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 Committee
- Horticultural Society of Kitchener Board of Directors
- Enova Energy Corp. (June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026)
- Compass Kitchener
What's new in ward 9
Spring brings new life and new beginnings. In addition to the nicer weather, I’ve noticed more people walking and biking around the Ward and doing outdoor yard clean-up.
April 22 is Earth Day. This year’s theme is Our Power, Our Planet. According to earthday.org the theme reflects “the role of collective action in shaping environmental outcomes”. This can be done in different ways. The Cherry Park Neighbourhood Association’s clean-up/BBQ is April 25, 9:00-12:00 starting at Cherry Park. The Victoria Park Neighbourhood Association’s clean-up is April 18, 10:00-11:30 in Victoria Park by the Pavillion. I hope you can join us. If you are holding an event in your neighbourhood, let me know and I will join you and help you promote it.
Other ways to mark Earth Day include tree planting, reducing overall consumption, composting or growing your own food.
In preparation for the planting season you may want to check out the Waterloo Region Community Garden Network for a list of community gardens and details on how to get involved. It’s never too late to learn how to grow food. Many of the gardens also have accessible raised beds. Reep Green Solutions is a great resource. Have a look at the Bloom[in] Box or the backyard tree planting programs.
Other Spring events include the Green Walk in Victoria Park on June 9th, the grand opening of the Route 1 trail on June 7th and of course Neighbours Day on June 20th. Watch for the return of the outdoor patios in Downtown Kitchener.
