Sault Ste. Marie's youth may be moving into greater involvement in civic decision-making after a surprise appearance before city council by Adam Bernardo, chair of Mayor Matthew Shoemaker's youth advisory committee.
Bernardo wrote last week to Shoemaker and ward councillors, asking why plans for the April 26 Elbows Up rally made no provision for youth involvement.
"While the event has garnered attention, I noticed that there’s no specific mention of how the city’s youth can get involved or contribute to the rally," Bernardo said in his letter.
"Youth engagement in events like this can be an important opportunity for growth, education, and fostering community spirit.
"Has the event organizer considered ways to incorporate youth involvement, either through volunteer opportunities, participation in the planning stages, or other forms of engagement?
"If not, might city council explore options for ensuring that young people have the opportunity to participate in meaningful ways?" he asked.
Bernardo was then invited to speak at last week's council meeting.
"Please consider a youth perspective into your decision-making," he told council members.
"Consider how this event could incorporate youth specifically, as I would love to expand who could be included in the event, as it's very important to our community."
The ensuing discussion hinted that council was open to ideas for more youth participation, beyond just the April 26 rally at the downtown plaza.
Ward 2 Coun. Lisa Vezeau-Allen pointed out that there are other youth groups that might provide valuable advice.
"The Youth Wellness Hub has a youth council," Vezeau-Allen said.
"Indigenous Friendship Centre has a youth council. There's Youth Odena. There's various other youth groups that I think, if you all collectively coordinate, can really add necessary element to this rally."
Ward 1 Coun. Sonny Spina then asked Bernardo for suggestions on how the city can better engage youth.
"I would ask you, when you send correspondence like this, it's great to ask the questions. I would love for you to include your suggestions, instead of just asking questions on how youth can get involved. Tell us how youth can get involved," Spina said.
"What can you contribute to this as a leader of youth in our community?"
Bernardo responded that great involvement in the city's social media accounts might be a good place to start.
"I think probably a great way to reach out to youth on how to participate ... is usually social media," he said.
"I think that would be a really great way to get the youth involved. I mean, like Instagram, Twitter (X), all of those things."
Ward 3 Coun. Angela Caputo offered to help in expanding youth involvement at the civic centre.
"I'm sure you have a great relationship with the mayor. You can go through him, but also myself and the other councillors sitting around here would be happy to help you get more involved," Caputo said. "It is one of my greatest passions to try and keep youth involved.
"We want to keep you engaged in the best ways possible, and that includes you being able to hold us accountable and assist you. So I just wanted to offer offer my hand to you however I can help, and however the rest of this council can help.
"Youth is the way to the future. And I'm sure you have a lot of ideas happening up there ... Maybe we'll see you in one of these seats one day," Caputo added.
Or possibly, even a loftier role than that.
In 2019, when Bernardo was a student at Our Lady of Lourdes school, he was named as a runner-up in the city's annual Mayor for a Day contest.