Stratford Poet Laureate

The program will collect, save, and share unique stories from Stratford and the surrounding area. These stories reflect our community's character, both now and for years to come.

The Poet Laureate writes poetry about the area, composes poems for special events, participates in public performances, works with local poets and writers, and acts as a literary ambassador for the city and the region. The work of the Poet Laureate culminates with the creation of a legacy project which is a unique and lasting contribution to the community.

This inaugural Stratford Poet Laureate program is a three-year pilot project (January 2025 to December 2027) by Destination Stratford and Stratford Public Library, and is formally recognized by City of Stratford Council via the Community Services department.

David Stones, Poet Laureate 2025-2028 David Stones, is a poet and performer with 500+ poems in print throughout Canada and internationally, and a growing roster of stage shows featuring his poetry, lyrics and musical adaptations of his work.

Quinn Mayer, Youth Poet Laureate 2025-2026 The Youth Poet Laureate is a resident poet, storyteller or spoken word artist between the ages of 14-24 who has an interest in bringing their work to a wider audience.  The role of the Youth Poet Laureate is to serve as a literary ambassador for youth in Stratford and area.  Through their tenure in this position, the Youth poet Laureate will seek to inspire and engage local youth to share their stories through written and spoken word.

• Poetry Stratford Live - Celebrate Poetry Month 

• Youth poet laureate hopes to use program to inspire young writers | March 31, Beacon Herald
• Stones ready to shine a light as city's new poet laureate | February 24, Stratford Today
• City's first-ever Poet Laureate, Youth Poet Laureate announced | February 20, Stratford Today
• Essays of Light: Poems by David Stones
• Sfumato: New and Selected Poems by David Stones
• Infinite Sequels by David Stones