2024 Mayor for a Day Contest
Applications Now Closed
We’re back with our second Mayor for a Day contest! If you’re a high school student in grades 9-12, and reside in Ottawa you can apply for the chance to spend a day in Mayor Mark Sutcliffe’s shoes.
What is the Mayor for a Day Contest?
The Mayor for a Day contest is a unique and exciting opportunity to engage local youth from around the city on municipal politics and civic issues. Ottawa high school students in Grades 9 to 12 are invited to apply by outlining their vision for Ottawa over the next 50 years, for their chance to experience a day with Mayor Mark Sutcliffe! The winners will have the opportunity to experience a day in the life of the mayor, attend scheduled events for the day, and share their ideas and perspectives for how to improve our city. Students chosen this year will spend the day with the mayor on May 9th.
The Mayor for a Day contest is organized by the Ottawa Youth Engagement Committee (OYEC) in partnership with the City of Ottawa and Mayor Sutcliffe’s office, as a way to promote youth engagement on municipal politics and civic issues.
What to expect: A 2023 Recap
Last year students Anya Watson and Shanaz Sabir shadowed mayor Mark Sutcliffe during his inaugural year in office for an incredibly eventful day. They were able to gain valuable insight about life in municipal government, they attended a flag raising ceremony for Poland’s Constitution Day, the opening of the Rochester Heights Community House, and learned more about City Hall and the responsibilities of local leadership.
Testimonials:
“Opportunities like being mayor for the day are truly incredible. My time as mayor was an amazing experience, from being a part of the Rochester Heights Community Home opening to the incredible experience touring city hall! I recommend for youth to sign up or apply whenever they can for experiences … that create lifelong memories” – Shanaz Sabir
Meeting Mayor Sutcliffe was a fantastic and unforgettable experience! Shanaz and I were able to experience a day in the hustle of a mayor’s life and it showed us just how hard—although rewarding—the work of a city leader is. Mayor Sutcliffe’s team was so kind and I am very thankful for having met them … This event was a great learning opportunity and a marvelous outing!” – Anya Watson
