Martin Ritsma

Martin Ritsma is known to some as a teacher, school principal, fellow Board director, coach, deputy mayor, or fellow volunteer.

Martin’s parents immigrated from the Netherlands Post-War in 1949. They bought their first dairy farm in Northern Ontario where Martin was born in 1957, the middle of 11 siblings. His parents worked very hard and tragically his mom died of ALS when Martin was 9. (To date he has lost 5 of his siblings to ALS). That same year the dairy barn burned down and the Ritsma family lost everything.

Martin persevered and went on to later thrive at Northwestern. He was active in athletics. He met his wife Kathryn there and together they attended University of Windsor. Martin and Kathryn returned to Stratford. Martin began his 20 year teaching career at Stratford Northwestern in Science, Special Education and Physical Education. He has coached many students in a variety of sports over the past three decades. He updated his education in 2000 to qualify for Administration. He was posted as Vice- Principal from 2006-2009 at Stratford Northwestern and Stratford Central. In 2009 he became Principal at FE Madill in Wingham for 3 years and was posted back at Stratford Northwestern Secondary school from 2012 until retirement. His focus throughout his education career has always been on the “student”. Martin and Kathryn raised two children. Both are now physicians, married with children of their own.

Martin has a deep passion for farming and agriculture, with a home farm in Stratford and a second just outside the city limits. Martin began a history of community volunteerism when he started the St.Joe’s Community Dinners, co-ordinating this service for over 20 years. He is the longest standing member of the Stratford Agriculture Society, has been Chair of the Stratford Fall Fair over 15 years, with a passionate 25 year involvement as board member, active volunteer and Chairman of the Board of Shelterlink, current President of the Saddle Club, Volunteer Fundraising Chair for United Way from 2018-2021, Volunteer Fundraising Chair for a $4 million dollar campaign for St. Joe’s Church 2011-2019, fundraising co-chair for The Stratford Community Hall and Arenas-2003 and a myriad of other volunteer endeavors.

Martin’s volunteer works shapes his heart and soul. He connects with people and has abounding energy to help, listen and support people of all walks of life in his community. Serving 3 consecutive terms as a Stratford City...[]

1. What will be your unique contribution to council?

The unique contribution that I will bring to council would be my personal connection to so many residents through the many clubs and organizations that I serve with. This work impacts the lives of all demographics; young and old, wealthy and those in need, people from all walks of life. As a former educator and secondary school administrator at both Central and Northwestern I had the opportunity to work very closely with thousands of youth. Most of these students have remained in Stratford and have become part of our community as home owners, business owners, employees, volunteers and tax payers...[]

2. How will you tackle urban sprawl and protect prime agricultural land?

The tackling of urban sprawl and the protection of agricultural land is very near and dear to my heart. My wife and I own and operate three farms. Sadly, our home farm was annexed into the City in 2006. I can clearly remember my wife presenting before City Council, in tears, requesting that this process not continue. We failed! Since that occasion there have been so, so many calls, emails and visits from individuals that wish to develop our farm land. We continue to say no! We know that farm land will be taken, particularly for housing, but how much...[]

3. How will you encourage businesses and individuals to respond to climate change?

Climate change is the number one concern that we are facing in this beautiful world. I think that reducing the negative impact on the climate must start with the individual. Personally, in our home, we converted to an in-ground, geothermal, heating and cooling system almost 20 years ago. I would love to know how much oil we have NOT consumed over this time period. In addition, we have recently obtained a quote for a 20 kilowatt solar panel on our barn. I believe that we should encourage and incentivize these types of projects in homes in Stratford. Public transportation is...[]

4. What is your idea(s) to attract new industry to Stratford?

Encouraging new industry to come to Stratford is key to our economic viability. My recommendation would be to continue with our current policy of not forcing new industry to pay Development Charges. We also need to have serviced land ready for sale to interested companies. Currently, we have very little land ready to receive new industry. The other piece that is so very important to attract new industry and to encourage the expansion of industry that is in our community, is the availability of a skilled labour force. I am pleased to say that this was a big part of...[]

5. How will you address wealth inequality, homelessness and poverty in Stratford?

I will certainly continue my work to address the visible wealth inequality in our local community. The challenges of homelessness and poverty have certainly been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. I am pleased to say that these challenges and the solutions have been part of my life for a very long time. From 1993 to 2015, I started and operated the Stratford Community Kitchen from St. Joseph’s Parish Hall. In 2015 I turned over the operation of this activity to the St. Vincent de Paul Society. This location still offers free hot meals to those in need. In addition, I ...[]

6. How will you engage and inform the public about current issues and legislation?

Our City becomes a better place to live, work and play through the engagement of our public. I am very active in the active engagement of our residents through so many telephone calls, texts, emails and many in-person visits for coffee and conversation. I also value and promote the amazing work of Mr. Mike Beitz, the City Corporate Communications Lead. Mike does a great job of responding to questions and concerns posted by our residents. I also encourage residents to take the time to present at Open Council to share their concerns and to share what they and their organization...[]

7. Would you support term limits? Why/why not?

A discussion around term limits is a discussion worth having! Having completed my third term I found myself still learning about the role. On the other hand, I believe that like a great teacher or an excellent electrician, a good public servant may be important to retain. Currently it is the voter that can make the decision whether or not an individual has served long enough. I have served with a councillor who has been on Council for 30 years and he continues to do an outstanding job of representing the citizens of Stratford. A real good question for sure.

8. What is your plan to better engage youth in Stratford?

Engaging our Youth in the political process and activities is so very important! In the past I have, without success, supported and encouraged the establishment of a Youth City Council. This council would be comprised of representatives from the Secondary School students in our City. Perhaps the election to this office would take place at the same time as the Student Council elections or two to three Student Council representatives could have this as part of their portfolio. I would love to revisit this ‘junior’ City Council again with the idea of this council reporting to our Regular City Council...[]