Thunder Bay teens want politicians to focus on crime and business
High school students in Thunder Bay talk about the kind of city they're going to inherit
Teenagers in grades 11 and 12, at several different high schools in Thunder Bay, shared their thoughts with CBC News on priorities for candidates running in the municipal election.
Preventing crime
Cassandra Parker is in grade 11 at Sir Winston Churchill Collegiate and Vocational Institute. She said she doesn't always feel safe in the city.
"More often than I experience it [crime], I read about it. However, on the other hand there have been instances where I've, like, experienced almost violent harassment, or almost assault, like just walking home, or in general leaving the house," said Parker.
Daniel Voss, 16, said he has also feared for his safety. The grade 12 student at Westgate Collegiate said the crime rate was something that might eventually make him leave the city.
He pulled a knife...- Daniel Voss
"A year or so back, I was actually leaving a council that I'm part of, and there was a guy who had come up to me and basically wanted to take the seat I was in, which I was like 'Umm, No', and he pulled a knife to my side, almost tried to stab me and straight up told me to move," said Voss.
Voss and Parker suggested more police patrols in problem areas, and boosting resources that go to preventing crime, such as alcohol and drug treatment services.
18-year old Hannah Rogers, a grade 12 student at Westgate, agreed. The first-time voter said she'd like to see city council support facilities and activities that offer teens alternatives to drinking, and drugs.
"You should spend the money on stuff like that because once you spend the money, you'll see the benefit out in the community, instead of kids getting into bad habits."
Supporting young entrepreneurs
One-third of the students who shared their thoughts on the future of the city cited employment prospects as one of the reasons they'd likely end up leaving Thunder Bay.
17-year-old Quinn Spyrka is in grade 12 at St. Patrick High School. He said he's seen the problem first hand.
"Thunder Bay is a little bit lacking in job opportunities. I know my dad had to work out west for a long time. You kind of go out there because you have no other choice. I know that's a big one for my parents," said Spyrka.
I should probably move ... just because it's a small town.- Jeevan Chahal
Jeevan Chahal, 17, said he'd like to go into business, or perhaps start one of his own. But the grade 12 student at Churchill said he questions whether it would succeed in Thunder Bay.
"I've talked to my cousins who are in business right now, and my uncle who graduated from business and they all say, if I want to go into business then I should probably move out of Thunder Bay, just because it's a small town and I'd get more opportunities in Toronto. I want to stay in Thunder Bay, if I can, and I don't want to be forced out just because of a job," said Chahal.
Madison Ranta is also in grade 12 at Churchill high school. The 17-year old wondered if more could be done to help young entrepreneurs.
"A lot of people still have a conception that there are institutions like the 'Old BoysClub'. If you want to be successful, you have to know the right people, or come from a certain university or education. If the city were to maybe create an organization, or a sector of the city where young business people in particular would be able to come to search for networking opportunities and resources and things like that, it would be a huge asset to the city," said Ranta.
Creating a welcoming city
Aurinjoy Gupta, 17, who is in grade 12 at Churchill wants to create a more welcoming city.
"I myself, wasn't born in Thunder Bay. I lived in Ottawa and New Brunswick and then came to Thunder Bay. And as my parents described, it is very difficult to connect with people in Thunder Bay because of the nature of the community. You'll find that people are very tightly-knit and not always exactly welcoming. It takes a lot of time," said Gupta.
Gupta said he'd like to see municipal politicians take a more active role in welcoming people to the city. He suggested they could host some kind of meet and greet that brings people together, and makes them feel part of the community.
Check out our interactive feature where you can mix and match your choice for mayor here.