District of Squamish officials came back from a province-wide municipalities' conference with a trophy in hand.
The district was honoured for best practices in civic engagement at the Union of British Columbian Municipalities (UBCM) Community Excellence Awards. The municipality received the honour for its Envisioning Tomorrow Today initiative, a program that involved local schools and municipal operations.
The event, which took place last May, included educational tours at the municipality's public works yard. Students from elementary schools checked out the district's horticulture programs, water and sewage systems and the district's vehicle fleet.
The initiative also included a Mayor for a Day contest for youth. The winners sat in on a council meeting. In addition, district staff held educational workshops on municipal governments at Squamish's six District 48 elementary schools.
The initiative has been ongoing since 2004, but this is the first year all the various components were pulled together, Mayor Rob Kirkham said, noting the district was up against 76 municipalities for the award.
"I am very excited to have Squamish recognized," he said, adding that community engagement is one of council's priorities.
The award shows the district is headed in the right direction when it comes to community engagement, Coun. Patricia Heintzman said.
"I think it is the start of better community engagement," she said.
But it's also the tip of the iceberg, she noted. While the recognition acknowledges good work, it also helps highlight future goals, Heintzman said.
Coun. Susan Chapelle agreed. She wants to see more youth engagement in local politics, Chapelle said.
The 2012 UBCM conference was held in Victoria last week (Sept. 24 to 28).
