Debbie Chapman Seeks Re-Election for Ward 9

Kitchener, ON – On May 1, 2026, Debbie Chapman filed papers to run for re-election as Kitchener's Ward 9 City Councillor. 

"There is a lot going on everywhere right now, but my primary focus is on the people and the neighbourhoods of Ward 9. It's where we live and where we confront the problems Kitchener faces and the possibilities it offers,” said Chapman.

Since being elected to Council for the first time in 2018, Chapman has been a strong advocate for people-centred development. From human-scale housing on Mill Street to bike lanes bypassing Rockway Gardens, from inclusionary zoning to the renoviction bylaw, she has staunchly represented the residents of Ward 9 who often seek her out personally to share their concerns. She has been particularly outspoken in promoting a definition of "affordable" housing to mean 30 per cent of a full-time minimum wage.

"Listening to what people have to say and bringing their perspectives to Council is the central component of my job as Councillor. It's the people in the neighbourhoods who know what's needed."

As a long time Kitchener resident who has been active in the community for over 25 years, Chapman has seen how dramatic changes in recent years are posing serious challenges to everybody. Beyond demanding truly affordable housing she pushed to declare a climate emergency and continues to advocate adopting green development standards and geothermal energy in new builds.

"We are a city of possibilities. I want to continue the work in Ward 9 to ensure we get things right"