2023 ANNUAL REPORT
MESSAGE FROM MAYOR & COUNCIL
Congratulations to the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) on another year of remarkable achievements and contributions to our community.
This past year has demonstrated again the incredible dedication and creativity of our young people. From the vibrant and thought-provoking Community Art Project unveiled during Youth Week 2024 to the positive engagement opportunities and training sessions, our youth have continually demonstrated their ability to inspire and lead.
The YAC’s role in advising on important issues such as food security, transit, and urban forestry has provided essential insights that help shape the future of our city. Their participation in events and learning tours, coupled ongoing training such as Unconscious Bias and Addressing Racism and Discrimination courses, underscores their commitment to building a more inclusive and vibrant Grande Prairie for all residents.
I am particularly proud of the collaboration showcased during this term. Partnerships with
organizations such as Sunrise House and the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights highlight the strength of engaging relationships when we work together. YAC’s involvement has not only enriched these initiatives but also ensured that youth voices are included in the processes that inform decisions.
To all the members of the Youth Advisory Council, thank you. You have set a high standard for civic engagement and leadership, and I am confident that your contributions will continue to inspire others. As we reflect on the accomplishments of this past year, we also look forward with enthusiasm to see how you will continue to shape the future of Grande Prairie.
Sincerely,
Mayor Jackie Clayton
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL MANDATE
To provide an effective link between community boards and committees, City Council, community agencies and Grande Prairie youth.
The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) provides an opportunity for youth to have input by engaging in community discussions around important events, policies, economic changes, infrastructure, etc.
Members are encouraged to provide their input and seek opinions of their peer and the youth community on important issues.
HIGHLIGHTS
YAC members completed 4 engagement opportunities with the City of Grande Prairie, welcomed 10 delegations to their meetings, and attended 11 local events.
YAC members completed Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) training taking both Unconscious Bias and Addressing Racism and Discrimination courses.
City of Grande Prairie Boards and Committees Bylaw C-1422 was amended to define youth member as a person aged between fourteen (14) and twenty-four (24) years who is appointed by Council and either lives, works, attends school, or accessing services in the City. YAC membership was increased for up to 18 youth members.
Chair Daisy Nellis was recognized as the Young Woman of Influence 2024.
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS, ROLES & TERM WORK
The 2023–2024 YAC members were between the ages of 14 to 24. Members represent their experiences as secondary school students, post-secondary students, homeschool students, youth in the workforce, community volunteers, advocates, allies, artists, musicians, athletes, and leaders.
2023–2024 YAC Members
■ Chair: Daisy Nellis
■ Vice Chair: Atishay Goel
■ Secretary: Tarandeep Namsot
■ Agenda: Nabeel Malik
■ Council Members: Adrian Temple, Aiden St. Pierre, Blake Parker, EJ Igao, Hannah Ungstad, Janee Chamberlain, Manya Singhal, Maryam Nazndah, Peyton Wright, Rafael Malik, Tanvinder Rupana, and Tristan Paragas
■ City Council: Councillor C. Thiessen and Councillor M. O’Connor
■ City Administration: Nicole Hornett
2023–2024 YAC’s Term Work
■ YAC Welcome and Orientation Session
■ Monthly Meetings at City Hall
■ Training Sessions Completed: Unconscious Bias and Addressing Racism and Discrimination
■ YAC Member Team Celebration
■ Annual Delegation to City Council
■ Member Recruitment and Application Deadline: October 15
DELEGATIONS
YAC welcomed 10 delegations from the City of Grande Prairie and local organizations. Delegations presented their topics and heard the youth members’ perspectives and ideas:
City of Grande Prairie Cell Phone Tower Placement
City of Grande Prairie Food Security
City of Grande Prairie Snow Removal
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Grande Prairie Police Service
Kickstand Connect
City of Grande Prairie Transit
City of Grande Prairie Women of Influence Awards
Resource Centre for Suicide Prevention
Sunrise House
ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
YAC members participated in City of Grande Prairie engagement sessions and surveys to seek their insight as connected local youth:
EVENTS
YAC members are active citizens in the City of Grande Prairie and attended 11 local events:
Canada Day Celebrations
Canadian Mental Health Association’s Coldest Night of the Year
GP Grows: Dig It Program
Mayor, City Council, and City Manager Meet & Greet
Mayor’s State of the City
Opioids Don’t Discriminate
Thriving in the City at Northwestern Polytechnic
Voices of Community Collaboration on Youth Mental Health Symposium
Women of Influence
Youth Career Discovery Expo
Youth Week 2024 Kick-off and Art Unveiling
LEARNING TOURS
YAC members tour and learn about the City of Grande Prairie during their term to have informed conversations about their experiences:
City Hall City Council Chambers
Centre Pool Operations
Prairie Fire Department
Prairie Museum
Eastlink
Grande
Grande
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