My Ideal City Contest Winners Participate in Mock Council Debate

Kitchener, ON – Kitchener’s future leaders, decision makers and visionaries between the ages of 10 and 12 took their seats at the Council table this evening, for a live, televised mock Council meeting as part of the annual My Ideal City Contest, helping inspire civic engagement in young people. 

During the event, students gathered around the Council horseshoe to debate a community issue, gaining first-hand experience in what it’s like to make decisions that shape their city.  

“It’s exciting to see the next generation engaged in shaping their community and learning how local decisions make a real difference in people’s lives,” said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “Programs like My Ideal City give young people a chance to share their ideas and see themselves reflected in the future of Kitchener. When youth feel heard and involved, it strengthens their sense of belonging and makes our city better for everyone.” 

The mock meeting was part of the My Ideal City contest, designed to help young adults better understand how municipal government works and its impact on their community. As part of the program, students were invited to imagine their ideal city by identifying programs and services they would like to see and explaining their ideas in a 250-word submission. Entries were evaluated on creativity, persuasiveness, and writing quality. 

All participants, along with their teachers and families, were invited to a reception on May 4. In Council Chambers, the winners were announced and paired with a City staff member and a member of council to help them prepare for the mock debate. The evening included a tour of City Hall, ending with light refreshments alongside the Mayor and Council members. 

You can read the winning essays in the June edition of the Kitchener Citizen. 

For more information, please visit My Ideal City | City of Kitchener. 

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For more information:  

Nasreen
Strategic Communications Officer 
Office of the Mayor and Council | City of Kitchener 
226-753-6082 | nasreenn@kitchener.ca