Big ideas wanted: 2026 Council for a Day contest now open

The City of Waterloo has opened the 2026 Council for a Day contest, an annual opportunity for Grade 5 students to share their ideas for strengthening the community.

This unique initiative is designed to introduce young people to local government and reinforce the importance of civic responsibility at any age. Participants are asked to identify one idea that would make Waterloo an even better place to live.

Submissions are reviewed by Mayor McCabe and members of council. Eight students will be selected as Councillor for a Day and will attend the 2026 State of the City on April 16, where their ideas will be shared with an audience of local leaders. They will then spend the day with the Mayor and council, gaining insight into the responsibilities, discussions and decision-making processes of municipal government.

“There is tremendous value in hearing directly from young people,” said Mayor McCabe. “Building an engaged and informed community begins with creating practical opportunities for youth to understand how local government works and how they can be part of it.”

The contest is open to Grade 5 students who live or attend school in Waterloo. Students may enter by submitting a 90-second video or two short paragraphs answering the question: “What is your one idea to make Waterloo an even better place to live?”

 The submission deadline is April 1, 2026.

More information is available at www.waterloo.ca/council-for-a-day  

Media Contact

Stacey Abbott

Communications Manager, City of Waterloo

Stacey.Abbott@waterloo.ca