GUELPH, ON, October 19, 2009 – More than 200 students from the Upper Grand and Wellington Catholic District School Boards will get an inside look at Guelph’s municipal operations during Local Government Week, which runs from October 18 to 24.

Elementary and secondary students will visit Guelph City Hall to meet Mayor Farbridge and learn more about the services the City of Guelph delivers, how City Council is elected, and how municipal governance works.

“This week is a great opportunity for me to impress upon students that many of the services they rely on every day – from the water that comes out of the tap to the books they take out of the library – are provided by the City,” said Mayor Farbridge. “Yet, voter turnout in municipal elections is typically very low. I want to show students that, as current citizens and future voters, they have a role to play in local government.”

A booklet for elementary students called “I’m a Future Voter” has been developed by the City, and the Mayor will distribute it to visiting elementary classes.

During Local Government Week, City staff from a variety of departments will also be visiting several Career Education classes at local high schools to promote careers in the municipal sector. The City will also be participating in Career Pathways – an annual event sponsored by the Guelph Chamber of Commerce – on October 21 for local grade eight students.

The Province of Ontario, AMCTO (Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario) and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario have partnered to develop Local Government Week as a way to celebrate the key role that Ontario local governments play in helping to define the character, priorities, amenities and physical make-up of communities. For more information about Local Government Week visit http://www.amcto.com/.

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