MANITOUWADGE, ON –  Tuesday, October 23rd, Manitouwadge High School’s Grade 10 Civics students participated in a field trip recognizing Local Government Week (celebrated provincially the week prior).

The field trip included an informal sit-down with Mayor John MacEachern and Council to discuss ideas regarding what could be done to improve our community. Attending regular meetings in council chambers can be an intimidating experience for anyone, students included, while it seemed being invited in a less official setting facilitated open conversation between the young adults, some of whom might be members of the Council of tomorrow, and current councilors.  Mayor MacEachern welcomed the students, encouraging dialogue;  “first time jitters” were overcome  and resulted in useful discussion .

Among the ideas shared by the students were some of the same suggestions council has heard from concerned adults including getting the hotel up and running, and creating a dirt bike track. Questions ranged from  what is taken  into consideration when deciding to tear down derelict buildings and the costs associated with that, to why some local trails have had access blocked to ATVs and snowmobiles.  Deputy-Clerk/Treasurer, Margaret Hartling provided insightful explanations to those questions she was able to speak-to while and encouraging the students to submit documentation in regards to trail access in order to allow accurate responses to be provided.

Councillors Natalie Labbee and Connie Hunter provided tours of the municipal building, sharing information about each department within the municipality and a synopsis of the day-to-day work which keeps the township running effectively, ensuring Manitouwadge continues to be a great place to live.  Students were provided information and quizzed about the Municipal Budget, User Fees, and “In Camera”/Closed Sessions of Council and a synopsis of certain sections of the Municipal Act of Ontario during the tour as well.

Deputy Fire Chief Dennis Narbonne and Logistics Fire Fighter Tiffany Lidster took the group on a tour of the Fire Hall.  For many students, it was their first time visiting the facility.  Safety information, number of call-outs/year, associated costs in regards to equipment updates and volunteer firefighter training were included in the information share, helping to provide the students with a more complete picture of everything involved in the fire departments regular operations. The Deputy Fire Chief also seized the recruitment opportunity; encouraging the students to visit the township website for full details of criteria required for residents interested in applying for volunteer firefighter positions currently open.

Having concluded the tours, participating students and teachers were presented with pens from the Township and the Fire Department, as well as Manitouwadge pins. The experience seemed to be a very informative learning experience for everyone involved.