Karen Stintz

I write to give voice to stories that may not be told and through the telling bring inspiration and hope.
– Karen Stintz

Karen Stintz is a respected Canadian leader whose career spans municipal politics, nonprofit executive leadership and public communication.

While being Chair of the Toronto Transit Commission, she was named one of Toronto Life Magazine’s 50 Most Influential People and one of Women of Influence Magazine’s Top 25 Women of Influence in Canada. In recognition of her contributions to community and country, Karen was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2025.

She is a regular contributor to both print and broadcast media. Her articles have appeared in the Toronto Star, the Toronto Sun and the National Post. For 10 years, she had a column in the North Toronto Post, shining light on municipal issues of significance. She also has regular radio spots on Newstalk 1010, AM 640 and Zoomer Radio.

She holds degrees from Western University (BA), Boston University (MSc in Journalism), and Queen’s University (MPA)

Connect with Karen Stintz

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Beyond Good Enough:
Toronto and the Crisis of Urban Complacency

Part civic critique, part policy roadmap, and part call to action, Beyond Good Enough challenges leaders and citizens alike to reject mediocrity, reclaim ambition, and build a stronger future.

“Karen Stintz takes us along a rollicking ride through Toronto’s recent history.
Along the way she examines some joyous successes but also missed opportunities and policy failures. For anyone who wants Toronto to be better, safer and more livable, this book is a must read.”

– The Hon. Tony Clement

“I’ll say this for Karen Stintz: she’s opinionated! Stintz pulls no punches in identifying what she believes are Toronto’s shortcomings, whom she believes is responsible for them, and what she’d do to make things better. She may get dumped from some people’s Christmas card lists, but you’ll certainly know where she stands on making Ontario’s capital city better.”

– Steve Paikin, OC, OOnt, celebrated journalist, author, former long-time host of TVO’s The Agenda, and host of The Paikin Podcast