École Squamish Elementary Grade Six Student Virginia Williams takes on role of District of Squamish Mayor for a Day  

What would you do as District of Squamish Mayor for a day? Over one hundred Squamish students responded with artwork, letters, songs, and digital media to share their community visions in the District’s annual Mayor for a Day contest. École Squamish Elementary Grade Six Student Virginia Williams was chosen to serve as Mayor for a Day on Wednesday, May 18 and will be joined by Deputy Mayor Koen Tocheniuk, a Grade three student at the Squamish Waldorf School.   

“I am inspired by the thoughtful, considerate and intelligent community of future leaders and innovators among us,” says District of Squamish Mayor Karen Elliott. “Students brought their passion, creativity and genuine love for Squamish in their submissions. I am confident that in the hands of these young leaders and visionaries we will be well taken care of for many years to come.”   

Along with a friend of each of their choosing, Mayor for a Day winners will enjoy a morning with Mayor Karen Elliott and Acting Mayor Jenna Stoner, for an inside look District of Squamish facilities, along with a ride in a fire truck and visit to the RCMP Detachment.  The winners’ classes will also receive a lunch pizza party to share with classmates when they return to school.   

The Mayor for a Day contest is held annually, as the District joins the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) and other municipalities across British Columbia in celebrating Local Government Awareness Week. The goal of the week is to build awareness about the vital role local government plays in the community.  

Special thanks to all of the students who submitted their entries and to their teachers who engaged their classes in conversations and learning about the role of local government. Students are always encouraged to learn more about local government by inviting the Mayor or a District staff member to your classroom, visiting Municipal Hall and other District of Squamish service locations and browsing the District of Squamish website at squamish.ca.