City Hall Tours
Joe Horneck has been welcoming Grade 5 students to City Hall since he was first elected. This year, as a high school co-op student working in Joe’s office, I was asked to help enhance the tour program by creating new materials and activities. It has become the most rewarding part of my placement.
I had the opportunity to contribute by creating a How Mississauga Works booklet for students to take home, along with a My City Hall Adventure activity page to make their visit more engaging. These materials were designed to help students understand how their city works, what a councillor does, how decisions are made, and what services local government provides.
Youth Engagement
Being part of the tour gave me the chance to see how curious students are when City Hall is explained in a way that feels real and connected to their everyday lives. Many students came in with amazing questions about Mississauga’s City Hall.
One moment that stood out to me during the tours was the Junior Council meeting activity, where students got to practice making decisions and vote on a motion together. It was exciting to watch students debate their ideas, share their opinions, and realize that residents’ voices matter in decision making. Seeing them actively participate showed me how important it is to make learning about the city interactive and relatable for young people, who will one day help shape the future of their community.
Co-op Student Reflection
Most importantly, this experience reminded me that learning about local government does not have to feel complicated. When students are encouraged to participate, ask questions, and connect the lessons to their own lives, it can become fun and meaningful.
I am grateful to have contributed to a project that helped students see City Hall not just as a building, but as a place where people work together on services and decisions that affect everyday life in our community.
I encourage you to learn more. Chances are, you’ll discover something new too!
-Sasha Co-op Student, Rick Hansen Secondary School
