2024 - present
Stephanie Stretch (nee Seibert) has strong ties to Kitchener, where she was born, raised, and currently resides with her family. She is invested in the people and places of Ward 10 and feels a deep sense of connection to the community’s diverse population. Stephanie hopes her role as a City of Kitchener Councillor will help her give back to the community that has given her so much.
Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of Guelph and has over a decade of professional experience working in the not-for-profit and financial sectors serving youth, families, and traditionally marginalised peoples.
Listening to and advocating for constituents is a priority for Stephanie. She is passionate about community building, youth, affordable housing, ecological sustainability, environmental protection and expanding access to green space.
Stephanie lives in Ward 10 Downtown Kitchener with her husband, two daughters, dog "Snoopy," and in-laws.
Current committee appointments
- Climate Change & Environment Committee
- Downtown Action & Advisory Committee
- Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee
- Kitchener Downtown Business Improvement Association
- Multicultural Centre of KW Board of Directors
- Compass Kitchener
What's new in ward 10
Building a More Sustainable Kitchener Together
As we continue working toward a more sustainable future in Kitchener, I want to share a few updates that highlight the meaningful progress we’re making together as a community.
Looking Ahead
Over the past year, I’ve been proud to support practical climate solutions that are already delivering measurable results.
At Sportsworld Arena, historically one of the most energy-intensive municipally owned arenas in the Waterloo Region, we completed a full-year pilot focused on improving energy efficiency in ice-making.
By using cold water paired with a mechanical deaerator, we achieved a 5% reduction in energy consumption, reduced emissions by 14 tonnes of CO₂ annually, and generated over $6,000 in yearly savings, all while maintaining high-quality ice. With a projected payback period of just 3.5 years, this initiative is a strong example of responsible, results-driven climate action.
Building on this success, Council has supported my motions to explore expanding the program to additional arenas, including Grand River Arena, Don McLaren Arena, Kiwanis Park Twin Pad Arena, and Kinsmen Arena, as part of upcoming budget considerations. Check out the video here: Cold water icemaking - Sportsworld Arena
Growing Our Tree Canopy
I’m also incredibly proud of the continued progress on Kitchener’s Community Tree Canopy project.
With support from the Green Municipal Fund and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, along with ongoing Council investment, more than $2.5 million has been directed toward growing and strengthening our urban forest.
I’m pleased to share that Kitchener has once again been recognized as a Tree City of the World, joining hundreds of municipalities globally that meet and exceed key standards for urban forestry. Check out this video to learn more: https://greenmunicipalfund.ca/resources/video-how-kitchener-scaling-its-urban-canopy-cover
Stay Connected with Ward 10
I encourage you to stay engaged, share your thoughts, ask questions, and be part of the conversation on local issues.
For a deeper look at council updates, projects, and plans, sign up for my quarterly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox:
www.stephaniestretch.ca
I’m looking forward to a productive and exciting 2026 with all of you!
Land acknowledgement
The City of Kitchener is situated on the traditional territory of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee Peoples. We recognize our responsibility to act as stewards for the land and honour the original caretakers who came before us. Our community is enriched by the enduring knowledge and deep-rooted traditions of the diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples who live in Kitchener today.