About Elaine Strawbridge
Elaine Strawbridge
Photo Credit Terry Manzo
Dedicated Community Advocate
It is no mistake that municipalities like Stratford must continuously uncover full-time, good-paying jobs across all economic sectors. Steady employment is the income flow that scaffolds families and communities; that lifts poverty and affords critical infrastructure and services. Council must work very hard to keep Stratford affordable and accessible to our youth and aging populations. We must continue our work on helping our homeless – a complex issue. Serving as a Minister of the United Church has prepared me to understand and strategize on these deep community servicing needs.
Stratford is my home. I am deeply invested in our city as a place to grow and thrive. Please elect me as Councillor for the City of Stratford on October 26, 2026.
Elaine Strawbridge
Photo Credit Terry Manzo
Together for Stratford
Building a Brighter Future for Our Community
For Councillor City of Stratford 2026
Values & Vision
Elaine’s values are rooted in her family's entrepreneurial work ethic, active listening, and fiscal responsibility, driving her vision for an inclusive and affordable Stratford. She envisions a municipality that continuously generates steady, good-paying jobs to lift people out of poverty and sustain community infrastructure while strategically addressing complex issues like homelessness. Her forward-looking approach—especially regarding major developments like the Grand Trunk site—demands "surgical business discipline" to ensure the city secures sustainable assets and affordable housing without overburdening the taxpayer.
Addressing Homelessness
Elaine views homelessness in Stratford as a complex challenge that requires a strategic and compassionate response. Drawing on her background as a United Church Minister, she approaches deep community service needs with dignity and a strong duty of care. Her platform emphasizes the importance of increasing the affordable housing stock and providing essential support for the city's most vulnerable populations. To address this effectively, she advocates for bringing active stakeholders to the table and matching community expertise directly to grassroots needs.
Fair Taxation
Elaine views municipal taxation through a lens of fiscal responsibility and "surgical business discipline." Acknowledging that the city must "do more with less" in its budget, she is committed to protecting Stratford's precious tax base dollars from the costly surprises that often accompany large-scale capital projects, such as the Grand Trunk development. By actively exploring alternative municipal best practices, engaging private developers, and generating new private income streams to offset project costs, Elaine aims to ensure that major community investments are financed as "baked-in win-wins" that won't unfairly burden local ratepayers.
Community Empowerment
Elaine champions community empowerment by prioritizing active listening and ensuring grassroots voices have a real seat at the decision-making table. Recognizing that ratepayers deserve genuine attention and personal follow-up, she is dedicated to directly mapping local expertise to community needs. By bringing active stakeholders together to collaborate on complex city projects and fostering economic opportunities that lift families out of poverty, Elaine aims to ensure that Stratford’s residents are heard, supported, and actively engaged in shaping their city's future.
Sustainable Development
Elaine’s approach to sustainable development links long-term economic vitality with thoughtful urban planning and community well-being. She advocates for forward-thinking, 50-year strategies on major infrastructure projects like the Grand Trunk development, ensuring that essential community assets—such as a new library and YMCA—are financially viable through private income streams rather than tax hikes. For Elaine, true sustainability means building a Stratford that remains affordable and accessible across generations by consistently generating steady employment, expanding the affordable housing stock, and meticulously planning for the future without compromising the city's financial health.
Voices of Support
Elaine's passion and dedication are making a real difference in Stratford. Her focus on homelessness and taxation resonates with so many in our community.
"Elaine's initiatives are thoughtful and impactful. She truly cares about the people of Stratford and their needs."
"Her proactive approach to local issues is refreshing. Elaine is a leader we can trust to make the right decisions for our city."
"Elaine's commitment to transparency and dialogue has changed the way we engage with local government, and I’m grateful for her leadership."
Elaine Strawbridge: Active Listener • Natural Collaborator • Thoughtful
Make your voice heard! Check or update your registration on the voters' list quickly and easily at RegisterToVoteON.ca.
Reach Out to Elaine Strawbridge
For questions or to learn more about Elaine's vision for Stratford, please fill out the form below. Your input is valued!