The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary welcomed Grade 4 and 5 students from Christina Lake Elementary School to its Trail headquarters as part of Local Government Awareness Week.
Led by RDKB corporate officer Anitra Winje and supported by teacher Ryan MacGregor and board chair Grace McGregor, the day immersed students in the world of local government, democratic decision-making, and community services — while also giving them an inside look at potential future careers within the RDKB.
The students arrived exceptionally well prepared, even creating a colourful mushroom board explaining the RDKB’s structure and services. Throughout the day, familiar local projects, including the recently completed Christina Lake pedestrian bridge — which many students had witnessed being built and attended the official opening for — helped connect government processes to real-life experiences in their own community.
The day was hands on from the start with the students electing their own chair and vice chair before participating in a mock board meeting in the RDKB boardroom. Students debated a resolution asking staff to investigate the possibility of including Christina Lake in regional public transit services.
To make the experience even more authentic, an RDKB staff member joined the public gallery as an interested resident, asking questions during the debate just as members of the public would at a real board meeting.
Students also heard from several RDKB departments, including CAO James Chandler, Mark Stephens from emergency management, and BA Belton from environmental services, who shared insights into their roles and responsibilities. A hands-on waste sorting challenge once again proved popular, with students testing their knowledge by placing various items into the correct garbage, recycling, and organics bins.
The tour also gave students an opportunity to see RDKB staff at work throughout the building, helping them envision the many different career paths available in local government. The day wrapped up with a visit to the fire department, where students witnessed a fire engine returning from a call and celebrated the moment with high-fives from local firefighters.
Grace McGregor, who has represented Christina Lake and served the region for 21 years, said engaging youth in local government is vital: “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. 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. Opening those lines of communication early is incredibly important.”
Ryan MacGregor emphasized the long-term value of giving students a voice in civic discussions: “This is really important because it gives kids a solid understanding that they can help shape the future of their communities,” he said. “Having input into the future of society is something that needs to be reinforced from an early age. Experiences like this show students that their ideas matter and that democratic participation is something real and accessible to them.”
Corporate Officer Anitra Winje, who coordinated and facilitated the event, said the enthusiasm from the students was inspiring: “We were absolutely delighted to welcome these students back to the RDKB. Their curiosity, engagement, and excitement about local government was infectious. 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. We are the level of government closest to the people — and these students are our future voters, leaders, and perhaps even future staff members.”
At the end of the day, student Ava Jensen presented staff with a handwritten note on behalf of the class that read: “Thank you so much RDKB for having us and the tour around. Have a lovely day RDKB.”
Local Government Awareness Week is held annually across BC to help residents better understand the role and responsibilities of local governments and encourage civic participation.
