Learn the process
Ward 1 councillors would meet with participating high-school students throughout the school year. Students would learn how municipal decisions, motions and bylaws move from an idea to Council.
Strong Communities
Give youth a voice at Town Hall
Young people should not just learn about local government. They should have a meaningful opportunity to participate in it.
A Ward 1 pilot
Real advice. Real proposals. A real path to Council.
Stephen would work with Ward 1 high schools and, where possible, the local Ward 1 councillor to create a practical civic program. The goal is to give students experience shaping change, not simply ask them to volunteer at municipal events.
How it would work
The meetings with councillors would provide guidance and checkpoints. Students would do much of the research and proposal development between those meetings, with support from teachers and access to municipal expertise when needed.
Choose a local issue
Students would identify something they believe should improve in their school, neighbourhood or community, then research the problem and possible solutions between meetings.
Develop a proposal
Councillors would help students understand jurisdiction, evidence, costs and the supporting material needed to turn their idea into a practical proposal.
Bring viable ideas forward
Where an idea is within municipal authority and ready for consideration, councillors would connect students with Town staff and help bring the proposal into the proper public process.
Advice that can lead to action
This would be an advisory and civic-participation program. Students would be encouraged to challenge assumptions, weigh trade-offs and explain how their idea would benefit the community.
Start in Ward 1, build from there
Stephen would begin with a manageable Ward 1 pilot. If it produces useful ideas and meaningful student participation, the model could be shared with other councillors and expanded across Ajax.