Karen Stintz’s book Beyond Good Enough challenges Toronto

Press release. The following was issued by Sasha Stoltz Publicity on behalf of Karen Stintz and is published as received. Canada News Media did not write or edit it.

KAREN STINTZ
“Beyond Good Enough”
A Tale Of Two Cities
FLIES OFF BOOKSHELVES

Former Toronto civic leader and TTC Chair examines the city’s challenges, choices and opportunities for meaningful change

TORONTO, ON: Karen Stintz, one of Canada’s most trusted and experienced civic leaders, stepped into the literary world and knocked it out of the park. Stintz’s highly anticipated debut book, “Beyond Good Enough”: Toronto and the Crisis of Urban Complacency, published by Canadian publishing house Sutherland House Experts has garnered much attention, ahead of the crucial October 26, 2026 municipal election. Stintz has hit the ground running with “Beyond Good Enough” reaching #8 in Urban Planning & Development Books #2 in Urban Planning & Development (Kindle Store) and sold out on Indigo online. The author and as of this press release, the newly appointed Managing Director of Transit and Rail (TRACCS), will be hosting a Let’s talk, Toronto book tour. Six former municipalities, Six conversations, One City, One Future. Choose a stop and join the conversation. This is your city and your time to be heard.

Stintz’s powerful deep dive is a reflection on the Toronto we live in today. The respected and outspoken former City Councilor and TTC Chair examines Toronto’s gradual drift from functional excellence into urban complacency. Stintz draws decades of political experience, offering a bold, actionable vision for renewal. “Beyond Good Enough is the tale of two cities, the Toronto we have, and the Toronto we long for. “Beyond Good Enough” takes on Toronto’s decline. For most of its history, Toronto was celebrated globally as safe, clean, and affordable. That is not the case today. In 1998, amalgamation transformed six municipalities into one “mega-city,” creating Canada’s largest urban center and the third largest in North America. The promise was bold. The promise was not kept. From housing affordability, transit and congestion, to infrastructure and governance, Stintz tackles the core issues shaping everyday life in Canada’s largest city with concrete policy recommendations. “Beyond Good Enough” presents an ambitious but practical roadmap. Before heading to the poles, Stintz challenges leaders and citizens to reject mediocrity, reclaim their ambition, and speak up for the Toronto they want. Stintz pulls back the curtains of city politics at a critical juncture, ahead of Toronto’s pivotal municipal election, Monday, October 26, 2026. The policies that shape our city and our lives are at stake. “Beyond Good Enough” serves as a vital playbook for voters, policymakers, and civic leaders ahead of the election. It’s time to get your house in order, Toronto.

About the author

While the Chair of the Toronto Transit Commission, Karen Stintz 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. A regular contributor to both print and broadcast media, her articles have appeared in the Toronto Star, Toronto Sun and the National Post, where for 10 years, she shone a light on municipal issues of significance. The author has a regular radio spot on Newstalk 1010, AM 640 and Zoomer Radio. Stintz holds degrees from Western University (BA), Boston University (MSc in Journalism), and Queen’s University (MPA).

Praise For “Beyond Good Enough: Toronto and the Crisis of Urban Complacency”

“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 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

Order your copy today of “Beyond Good Enough”
Amazon.ca

Tickets for Let’s Talk, Toronto: The Six Torontos Tour
Tickets are available for individual tour stops, with options that include an Event Ticket (admission to the selected conversation) and an Event Ticket + Signed Book (admission to the selected event plus a signed copy of Karen’s new book, “Beyond Good Enough: Toronto and the Crisis of Urban Complacency”). Full dates, venues, guest information and tickets are available at beyondgoodenough.ca.

Connect with Karen Stintz:
Instagram: @karenstintzto
Website: karenstintz.ca

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Media Contact: For review copies, interview requests, or media inquiries, please contact: Sasha Stoltz Publicity, [email protected], 416-579-4804