Written By Olena Riznyk
NORTH MIDDLESEX – The Municipality of North Middlesex is taking a significant step forward in fostering youth engagement and participation in local governance by establishing an official Youth Advisory Committee (YAC). This initiative, rooted in the recommendations of the Recreation Master Plan, aims to provide a structured platform for the younger population to share their ideas, voice
their concerns, and actively contribute to the community’s development.
The primary goal of the YAC is to serve as a meaningful and constructive voice for the youth in North Middlesex. The committee is tasked with advising the council on various social, recreational, and lifestyle issues that affect the younger demographic of the municipality. By doing so, it aims to bridge the gap between the youth and local governance, ensuring that the perspectives of younger residents
are included in decision-making processes. Coordinated by the Community Services Department, the YAC will play a crucial role in informing about important matters affecting youth, advocating for their interests, gathering input from the youth on critical issues, supporting related events and activities, providing leadership experience, undertaking community development and social research initiatives, evaluating existing programs, and implementing recommendations from the Recreation Master Plan.
The establishment of the YAC aligns with the strategic themes identified in the 2018-2028 Community & Corporate Strategic Plan for North Middlesex. These themes include creating a positive and open organizational culture that strengthens the municipal organization, encouraging community participation to help residents feel welcomed, informed, and engaged, and cultivating an active, healthy, and livable community by engaging and retaining youth and young professionals.
Membership in the YAC is open to young people between the ages of 9 and 17 who live, work, study, or recreate in North Middlesex. Members are selected based on their ability to participate constructively, consider diverse views, understand local issues relevant to young people, and commit to the YAC’s activities. The committee will consist of up to ten voting members, including one Councillor representative and a maximum of eight young people. Additionally, two staff liaisons will provide support. The committee’s chair will be elected by majority vote from among the voting members,
with the term lasting one year, and the designated council representative will serve as the vice-chair. Meetings will be held quarterly, with the possibility of more frequent meetings as needed.
By involving youth in the decision-making process, North Middlesex ensures that the unique needs and concerns of younger generations are addressed.
