In recognition of Local Government Week, Township of Alnwick/Haldimand Council and the Clerk’s Department partnered with local schools to help students learn how municipal government works — and to inspire the next generation of community leaders.
Grade 5 students at St. Mary Catholic Elementary School and Grafton Public School participated in Mock Council sessions, stepping into the roles of Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillors to debate local issues and make decisions that impact their communities.
The initiative was designed to give students a hands-on understanding of how local government functions, the importance of civic engagement, and how decisions are made to shape the places where they live, work, and play.
Students practiced meeting decorum and rules of procedure, making the following decisions after a respectful and well-rounded debate:
• The students defeated a motion that would ban Coffee Crisp Chocolate Bars in Alnwick/Haldimand for Halloween.
• The students amended a motion to have a PA Day every Friday and approved instead to have a PA Day every other Friday.
• The students defeated a motion that would have banned pineapple on pizzas in Alnwick/Haldimand.
Local Government Week is an opportunity to connect with young residents and help them see that their voices matter. The mock councils are a fun and interactive way to show how democracy works right here at home.
The sessions also offered an opportunity to raise awareness about the 2026 Municipal Elections, taking place on October 26, 2026, by encouraging civic participation and understanding at all ages.
Council thanks the staff and students of St. Mary Catholic Elementary School and Grafton Public School for their enthusiasm and participation in this year’s Local Government Week initiative.
For more information about local government and the upcoming 2026 municipal elections, please visit www.ahtwp.ca.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
