Waterloo Regional councillor dies after battle with cancer

Kari Williams posed for a photo in this undated image. (Courtesy: Region of Waterloo)

A Waterloo Regional councillor has died.

In a social media post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Regional Chair Karen Redman confirmed the passing of Councillor Kari Williams.

“Councillor Williams was an incredibly bright light, both in our community and in Council Chambers,” Redman wrote.

“She will be exceptionally missed by her Council colleagues, Region of Waterloo staff and the community. We collectively send our thoughts to her family at this time as they grieve this unimaginable loss and celebrate her life. We ask that their privacy be respected.”

All flags at regional buildings will be lowered in her memory.

Williams was battling cancer.

According to a GoFundMe campaign set up for Williams, she passed away on Tuesday.

“In Kari’s honour, we are continuing this fundraiser to support her greatest legacy, her children Piper and Bennett. Kari was a passionate advocate for education, having always placed immense value on learning and furthering her education. To carry forward her love for knowledge, we are raising funds to contribute to Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) for Piper and Bennett’s future education,” an update on the campaign’s website said.

Williams was elected to represent Kitchener at Regional Council in 2022 and sat on the Board of Directors for the Stanley Park Community Association.