Student 'Mayor' and 'Councillors' debate an issue during LGAW 2012 in Squamish, BC

The District of Squamish is ready for LGAW 2012 from May 20-26!

Their press release from May 10 noted: “Local Government Awareness Week is perfectly timed, with Public Works Week activities underway during the same week,” said Mayor Rob Kirkham.   “This is a fantastic time to showcase the wide variety of work municipal employees carry out on behalf of Council and to build valuable relationships with residents of all ages.”

Several exciting activities are planned, including:

• Mayor for a Day letter contest for grades 5 – 7 kicks off on May 11^th.  The winning entry will be chosen on May 17^th.  The contest winner will be interviewed by local print and radio media reporters, have an opportunity to Co-Chair a Committee of the Whole Meeting on May 22^nd and speak with local downtown merchants, enjoy lunch with Council and Student Leadership members from Howe Sound Secondary and receive a t-shirt and Certificate of Recognition.  Visit www.squamish.ca for more information.

• A local government trivia contest question will be posted on the District’s website at www.squamish.ca from May 10 to 25.  The winner will receive 10 passes to Brennan Recreation Center pool.

• The Public Works Yard Open House is on May 23^rd, with elementary school students touring the facility from 9:30am to noon, including lunch with the Mayor at noon.  Students will have an opportunity to make flower baskets which will go up for raffle, with proceeds going to the Squamish Food Bank.  Students are also encouraged to bring an item for the Squamish Food Bank with them.

• The Public Works Yard is open to the public on May 23^rd from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.

• Staff from the District of Squamish will deliver presentations to students in grades 5 to 7 at local elementary schools upon request, the week of May 21 to 25, to share information about local government and the key role citizens play in shaping their community.

The District of Squamish has also generously shared with us a copy of their communications plan, their Mayor for a Day Poster , and their Certificate of Participation for schools taking part in LGAW activities. Have a look at these resources- they might help you in your planning for LGAW!

If you’re looking for a template or wording for your LGAW proclamation, there are a bunch of examples in the 2010 Highlights section of the website: http://www.lgaw.bc.ca/?page_id=48  and on the Getting Started page: http://www.lgaw.bc.ca/?page_id=30

And send us a copy of your proclamations and proposed activities for LGAW, and we will post it on this site!

The Public Works Association of British Columbia (PWABC) is also seeking your support to recognize and promote National Public Works Week (NPWW) by acknowledging May 20-26, 2012 as National Public Works Week in your community. This year’s theme is “Public Works: Creating a Lasting Impression”

National Public Works Week is observed each year during the third full week of May and this is the 52^nd year. NPWW calls attention to the importance of public works in community life and seeks to acknowledge the efforts of tens of thousands of men and women in North America who provide and maintain civil infrastructure and services. NPWW also allows Councils remind the public of the 24/7 services that they are responsible for and are proud of, and many make this an annual celebration in their communities.

Local governments are welcome to proclaim May 20-26, 2012 as Local Government Awareness Week and National Public Works Week.
Click here to see the PWABC’s letter and sample proclamation: NPWW 2012