Steph Goertz
A proven community leader. A different approach to leadership.
For years I have worked alongside residents, businesses, farmers, service clubs and community organizations to solve problems and advocate for our communities.
I am running for Mayor because I believe Wilmot needs stronger long-term planning, clearer financial accountability, protection for our farmland and groundwater, more local jobs, and a much stronger community voice in the decisions that affect us.
Election Day is October 26. Your vote matters.
A proven community leader for Wilmot
Growth needs to be planned around what our community and infrastructure can actually support. We need to understand our water, wastewater, roads, recreation and emergency-service capacity before making major growth decisions.
Water & wastewater • Roads • Recreation • Long-term planning
Our farmland and groundwater are invaluable. I will advocate for stronger protection of our water, prime agricultural land and the rural communities that make Wilmot unique.
Farmland
• Groundwater • Rural character • Environmental protection
Residents deserve to know where their money is going. I will push for clearer financial reporting, better long-term planning, and careful review of major spending, debt, reserves and infrastructure costs.
Clear reporting • Responsible spending • Long-term planning • Affordability
Residents should be involved before major decisions are made—not after. I want more town halls, working groups and opportunities to bring residents, businesses and people with expertise together to help develop solutions.
Listen first • Community expertise • Better consultation • Clear communication
Not having the final say does not mean Wilmot should have no say. I will advocate strongly for our residents when decisions made by the Region or Province affect our water, farmland, infrastructure and communities.
Advocacy • Regional Council • Provincial decisions • Wilmot's interests
Wilmot needs more opportunities for people to work close to home. I want to support existing businesses, attract small and medium-sized employers, and make better use of vacant lots, empty buildings and existing employment lands.
Local jobs • Small business • Vacant properties • Economic development
Strong Leadership
Wilmot needs strong representation at the municipal, Regional and Provincial levels. I will build relationships, advocate for our interests, and work to ensure our concerns are heard when decisions affecting our community are being made.
"We need more leaders who live every day by what they say and believe in. Someone who helps people when nobody else is looking, who truly cares about others." ~ Larry Lamb
It is not just experience that matters, but what they do with it.
If you're happy with the direction Wilmot has taken over the last four years, then experience on the current Council may be exactly what you're looking for.
But if you believe Wilmot needs a different approach, then I offer a different kind of experience. One that brings our community together and leverages our strengths.
8+ years of reviewing policy and advocating for change.
I have worked with others to review municipal, provincial and federal policy, participated in planning processes, and delegated
4+ years leading a complex not-for-profit started in Wilmot Township
I have focused on operational management, coordinating volunteers and partnerships, property management, budgeting, financial forecasting, staffing, and grant writing.
12 years of community mobilization.
Taking problems that governments or organizations cannot solve alone and bringing residents, businesses, churches, nonprofits and other partners together to make change is something that comes natural to me.
25+ years of small business & leadership experience
Small business has been part of my life since I was 18. I have owned my own business for over 12 years, operated a Mompreneurs franchise, and worked in my family's roofing business. I understand the long hours, rising costs and personal risk behind running a business.
2025 Winner of the Sybil Frenette, Visionary Housing Creator Award
2024 Wilmot Citizen of the Year (Community Service)
Leadership with Results
For the past four years, I’ve helped lead and manage a not-for-profit that was started in Wilmot Township and has now grown across Ontario.
We are currently partnering 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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Provided housing to over 1,900 people
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Supported thousands with resources and community programming
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Managed over 25 properties and their ongoing operations
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Connected people struggling to find employment with jobs
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Ensured volunteers felt welcomed and involved
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Coordinated teams to deliver food, clothing, household and hygiene items to people in need.
Read more on my About page
This work isn't theoretical—it is hands-on
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Managed budgets, reporting, and day-to-day operations
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Hired and coordinated teams of volunteers, with over 200 actively participating at a time.
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Created opportunities with limited resources to solve complex problems
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Built strong partnerships with local churches and service groups
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Secured funding through successful grant writing
I did this without relying on government funding. It was done by working together, being resourceful, and focusing on results.
Read more on my About page
