NEW GLASGOW – Staff from the Town of New Glasgow were at NNEC on Thursday afternoon, seeking students’ input into the town’s future.
Geralyn MacDonald, New Glasgow’s community economic development director, said community consultation is crucial to the development plan.
“We want to give the youth of the community an opportunity to have their say,” said MacDonald.
The meeting saw a Grade 12 and a Grade 10 class meet with staff to discuss events and festivals, community and economic development, tourism and recreation in the town.
Discussion was facilitated and encouraged by open questions from the staff such as what are other communities offering their residents that New Glasgow would be wise to try?
For the youth at NNEC, MacDonald framed the discussion around the question, ‘What’s cool outside school?’ The class split into three groups for smaller, more in-depth discussion on specific topics.
Craig Murray of Grade 10 noted that the Jubilee and live performances at Glasgow Square were good but that the theatre could look into more comedians.
Rycha Levy, also Grade 10, discussed recreation in the town and noted the need for little things, like tire swings at some of the parks and using John Brother MacDonald Stadium as an indoor paintball arena.
Keeran McGillvary, Grade 10, said that his group discussed the need for more clothing stores and sit-down restaurants and that the JBM Stadium could be used for conventions or flea markets.
Sessions will continue later in the month to allow the opportunity for town staff to meet with citizens to help them get a better understanding of what those who live and work in the town want from it.
Forms will also be placed online at www.newglasgow.ca for people to submit ideas. They can also be emailed to geralyn.macdonald@newglasgow.ca.
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