Celebrating National Public Works Week

York Region will celebrate National Public Works Week with activities that include Family Fun Day.

Across North America and in coordination with Canadian and Ontario Public Works Associations, National Public Works Week is celebrated annually the third week of May. Designed to increase awareness of the importance of public works, it also recognizes the professionals working behind the scenes.

This year’s theme, ‘Rooted in Service, Powered by Community,’ celebrates the strong foundation that public works provides in our everyday lives. “Innovation has helped the Region’s communities grow into places where people can live with purpose and possibility,” Commissioner of Public Works Laura McDowell says in a memo to Regional Council. “Whether building roads and bridges or maintaining water and wastewater systems, these investments form the foundation of strong, caring and safe communities. They serve as a reminder that every project strengthens the connection between the Region’s services and the people they support.”

Planned activities include Family Fun Day on Saturday, May 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. In partnership with Paramedic Services, residents can learn about the Region’s Public Works services and participate in demonstrations at 80 and 90 Bales Dr. in the Town of East Gwillimbury, and tour the York Region Transit bus wash at 18106 Yonge St. in the Town of Newmarket

Grade 5 students are invited to design and paint a snow plow blade in keeping with the National Public Works Week theme. Voting for best snow plow blade takes place at Family Fun Day and online. Also, Public Works-themed education materials will be available for self-guided learning and fun on york.ca.

Students in Grades 5 and 8 from both York Region public and Catholic school boards will be invited to tour the York Region Transit Operations and Maintenance Facility in Newmarket, Roads and Traffic Operations Centre in the Town of East Gwillimbury (including the Sign Shop, Traffic Signal Lab and snow plow simulator), and a York Regional Forest guided tour.

Photo courtesy of York Region.