Showing youth that being involved in politics beginning at a young age can effect change is the purpose of Powell River’s second youth council.
The 10-member youth council began work in February and will continue with monthly meetings for a one-year term that ends January 2017.
During that time, the young councillors will learn about municipal politics, including identifying issues and drafting bylaws.
“Maybe one of them will be mayor for the day, hang out with me and see what I do,” said mayor Dave Formosa.
Some of the issues 2014’s youth council helped spearhead were the skateboard and bike park at Powell River Recreation Complex and enacting a new bylaw restricting skateboarders and
longboarders on city streets.
“Through the youth council we brought them all together; neighbours, council, RCMP and the kids,” said Formosa. “We actually came up with a bylaw. They helped participate in the writing of the bylaw that said how we will handle skateboarding on our streets.”
Due to the interest generated from the previous youth council, the city had to expand the application process in order to accommodate the increased interest for seats. Councillors CaroleAnn Leishman, Jim Palm and Russell Brewer took the lead. Palm coordinated with school principals and teachers.
“We had an actual council meeting at the gym in Brooks Secondary School so the students could show up and see what happens,” said Formosa. “Subsequently, from there we put out applications, students applied and we got a great group.”
The youth council members range in age from 14 to 17, represent different schools, and still have to set structure and direction before the real work begins.
One of the big changes this year is how city council will be involved. Last year, the students only worked with city staff.
“This time councillors will mentor them directly,” said Leishman. “They’ll create their own mandate and decide what it is they want to tackle in their term. We haven’t gotten into what those projects or goals might be yet. I am really excited to see what they come up with to bring forward to council.”
Youth council will hold meetings at Brooks, as well as each member having their own seat in the council chamber.
“We’ve got to build the leaders of tomorrow,” said Formosa, “so why not do our bit here.”
