A new poetry anthology celebrating resilience across Perth County is set to be released this spring.
The Every Voice poetry contest has resulted in Roots Through Stone - Poems of Strength and Resilience, featuring 85 poems by 75 writers from Stratford, St. Marys, and across Perth County.
David Stones, who spearheaded the initiative, says the contest is a key part of his role.
"I’m Stratford’s first ever poet laureate," Stones said. "Part of my program is not only to write and perform poetry for a range of local events, but also to build out a community poetry program."
The county-wide contest was open to youth and adults, with a focus on ensuring a wide range of voices were heard.
"The idea there is to ensure that particularly the marginalized voices, both youth and adult, are heard and heard clearly," he said.
This year’s theme was resilience, and Stones says the response exceeded expectations.
"I wouldn’t say I was surprised so much as I was thrilled to see the range of interpretations," he said, noting submissions explored everything from personal challenges to climate change, the economy and tariffs.
Nearly 200 entries were submitted. An editorial panel narrowed that down to 85 poems for publication, with 17 poets shortlisted for top prizes.
"It’s always tough because obviously you’re judging artwork and that can be a subjective process," Stones said. "But it has to be done."
Stones says youth literacy was also a major focus, with a dedicated youth category for writers aged eight to 18.
"Youth literacy is really important for me personally and it’s important for the city of Stratford in my appointment," he said.
The anthology will be officially released and prize winners announced at a public awards ceremony April 23, 2026 at Stratford City Hall, during National Poetry Month in Canada.
Stones says he hopes the contest becomes a lasting tradition.
"The idea is run the contest, have a biannual theme, and it will result in an anthology," he said. "Very proud of the fact that so many voices from Listowel to St. Marys to Mitchell to Stratford are going to be heard - many of them for the first time."
