Grade six student Ayla Dumais wins Squamish’s Mayor for a Day contest

A poster submitted by Mayor for a Day contest winner Ayla Dumais

Grade six student Aili Lobdell and grade three student Annika Gould to act as Deputy Mayor for a Day

What would you do if you were Mayor of Squamish for just one day? Over 120 local elementary students took the opportunity to share their vision and ideas in the annual Mayor for a Day contest. Squamish Waldorf grade six student Ayla Dumais has been chosen to act as Squamish’s Mayor for a Day on Friday, May 19 and will be joined by two Deputy Mayors, Cultural Journeys grade six student Aili Lobdell and Squamish Elementary School grade three student Annika Gould.

“All of the students’ demonstrated passion, creativity and a desire to care for our special community, which is always encouraging and inspiring to read,” says District of Squamish Mayor Patricia Heintzman. “I am confident our town will be in good hands for years to come by this next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, business people and community volunteers.”

Ayla submitted a video of an original song along with a vibrant poster depicting the ways in which Squamish can become an even better place to live. Aili submitted a video sharing her love of people, her community and why she is holding out for a seat as Mayor. Annika submitted a colourful poster in French about the benefits of exercise, fresh air and an active community.

Mayor for a Day contest winners will be treated to a morning of activities including a visit to the dog pound and SPCA animals, photos taken in the Mayor’s Chair at Municipal Hall, a tour of the Squamish RCMP Detachment and a ride in a fire truck, and will 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 21 to 27, 2017, 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 service locations and the District of Squamish website. To put your local government knowledge to the test, take our Local Government Awareness quiz.  

May 18, 2017