Christina Lake students get hands-on lesson in local government

Grade 4 and 5 students held a mock board meeting, met regional district staff and toured the Trail Fire Department

Submitted photo.

Grade 4 and 5 students from Christina Lake Elementary School visited the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary’s Trail headquarters for a hands-on look at local government during Local Government Awareness Week.

The visit introduced students to democratic decision-making, regional services and potential careers within the RDKB.

Corporate Officer Anitra Winje led the program with support from teacher Ryan MacGregor and RDKB Board Chair and Electoral Area C Director Grace McGregor.

Students arrived with a colourful “mushroom board” they had created to explain the regional district’s structure and services. Staff also used familiar local projects, including the recently completed Christina Lake pedestrian bridge, to show how government decisions affect students’ communities.

Many of the students had watched the bridge being constructed and attended its official opening.

The group began by electing a chair and vice-chair before holding a mock board meeting in the RDKB boardroom. Paige was elected chair and Ainsley was chosen as vice-chair.

Students debated a resolution directing staff to investigate whether Christina Lake could be included in regional public transit services.

RDKB staff member Hannah sat in the public gallery as an interested resident and asked questions during the debate, recreating the public participation component of an official board meeting.

Submitted photo.

Students also heard presentations from RDKB Chief Administrative Officer James, Mark Stephens of Emergency Management and BA Belton of Environmental Services.

A waste-sorting activity challenged students to place items in the correct garbage, recycling and organics bins.

The tour included an opportunity to watch employees working throughout the building and learn about the range of careers available in local government.

Students ended the day at the Trail Fire Department, where they saw a fire engine returning from a call and exchanged high-fives with firefighters.

McGregor, who has represented Christina Lake and served the region for 21 years, said it is important for young people to understand the decisions being made in their communities.

“Young people need to understand what local government does because it directly affects their everyday lives,” she said. “When students can see how decisions are made, ask questions and meet the people behind those decisions, it helps build trust and understanding.”

McGregor said local government should be accessible to young residents.

“Local government isn’t some mystery behind closed doors — we’re approachable, we’re part of the community, and these young people should always feel like they can come and talk to us,” she said. “Opening those lines of communication early is incredibly important.”

MacGregor said the visit showed students that they can participate in decisions about their communities.

“This is really important because it gives kids a solid understanding that they can help shape the future of their communities,” he said. “Experiences like this show students that their ideas matter and that democratic participation is something real and accessible to them.”

Winje said the students arrived prepared and eager to learn about the regional district.

“Their curiosity, engagement and excitement about local government was infectious,” she said. “They arrived eager to learn about our structure, services and staff and left with an even greater understanding of the role local government plays in everyday life.”

Winje said the students could one day become voters, elected officials or RDKB employees.

“We are the level of government closest to the people, and these students are our future voters, leaders and perhaps even future staff members,” she said.

At the end of the visit, student Ava Jensen presented RDKB staff with a handwritten thank-you note on behalf of the class.

Local Government Awareness Week is held annually across British Columbia to improve public understanding of local government responsibilities and encourage civic participation.