In mid-February, Cochrane Youth Council stepped into Council Chambers to discuss topics and ideas relevant to their age demographic.

Kassidy Gerhardi, Chair of the Youth Council, shares she was proud of the 13 youth that attended and role played Town Council and Senior Administration staff, stating they asked great questions and played their parts well. A decent crowd came to support and gain insight from the Cochrane youth which Gerhardi was also pleased to see. "I was so happy with the crowd that we had and I was really happy that some people that we didn't plan on came up and asked us questions. It was exciting to see how the audience and different organizations engaged with us, I feel that made everyone feel good."

The youth council discussed a variety of topics including their with involvement with a colour run in conjunction with Bow Valley High School's 'Time for Hope' campaign in May to raise awareness for mental health. "I am very excited about that and I thinks that's going to be a really great opportunity. We're still seeing what youth council involvement will be in it, we're discussing that at our next meeting."

Besides the colour run, a member of youth council will also have the opportunity to present to Town Council about additional space being sought by the Boys and Girls Club and one member and an alternate will participate on the Transit Task Force making sure our community's youth weigh in on their transportation challenges.

Pleased with the level of dialogue and engagement that is occurring with youth in the Cochrane community, Gerhardi, states it hasn't always been this way. "I feel there are so many more opportunities coming up that the Town and different organizations are being a lot more thoughtful in including youth, which is special to see, especially compared to some of the challenges that we had last year with community involvement. I feel like this year there's been a lot more engagement."

At this time Gerhardi is not sure whether the youth council will take over chambers again before the end of the school year, but finding the experience valuable, Cochrane Youth Council plan to present their viewpoint in Chambers on a yearly basis.

Gerhardi, who has been a driving force in keeping the youth engaged and involved will step down as Chair next year and perhaps look to take on a less demanding position as she transitions into University. Already having some members express interest, Gerhardi is confident that the strength of their voice will only become louder. "We have talked with some youth on our council about taking the torch, I think especially some that have been on the council in previous years. Our new format has given kids the ability to interact a lot more and bring out different leadership opportunities in which they can make something happen."