Karen Stintz

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Karen Stintz is a city councillor in Toronto, Canada. She represents one of the two Eglinton—Lawrence wards, Ward 16 Eglinton-Lawrence.

She grew up in North York. After receiving a BA from University of Western Ontario, she obtained a Master of Science degree in Journalism from Boston University and worked briefly as a journalist. Returning to school, she received a Master of Public Administration degree from Queen's University, and obtained a job in the Ontario Ministry of Health.

In the lead up to the 2003 municipal election, longtime incumbent Anne Johnston became unpopular because of her support for a controversial development project to build very tall condominium towers at the intersection of Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue. The development, now known as the Minto Midtown project, was appropriate for the location according to Toronto's official plan but was vigorously opposed by local interest groups.

No challenger was immediately obvious, and the local ratepayer organization advertised for a candidate to oppose Johnston. Stintz had no political experience other than occasionally volunteering for the Progressive Conservative Party, and she had only lived in the area for three years. With the backing of the ratepayer groups, Stintz defeated Johnston in a close race. She is seen as one of the right-wing members of council, and backed John Tory for mayor.

She easily retained her seat in the 2006 election, taking 64.6% of the vote versus 12.5% for her nearest opponent.