Jasmine Foley says most of her classmates don't think about their own future beyond graduation, let alone the city's.
But the Superior Collegiate and Vocational Institute Grade 11 student was one of nearly 130 high school, college and university students Friday to discuss sustainability in Thunder Bay and a plan to take it there until 2020.
Foley said it's a great opportunity to get involved. "Throughout my whole life I've really enjoyed learning about the environment," she said at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium. "A lot of projects I do are about the environment."
Some of her ideas include self-sufficient neighbourhoods that see people work and live in the same area, reducing emissions and bringing the community together. "So that everybody works together," she said.
Those are the kinds of ideas EarthCare Thunder Bay wants to hear from the city's youth sustainability coordinator Brad Doff said. "Often times we don't give them enough of a voice," he said.
The forum will be part of the city's draft sustainability plan. From energy to green buildings to transportation, the plan focuses on 11 categories that will take Thunder Bay more sustainable over the next six years.
Coun. Rebecca Johnson said with the youngest member of city council being around 40, getting youth involved is key. "We have to hear from the future of our community which is our youth," she said.
The general public will have its chance to comment on the plan from 4:30 p.m. To 7 p.m. Friday at the auditorium.
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