MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 4, 2023

2023 Local Government Week in Smiths Falls

Smiths Falls, ON – The Town of Smiths Falls is celebrating Local Government Week (LGW) during the week of October 15^th – October 21^st. This event is recognized annually across the Province of Ontario to showcase municipalities’ commitment to building healthy, vibrant communities and increase awareness about the important role that local governments play in communities across Ontario and to encourage civic participation.

In the spirit of Local Government Week, the Town of Smiths Falls will host several events and activities for people of all ages to increase their civic awareness and help everyone gain an understanding of municipal government and its impact on everyday lives.

On Monday October 16^th, the Council of the Town of Smiths Falls will host a Special Committee of the Whole and Council meeting at the Smiths Falls & District Collegiate Institute (Cafeteria) from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  Students will be able to watch how elected officials make decisions and interact with Council Members. The hope is to encourage youth engagement in municipal government as they are the next generation of the workforce and future community leaders.

On October 5^th, the Town will launch an Essay Contest for students in grades 5 and 6 where participants will write a 500-word essay on the topic ‘What does Smiths Falls mean to you and what would Smiths Falls look like if you made all the decisions?’. The winners of this contest will receive an invitation to attend a Council meeting in the newly renovated Council Chambers where Council will make a presentation to them. Essays can be dropped off at the Town Hall or emailed to kcostello@smithsfalls.ca. The deadline for essay submission is October 20^th, 2023.

The Town of Smiths Falls will host a job fair at the Smiths Falls & District Collegiate Institute – (Cafeteria) on October 19^th from 12:05 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., to showcase municipal careers including potential 2024 summer jobs. A variety of staff from the different municipal departments will be available to talk about their position with the Town, a description of their tasks, the schooling required for these positions as well as answer questions from students.

Local Government Week activities will conclude on Friday October 20^th with an invitation to all residents to have a cup of coffee and a chat with Council in the Council Chambers from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

"Council is excited to be able to open Local Government Week by hosting our regular meeting at SFDCI,” said Shawn Pankow mayor of Smiths Falls. “It is municipal governments that are the closest and most accessible to the public, and although all members of Council interact regularly with our citizens, we also regard Local Government Week as an opportunity to remove any barriers and ensure all our citizens, and especially our youth, have a greater opportunity to learn how their government works for them.”

-30-

Media Contact

Esther Njuguna

Communications and Marketing Coordinator

77 Beckwith Street N, Box 695

Smiths Falls, ON K7A 2B8

613-283-4124 ext. 1137

enjuguna@smithsfalls.ca