Announcing the Grade 5 winners of the 2026 Council for a Day contest

By City of Waterloo - Apr 10, 2026

Each year, the City of Waterloo encourages Grade 5 students to share one idea to make Waterloo an even better place to live. The eight winners are given the title of Council for a Day and are invited to attend the State of the City address, taking place this year on April 16, 2026. 

The contest provides a fun opportunity for youth to learn about municipal government while highlighting their perspectives and priorities. Many submissions this year centre around themes of sustainability and healthy living.

“I’m always inspired by how engaged and thoughtful youth are about our city,” said Mayor Dorothy McCabe. “It’s encouraging to see how closely youth visions for the future align with the work Council is doing to bring those ideas to life.” 

The City of Waterloo thanks everyone who participated in the 2026 Council for a Day contest and is pleased to announce this year's winners.

Note: Winners were assigned wards for this contest, which may not always reflect where they live or attend school.

Congratulations to the 2026 Council for a Day winners: 

  • Mayor Juliana R from Holy Rosary Catholic Elementary School with the idea to have a city-wide contest to encourage water conservation.
  • Ward 1 Councillor Nathan F from Mary Johnston Public School with the idea to create community gardens for kids.
  • Ward 2 Councillor Clara Z from Laurelwood Public School with the idea to teach kids about responsibility and money management through a junior job program. 
  • Ward 3 Councillor Niyam S from N. A. MacEachern Public School with the idea to make Waterloo more bike-friendly with more bike lanes and better signage.  
  • Ward 4 Councillor Elliot N from Lester B Pearson Public School with the idea to install more misting tents around the city to help people cool off and prevent heat stroke.
  • Ward 5 Councillor Beatrix L from Sandowne Public School with the idea to host a free Children’s Day event celebrating childhood and togetherness.
  • Ward 6 Councillor Searc K from Keatsway Public School with the idea to improve crosswalk safety with a unique solar-powered crosswalk design.
  • Ward 7 Councillor Maggie B from Mary Johnston Public School with the idea to fight climate change by planting more native plants to support bees and butterflies.

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Media Contact
Shirley Luu
Communications Consultant
Shirley.luu@waterloo.ca
 


 

 

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