Local Government Week

Local Government Week aims to increase youth and general public awareness about the local government's important role in defining programs and services, encouraging civic participation, and inspiring zeal in the community. Local Government Week takes place the third week in October each year. 

“The new term of Council is an exciting opportunity for everyone to find ways to get involved in local government. It may be that you apply to join a committee, consider a job at the City, attend a council meeting, or volunteer for a community event. Because local government is the closest level that defines the quality of life for our community, we can easily take an interest in what is happening locally,” says Mayor Daniel Reynard. 

Local government is the closest level of government to our community and to which residents feel most connected. The municipal government’s core functions significantly impact the day to day life of residents and businesses. The City delivers a wide range of services, including road networks, bridges, transit service, water and sewer services, parks and trails, recreation, fire protection, emergency management, by-law enforcement, planning and land development, tourism, economic and entrepreneurship development, waste management and recycling, cemetery services, museum, art centre, and library. The decisions made by elected officials and municipal staff directly affect the amenities, profile, characteristics, and lifestyle of the municipality. 

Everyone is encouraged to stay involved with local government activities by:

• visiting the municipal website
• subscribing to news
• following social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
• attending/watching a council or committee meeting 
• voting in the 2022 Municipal Election

Contest

Leading up to Local Government Week, we want to inspire future leaders to learn about local government and how they can make a difference in their community. We invite students K to 12 to participate in a Local Government Week contest to win prize packs and have their work featured on our website and other publications. 

The contest has two categories, open to all students:

1. Thank You Card: Design a thank you card you would give to a City worker or member of Council for the important work they do. (suitable for elementary grades); 
2. Writing Contest: Write between 750 and 1,000 words exploring types of municipal careers, which one you would choose and why. (suitable for high school grades) 

Submit your contest entry to Communications or complete the online submission form by Friday, October 14, 2022.

Please include your name, age, grade and school, and contact information.

Entries will be judged on creativity, uniqueness, originality, and a demonstrated passion for the topic.

Submitting an entry indicates permission granted to the City of Kenora to share the image or document on the City’s website, social media, presentations, with acknowledgements.