Hanover is getting some provincial recognition over its commitment to youth.
The town is one of 11 municipalities in Ontario to receive ‘Youth Friendly’ status.
The designation comes from Play Works, the Ontario Partnership for Active Youth
Mayor Kathi Maskell couldn’t be happier as she notes the town has been working towards the Youth Friendly status since 2007.
The status recognizes Hanover’s ongoing efforts to invest in its youth.
The town provides youth with a voice at various committee levels, youth are involved in community projects such as the Sights and Sounds Festival and they have their own Youth Centre.
Hanover also created Youth Roots, an organization with a mandate to build bridges with trouble youth and engage all youth in a variety of positive ways.
This includes holding youth panels and bringing guest speakers into the schools to discuss youth issues.
Maskell notes Hanover also boasts several church youth groups, a great minor sports association and a Big Brother and Sister organization.
And while the Youth Friendly recognition is quite satisfying, Maskell says the town is not about to sit on its laurels now.
She says work will continue to open doors of opportunity for youth in Hanover and promote the value they hold in society.