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London, age 10 and Mayor Meghan Lahti

Mayor Meghan Lahti is pleased to announce that 10-year-old London, a resident of Port Moody, had the chance to be Mayor for a Day on November 20, 2024 – World Children’s Day. After finishing her school day, London toured City Hall and the Inlet Centre Fire Hall, learned about the role of mayor and council, and met with a member of the Port Moody Police Department. She also signed a proclamation that declared November 20 to be Children’s Day in Port Moody and enjoyed some pizza with Mayor Lahti. 

London was selected by Mayor Lahti as the successful candidate from 56 applications submitted between July 1 and September 27, 2024. Mayor Lahti invited children between the ages of five and 12 years old to fill out an application form and describe what they would do if they were Port Moody’s mayor. 

“I had a great time meeting London and I was impressed and inspired by her ideas and questions,” said Mayor Meghan Lahti. “On World Children’s Day, and every day, it’s important that we listen to the children and youth in our community and empower them to use their voices, as they have a unique and valuable perspective. Based on all the thoughtful applications we received for Mayor for a Day, Port Moody’s future is in good hands.” 

“It was so much fun being Mayor for a Day!” said London. “Mayor Lahti made being Mayor look like a lot of fun. The librarians and the amazing teams at Port Moody Police, Fire, and the Works Yard were all so kind to me. My favourite moments were sitting in the police car, turning on the sirens, riding in the fire truck, and seeing the firefighters slide down the pole at the firehall! I even got to sign a proclamation for Children's Day! Thank you so much for this incredible opportunity – it was an experience I’ll never forget!” 

Here is what London would do if she were Port Moody’s mayor, as written on her application form: 

If I were Mayor for a day I would be just like Mayor Lahti. I would:
1. Help the Environment
I would make sure all kids learn how to recycle. We could have a 'Clean Up the
Shoreline' day where everyone helps keep our beaches clean.
2. Make Port Moody More Fun for Kids
I would add more fun things for kids to do! I would build a giant playground, and
maybe even a zipline! I’d make sure there are safe bike paths so kids can ride
their bikes to school or to the park!
3. Help Homeless People
I would want to help people who don’t have homes. I’d make sure everyone has a
warm place to stay and enough food to eat. I’d also ask people in Port Moody to
donate clothes and toys to those who need them so everyone can feel cared for.
4. Have More Community Events
I would have more community events where everyone can come together. I’d
have a 'Port Moody Pet Parade' where people could show off their pets.
5. Make Port Moody a Kinder Place
I would make sure that Port Moody is a place where everyone is kind to each
other, like holding the door open or smiling at your neighbours.
6. Make Schools Safer
I would make sure all the schools are super safe. I’d add more crossing guards so
kids can cross the street safely.

World Children’s Day is recognized each year on November 20 to increase awareness of the need to advocate for, promote, protect, and celebrate children's rights. It is also a day of action for children, by children, with the goal of making the world a better place. November 20 is the date in 1959 when the United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the date in 1989 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child.