Pointe-Claire forms first youth council

Pointe-Claire is introducing some young voices to city council. Pointe-Claire Mayor John Belvedere and members of city council recently introduced 10 young residents who will form the city’s first Youth Advisory Board. The bilingual members, aged 14 to 21, will participate in seven meetings per year to analyze projects and present their recommendations to city council to improve activities, services and public facilities. They will also be asked to represent the city at events and activities, such as the inauguration of a new skate park in the spring of 2019. Belvedere said the youth council is a way to involve young people in their community. “During my electoral campaign, I announced the creation of a youth council to allow our young residents to get involved in their community, voice their opinions on various projects and events, and offer suggestions to improve their living environment,” the mayor said. “One year later, we have 10 young, dynamic, and motivated Pointe-Claire residents who are ready to tackle this new initiative,” stated the mayor. The city received a total of 27 applications from interested young residents. Ten candidates were eventually selected after a rigorous interview process. The Youth Advisory Board will begin its term in January with the election of a president and a vice-president. The committee will also include Tara Stainforth, city councillor for District 4 (Cedar Park Heights), a manager with the city and a school representative. “These young members of all ages and backgrounds will have the privilege of participating directly in municipal affairs at various levels,” Belvedere said. “It is also an exceptional opportunity for city council and will allow our elected officials to get to know our young residents’ preferences and encourage citizens to participate.”