Grade four student Maya Park wins Squamish's Mayor for a Day contest

Grade one student Aliya Gaudin and grade five student Alex Jones to act as Deputies

What would you do if you were Mayor of Squamish for just one day? Close to 80 Squamish elementary students took the opportunity to share their vision and ideas in the annual Mayor for a Day contest. Squamish Montessori School grade four student Maya Park has been chosen to act as Squamish’s Mayor for a Day and will be joined by two Deputy Mayors, Squamish Montessori School grade one student Aliya Gaudin and Brackendale Elementary School grade five student Alex Jones.

“I was very encouraged to hear from so many students who have such a keen interest in taking care of our incredible community,” says District of Squamish Mayor Patricia Heintzman. “We will be in very good hands as this future generation of Mayors, Councillors, entrepreneurs, business people, and productive community members come of age. Thank you to each student who shared their ideas with me. It was certainly tough to choose from among the many creative, thoughtful and heartfelt submissions. ”

Maya's letter states her desire to have an all-season ice rink, more homeless shelters and a place for animals to live forever. Alex wrote about his desire to make Squamish a solar powered city and plant more trees, while Aliya shared some poetic and heartfelt words about nature.

Mayor for a Day contest winners will be treated to a morning of activities including: a visit to the dog pound and SPCA; photos taken in the Mayor’s Chair at Municipal Hall; a tour of the Squamish RCMP Detachment; and a ride in a fire truck. They will then return to school with a pizza lunch to share with their classmates.

The Mayor for a Day contest is held as the District joins the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) and other municipalities across British Columbia in celebrating Local Government Awareness Week from May 15 to 21, 2016, in conjunction with National Public Works 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. Students are always encouraged to learn more about local government by visiting Municipal Hall and other District of Squamish facilities, or the District of Squamish website.

May 17, 2016