Image

Petrolia youth committee focus of form in 2016

December 20, 2015

Community groups will have a say in what a youth advisory committee in Petrolia might look like.

Councillor Grant Purdy raised the idea earlier this month suggesting the committee could advise council on a number of decisions from a youth perspective. The idea was put on hold so town staff could study just how the concept might work.

Monday, staff suggested it would be a good idea to bring all the groups dealing with youth together to talk about the concept and the purpose of a youth committee.

Ted Gravelle of the Central Lambton Petrolia Optimist says any idea which brings youth “to the forefront is a good thing” but worried the goals need to be “defined and refined” first.

“The whole idea of keeping youth involved in the community is a great idea and there are a number of groups already doing that but we need a good concept to keep the children involved with it.”

Mayor John McCharles echoed Gravelle’s concerns. “I am not sure of the purpose yet and I think that’s something that needs to be defined,” he told council. “I need to know what the purpose needs to be ….it should not be another group just to have a meeting.”

Town staff suggested and council agreed to a meeting of youth groups in the community to define what kind of a role a youth advisory committee would have and how the members would be chosen.

Councillor Joel Field is one of the members of council – along with Purdy and Councillor Liz Welsh – to spearhead the meeting. “I was really surprised how many organizations are youth oriented; I counted 20 or as many as 25. I support the motion to bring all the players together and I feel strongly if they talk about the needs and they see what is being address…to see if there is a gap and there is, how do we fill it.”

Purdy says there is lots of room to “massage” the concept into something that works and Councillor Mary Pat Gleeson agreed.  “I support working with kids and particularly in the area participatory democracy and I am grateful to Councillor Purdy that he reminded us kids need to be involved in the process, too.”

Purdy, Field and Welsh will work together to set up a youth forum at the beginning of the year.

Share This

Image
Front Page

Consultant says AI can ‘transform’ education

February 6, 2025

Blake Ellis/The Independent Artificial intelligence can transform education, giving teachers another tool so they can better meet the needs of students. This was the message conveyed to trustees of the St. Clair Catholic School Board on Jan. 28, as Catholic Curriculum Consultant Courtney Mellow gave an update on the organization’s artificial intelligence in education implementation strategy. Mellow said in many

Read More

Image
News

Aamjiwnaang’s chief files complaint against Dennis’ “untrue, reckless, offensive, disparaging and abusive” remarks at Lambton County council

February 6, 2025

“I find the new Chief of the Amjiwnaang (sic)remarks to be a threat against me for doing my job,” says Dennis Heather Wright/The Independent Aamjiwnaang’s chief has filed complaints to both the Lambton County and Sarnia Integrity Commissioner over comments made by Bill Dennis. Nov. 27, Lambton County Council received a letter from Chief Janelle Nahmabin about fines paid by

Read More

Image
News

PW to honour $10K 2025 Petrolia arena grant

February 6, 2025

Plympton-Wyoming to set up donation fund for applications in 2026 Heather Wright/The Independent Plympton-Wyoming will honour its commitment to provide a $10,000 grant to both Petrolia and Forest.But the municipality plans to set up a grant program to decide what organizations and municipalities get Plympton-Wyoming’s cash. Councillors recently decided against entering an agreement with Petrolia to formalize a grant provided

Read More

Image
Front Page

Mooretown Flags double Wheatley

February 6, 2025

A five goal second period propelled the Mooretown Flags to an 8-4 win over the Sharks in PJHL action at Wheatley. Wes Brooks scored twice and added an assist for the winners Wednesday. Dylan Dupuis continued his torrid pace with a goal and three assists. Dupuis is now riding a 13-game point streak dating back to late December with 13

Read More