The Grade 6 students of H.E. Bourgoin (H.E.B.) have made it clear; recreation in Bonnyville needs to be reconsidered.
During a mini-candidate session at H.E.B., Grade 6 students had a chance to ask Town of Bonnyville council candidates a few questions.
It was hosted as part of the grade's social studies class, where they are learning about democracy, and holding their own elections.
While searching for information about each candidate, Vonda Worthman, teacher at H.E.B., and her students decided to reach out to the candidates and see if they would be interested in coming to their school.
Seven of the nine candidates running attended the forum, and answered questions prepared by the students themselves.
“We talked about the types of questions they would like to ask, and the kids came up with things that they saw as issues in the community. They created powerful questions to ask the candidates when they came,” explained Worthman.
She added, it was a good opportunity for the students to learn first-hand about town council, their roles, and how vital they are to a community
“It's so important. Kids get excited about learning, especially when they can take part in the learning. Giving them an opportunity to meet the candidates, to see them, and learn what they stand for, gives them an opportunity to take part in the learning.”
Talia Wells was one of the Grade 6 students taking part. She agreed with her teacher that this event helped her learn about what it takes to keep a community growing.
“It's important we learn these things. It fits in well with our social studies class right now, because we're learning about democracy,” Wells said. “I learned that there are a lot of different things people can do to help the community.”
Wells was the first student to ask the candidates a question.
She wondered what advice they had for the students running in their school election.
Most of the town candidates agreed that being on council takes time, dedication, cooperation, and an understanding of issues within the community.
“You have to be sure you're ready to make it a caring and safe community,” said candidate Morris Mickalyk.
After breaking the ice, students started delving into hot-button issues amongst their grade level.
Most of the questions revolved around recreation and sports facilities within the community.
One student wondered how candidates would improve the pool situation, while others suggested outdoor recreation options.
Candidates Lorna Storoschuk and Ray Prevost, who are incumbents, both cautioned that a new pool would cost upwards of $25-million, money the town simply doesn't have.
“The town cannot afford a pool on its own,” Prevost expressed.
Storoschuk explained that the town had recently paid to update the current facility, and a new pool is a bit out of reach.
Other students wondered if the new candidates had ever considered running for council before, how many seats were available on council, and what candidates would change in the community, if elected.
While some candidates agreed that running for council hadn't been on their radar prior to someone suggesting it, others had always been passionate about politics.
In terms of changes, Elisa Brosseau said she would concentrate on making Bonnyville a “family community,” with a focus on recreation, events, and other family-oriented activities.
Chad Colbourne reflected the students' statements on the need for recreation, but added it's important the new council also focus on getting crime in-check.
Incumbent Nestor Kunec said he would like to see some of the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range funding come the town's way.
Prevost, Storoschuk, and Kunec all expressed the importance of the regional waterline.
Students also queried the candidates on their take on combating vandalism in town.
Colbourne was quick to answer, suggesting the set-up of a Rural Crime Watch program, more policy, and making the community more aware of the issue.
“It starts within the community,” he said.
Jim Chevrie, who is hoping to return to town council for another term, explained the town's plan to repair back alleyways, after a student asked whether or not it was something the candidates had considered.
The alleyways will be discussed during budget deliberations later this year, he added.
Fear, nerves, and excitement were some of the emotions candidates used to describe how they were feeling as election day approached.
Worthman hoped her students left with a better understanding of how a town council functions. She expected many of them went home and talked to their parents about their day, and hopefully encouraged them to vote.
“I hope that they can walk away making an informed decision on who to vote for, and I am hoping they can further their learning by taking the discussion home.”
