The halls were alive with sound of children, as the Township of Langley welcomed more than 1,800 students, their teachers, and parents to the Civic Facility for its 13th annual Municipal Awareness Day (MAD).

The event is held each year to give elementary school kids a hands-on chance to learn what the Township does on a day-to-day basis to keep the community functioning efficiently.

Interactive booths and displays, equipment, and educational games were set up throughout the Civic Facility and surrounding parking areas at 20338 65 Ave. on April 23. During the event, children had the chance to climb in municipal works vehicles, police cars, and fire trucks, see how signs and maps are made, and learn what is done to care for the community’s trees. They also learned about graphic design, what school was like in “the good old days,” and took part in a mock vote and council meeting.

“Municipal Awareness Day is a great opportunity to connect with the younger members of our community and teach them about what goes into running our municipality,” said Township Mayor Jack Froese. “Children turn on the tap and water comes out, but we want them to know how it gets there, what it takes to maintain our water system, and how we work to protect our water resources and the environment. Kids are naturally curious and it means a lot for the staff involved to see them have so much fun while they learn.”

This year, MAD also highlighted the Township’s Electric Vehicle charging stations, which are helping to protect the environment by lowering the amount of harmful emissions going into the atmosphere. 

The children also enjoyed lunch and treats that were donated by the IGA Marketplace in Walnut Grove, the Otter Co-op in Aldergrove, Save-On-Foods, and Tim Hortons.

“If the noise level was any indication of how much they enjoyed themselves, it sounded like the kids had a fantastic time,” Froese said.

Langley Advance