Steph Goertz
About Stephanie
For years, Stephanie Goertz has worked alongside residents, volunteers, nonprofits, schools, and local organizations to solve problems, build connections, and strengthen the community. Her leadership experience spans housing, community coordination, environmental stewardship, youth mentorship, and local advocacy.
Book a meeting with Steph
Host a 90-minute conversation with 6+ of your friends or neighbours. Fill out the form below to organize a time for Steph to join you at your home or a local restaurant.
This is an opportunity to learn why Steph is not like any other mayoral candidate and how she will make positive change
Grassroots Response to the Ukrainian Crisis
Not for Profit Founder & President of the Board (2022–Present)
Currently partnered with a National Charity so that I can step back from my coordination role and, if elected, dedicate my time to Wilmot Township.
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Built Grassroots Response into an organization with an annual budget approaching $500,000, while managing a team of 18+ staff.
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Helped provide housing to 1,900+ people and additional support to thousands of individuals and families.
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Managed operations across 25+ housing facilities, including the day-to-day challenges that come with operating multiple properties.
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Built and coordinated a volunteer network of 1,000+ people across Wilmot Township and Waterloo Region.
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Developed partnerships with churches, nonprofits, businesses and community organizations to deliver housing and other supports.
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Oversaw budgets, bookkeeping, financial reporting and organizational finances.
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Secured more than $200,000 annually in grant funding to support the organization's work.
Green Lava Media Incorporated
CEO (2019 - Current)
Small Business Owner
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Organized conferences and trade shows connecting nonprofits, businesses, and community organizations; managed co-working spaces in Kitchener.
Allan Beach Roofing
Bookkeeping
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My small-business experience started at 18, helping my father with the bookkeeping for his roofing company. Over the years, I have continued to support his business, including with marketing.
Community & Environmental Leadership
50by30 Waterloo Region
Coordinating Team Member (2020–2024)
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Worked with community organizations and municipal leaders to support regional sustainability collaboration and long-term planning initiatives.
Wilmot Horticultural Society / Let’s Tree Wilmot
Board Member & Committee Member (2021–2022)
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Helped coordinate tree planting, stewardship initiatives, and community education projects across Wilmot Township.
Citizens for Safe Ground Water
Volunteer (2020–2022)
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Worked alongside residents and community members advocating for the protection of local water resources and responsible long-term planning
Nith Valley EcoBoosters
Leadership Team (2020–2021)
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Worked with community members and local partners on sustainability, education, and local engagement initiatives focused on strengthening community resilience.
Food System Roundtable of Waterloo Region
Chair & Board Member (2020–2021)
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Brought together stakeholders to support local food system resilience and collaboration.
Wilmot Health Community Coalition
Leadership Team (2016-2017)
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Supported community-focused discussions and collaboration around local health and wellness initiatives.
Stephanie in the Media
Proof of Leadership
Speaking Up at Councils Across Waterloo Region
I have consistently shown up in formal government settings to advocate for our community.
Council Delegations & Public Presentations
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Presented to numerous municipal councils on food systems, farmland protection, and gravel concerns
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Spoke in opposition to development proposals that did not align with community values
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Represented community-led initiatives like 50by30WR in planning discussions
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Engaged directly with councillors and staff through formal Q&A and policy dialogue
Leading on Climate & Land Use
I’ve worked at the intersection of climate action, land use, and long-term planning.
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Participated in Official Plan discussions at both municipal and regional levels
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Advocated for sustainable growth and climate-aligned decision-making
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Contributed to community-based climate initiatives and education
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Completed climate leadership training and applied tools like En-ROADS
What this means:
I bring both community perspective and policy knowledge to complex decisions.
Building Collaborations
My leadership has always been rooted in people.
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Organized large-scale volunteer networks
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Created platforms for community voices (including Wilmot Stronger Together)
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Worked across sectors— health (mental and physical), environment, business, housing, food systems, and more
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Helped secure funding and resources to support community initiatives
Resilience and Adventure
Our family loves adventure. We explore well-known areas, as well as hidden gems. These experiences and the time I have dedicated to local initiatives have shaped my appreciation and respect for our environment. If elected as mayor, this would be a top priority for me. We need to protect our water, farmland, forests, and ecosystems for future generations.
Heritage Matters
History and heritage give communities identity and increase local tourism. Preserving local stories, landmarks, and culture helps create places people want to visit and remember. When our family travels, we fill our trip with as many unique cultural experiences as possible, from visiting landmarks, stopping in small towns, or participating in hands-on experiences. Our township has many opportunities to celebrate and showcase our local history.
Local Businesses And People Create Vibrant Places
We love discovering local restaurants, cafés, and small businesses wherever we travel. We also take time to meet local residents and hear what they love most about their community.
Talking with business owners and employees has taught me how important it is for businesses to care about their community—and for communities to support local businesses.