Calling all young leaders: Step into the Mayor’s shoes for the second annual Mayor for a Day program

Imagine your child stepping into the Mayor’s shoes for an entire day! Grade 5 students in Kingston are encouraged to apply for the City’s second annual Mayor for a Day program this spring. 

Mayor for a Day is a unique and exciting opportunity for local youth from around the city to learn about municipal politics and civic issues. One Grade 5 student will be invited to spend a day with Mayor Bryan Paterson to learn more about how local government works in Kingston. The winning student can expect to take a tour of City Hall, attend a meeting and an event, take the mayor’s seat in Council Chambers and enjoy lunch – all with Mayor Paterson. The day’s schedule will be designed around the student’s interests related to local government and our city.  

“We were thrilled with the excitement and enthusiasm shown during last year’s launch,” says Mayor Bryan Paterson. “This program is all about encouraging young people to explore civic leadership and better understand how decisions are made at the local level. I’m looking forward to meeting another bright and curious young leader this year.” 

How to apply 

Visit Get Involved Kingston to learn more and apply by Friday, June 13 at 4 p.m. In the short application form, interested students are asked to answer the following questions in a video format: 

• Why do you want to be Mayor for a day?
• What would be your first action as Mayor?
• What would you like to learn about the City of Kingston?
• Where would you like to visit during Mayor for a Day?
• What is your favourite thing about living in Kingston? 

This year, all applications must be submitted in video format. We value every application and want to ensure all interested students have the opportunity to participate. City staff will be available at the following locations to assist with the recording and submission of applications:  

• Kingston East Community Centre: Friday, May 30 from 4-5 p.m.
• Artillery Park Aquatic Centre: Monday, June 2 from 4-5 p.m.
• Rideau Heights Community Centre: Tuesday, June 3 from 9-10 a.m.
• INVISTA Centre: Wednesday, June 4 from 3-4 p.m. 

*A legal guardian must be present for the video recording at City facilities, OR the student must complete the form ahead of time and bring a printed copy with a guardian signature at the bottom. 

Have any questions? Reach out by email to Mayor@CityofKingston.ca or by phone at 613-546-0000 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.