KENORA - To raise awareness about the important role the local government plays in programs and services, Kenora launches local government week to encourage youth and the general public to learn more about civic duty.
“The new term of Council is an exciting opportunity for everyone to find ways to get involved in local government. It may be that you apply to join a committee, consider a job in the city, attend a council meeting, or volunteer for a community event. Because local government is the closest level that defines the quality of life for our community, we can easily take an interest in what is happening locally,” said Mayor Daniel Reynard.
Although the municipal council is the face of the corporation, council members rely upon municipal staff and volunteers to aid them in making tough decisions on important projects like road maintenance, transit services, sewers services, parks, recreation, fire protection, emergency management, by-law enforcement, tourism, art centers, and libraries. If it is an essential service the city provides, the work is being done by the residents who want to see their city thrive.
The public can get involved in local government in many different ways. With the new term of the Council taking their seats after the Oct. election, new seats are open on important municipal committees like Kenora Public Library Board, Accessibility Advisory Committee, and Crime Prevention and Community Well-Being Advisory Committee.
However, residents are also encouraged to get involved by regularly visiting the municipal website, subscribing to the municipal news, following Kenora’s social media, attending or watching council or committee meetings, and voting in the upcoming municipal election.
In an effect to get youth members of the community get involved, leading up to Local Government Week Councils is inviting students K to 12 to participate in a Local Government Week contest to win prize packs and have their work featured on our website and other publications.
The contest has two categories, open to all students:
- Thank You Card: Design a thank you card you would give to a city worker or member of the Council for the important work they do. (Suitable for elementary grades);
- Writing Contest: Write between 750 and 1,000 words exploring types of municipal careers, which one you would choose and why. (Suitable for high school grades)
Submit your contest entry to Communications or complete the online submission form by Friday, October 14, 2022.
Please include your name, age, grade and school, and contact information.
Entries will be judged on creativity, uniqueness, originality, and a demonstrated passion for the topic.
Submitting an entry indicates permission granted to the City of Kenora to share the image or document on the City’s website, social media, and presentations, with acknowledgements.
