Anders, age 11, tours City Hall, signs declaration as Mayor for a Day on World Children’s Day

Mayor Meghan Lahti is pleased to announce that 11-year-old Anders, a resident of Port Moody, had the chance to be Mayor for a Day on November 20, 2025 – World Children’s Day. After finishing his school day, Anders 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. He also signed a document declaring November 20 to be Children’s Day in Port Moody and enjoyed some pizza with Mayor Lahti.

Between July 1 and September 27, 2025, children between the ages of five and 12 years old were invited to fill out an application form and describe what they would do if they were Port Moody’s mayor. Mayor Lahti received some excellent applications and selected Anders as the successful candidate.

“I was honoured to meet Anders, answer his questions, and hear his ideas for Port Moody,” said Mayor Meghan Lahti. “Anders’ love of animals and nature reminds us of the importance of taking care of our community and everything in it: land, water, air, and all the living creatures that make their home here. And World Children’s Day reminds us of the importance of listening to children and youth and encouraging them to use their voices to help us create a better future.”

Anders shared that being Mayor for a Day felt “awesome, so exciting” and that his favourite part of the experience was riding the fire truck and the pole at the fire hall.

Here is what Anders would do if he were Port Moody’s mayor, as written on his application form:

• If I were mayor for a day I would give a day off school and make that day animale apresheation day. I would also plant new trees. I would also give the firefighters donuts, meet the city council members, see the dayle life of a mayor and what is expected of them. I think that it all would be very exciting.

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.