Youth Council: Sixteen Young Citizens Imagine Projects Inspired by the City’s Strategic Plan

The Mayor of the City of Pointe-Claire, John Belvedere, and members of City Council recognized the commitment of the 16 young people who took part in the Youth Council during a special meeting held on Wednesday, April 15, at City Hall. During the meeting, participants presented four creative projects for their City.

Watch the Youth Council meeting

Following the model of City Council, students from Marguerite-Bourgeoys, Pointe-Claire and Saint-Louis elementary schools took on the roles of mayor, councillors, director general, city clerk and citizens.

The young participants shared their perspectives on issues that directly affect them, taking a thoughtful approach aligned with the axis of the City of Pointe-Claire’s strategic plan, and particularly its vision for the City’s development.

The following projects were discussed by the young participants:

1. Subsidy for menstrual products
   A proposal to increase the subsidy from $100 to $200 to better cover the cost of menstrual products.
2. Observation tower in Terra-Cotta Forest
   A proposal to build an observation tower to enhance the recreational infrastructure available in the forest.
3. Creation of a natural park
   A proposal to transform a vacant lot into a natural park to increase green space and help reduce heat islands.
4. Addition of outdoor sports facilities
   A proposal to add outdoor sports facilities, including a pump track and an urban gym.

Every two years, the City of Pointe-Claire recruits and welcomes elementary school students who live within the City’s territory to provide them with an enriching experience and give them an opportunity to share their ideas about the City’s future.

From left to right: Selyan Menasria, Arvin Yari, Angela Dong, Serena Chohan, Layla Mankai, Tarini Prusty, Olivia Khanikian, Sophie Lacroix, Emma Pittarelli, Lady Garba, Anita Raeissianzadeh, Yuna Yang, Pascal Capuano, Charles Fontaine, William Joon-Ha Kim et Jérémie Dumont.

From left to right: Émilie Tremblay, teacher at École Marguerite-Bourgeoys; Rachida Zéroual, teacher at École Pointe-Claire; Patricia Ménard, teacher at École Saint-Louis; and Jacynthe Blanchet, Coordinator of Youth Services for the Ville de Pointe-Claire.