News Release

(Monday, January 21/2002)-- The youth of Sackville and Beaver Bank need a voice!

To address the many issues that youth face in these two communities, there will be a meeting on February 5^th, 2002, at 7 p.m., in the Fenerty Room of the Sackville Public Library, 636 Sackville Drive, Lower Sackville. Refreshments will be served.

The meeting will be the first step in the formation of a Youth Council that will serve as a vehicle to empower Sackville and Beaver Bank youth to find solutions to their concerns such as transportation, lack of resources, and health issues. The event is sponsored by Halifax Regional Municipality Parks and Recreation Services and Human Resources Development Canada.

District 19 Councillor Brad Johns (Upper Sackville-Beaver Bank) says "There is a real need for youth initiatives in the Sackville - Beaver Bank area. With such rapid growth and all its related challenges, it's great to see the development of a Youth Council that can allow the youth to address the specific concerns that they have."

All youth between the ages of 13-29 years are welcome to attend. Persons 19 and over will be encouraged to act as mentors or advisors to the other members of the Council. All members will have the opportunity to participate in initiatives such as, developing a resource-based web site for the youth of the community; promoting the development of a skateboard park; addressing health and environmental issues; as well as any other concerns that may be brought forth through the Youth Council.

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For more information please contact Roderick MacCormack or Tamara Stephen at 869-4202