About Councillor Chantal Huinink

Chantal Huinink is a Regional Councillor, author, motivational speaker, and social justice advocate who lives with a physical disability. She has served as Regional Councillor for Waterloo since 2022, and is seeking re-election in 2026.

Growing up in a single-parent family with limited means has given Chantal a real-life knowledge of the need for social supports and affordable​, accessible housing in our region. 

Chantal moved to Waterloo in 2011 and earned her Masters in Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University, and Masters in Divinity from Martin Luther University College. She continues to work at Martin Luther University College as adjunct faculty. Chantal is a member of the Waterloo Christian Reform Church, sometimes referred to as “church in the woods.” She is also on the board of K-W AccessAbility.

As a Regional Councillor representing the people of Waterloo since 2022, Chantal has utilized her public speaking, advocacy, and collaboration skills to advance equitable services for people with and without disabilities including the affordable transit pilot for non-profit agencies, the free transit for seniors pilot, deeply affordable and supportive housing, accessibility at the Region of Waterloo International Airport, and affordable and culturally relevant childcare spaces.

She has had many years of experience advocating for those who are marginalized, those who live with a disability, and those who are vulnerable. Her education and experience as a woman who uses a wheelchair has made her keenly aware of the need for holistic supports grounded in community, including consideration of physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs. 

Her mother’s career as a professional artist makes her especially passionate about supporting arts and culture throughout our region.



Councillor Chantal Huinink poses for a headshot, wearing a red cardigan and a black and white checkered shirt. She smiles.

Advocating for You

In Councillor Huinink’s first term on council, she has immensely enjoyed serving on the Wilfrid Laurier University Board, the Public Art Advisory Committee, the Licensing and Hearings Committee, and the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee.

  • Serving on the Wilfrid Laurier University Board has allowed Councillor Huinink to understand the challenges currently faced by post-secondary institutions in our region, as well as the value their partnerships bring.

  • Serving on the Public Art Advisory Committee has deepened Councillor Huinink’s appreciation of arts and culture, and highlighted the importance of building beautiful communities that have the power to inspire people.

  • Serving on the Licensing and Hearings Committee has enabled Councillor Huinink to speak into reducing ableism in regional bylaws and work toward equitable transportation for Waterloo Region residents with and without disabilities. Her work also includes greater collaboration between the city and local taxi company brokers.

  • Serving on the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee has increased Councillor Huinink’s understanding of the barriers faced by people with many different kinds of challenges throughout our region and was part of her motivation for ensuring that Waterloo Region has an accessibility lead within their team.