HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-06-062 - 2005 National Public Works Week Event
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Community Services
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Report To:
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Date of Report:
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Subject:
Community Services Committee
June 12, 2006
Ken Currier, Director of Operations
Janet England and Colleen Allan
Co-Chairs of Public Works Week Committee
N/A
May 23,2006
CSD-06-062
2005 NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK EVENT
RECOMMENDATION:
For information only.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Kitchener has participated in Public Works Week for the past seven years. Each
year staff from Development and Technical Services, Financial Services, and Community
Services coordinates a number of events to recognize the work done by staff and educate the
public on the role of "public works". Any proceeds raised from the events are donated to the
Children's Wish Foundation. In 2005, Public Works Week was held from May 24 to 28.
REPORT:
Staff annually organizes four events as part of Public Works Week: a charity golf tournament,
educational program, charity barbeque and a truck roadeo.
The annual charity golf tournament provides an opportunity for contractors and developers to
network with staff as well as support a good cause.
As part of Public Weeks Week, grades 3 and 4 students are invited to participate in an
educational program at City Hall which involves an interactive program that educates the
students on "public works" activities within the city. In addition to the formal presentation there
are also three additional stations the students flow through. Each of the schools gets a chance
to visit Council Chambers and gain a bit of knowledge on municipal government through
displays such a heavy equipment display where they can get an up-close look at some of the
equipment used to keep the city running and a traffic display where the students learn about the
meaning of various signage they may encounter within the city. While at City Hall, the students
also take part in the charitable barbeque.
Report No: CSD-06-062
The charitable barbeque is held annually on the Friday following Victoria Day. It is open to staff
and the public and is an opportunity to raise awareness about "public works". All proceeds
from the barbeque go to the Children's Wish Foundation.
Additional objectives of public awareness week include the opportunity for staff to interact with
the public and demonstrate our accessibility, show real life applications of curriculum to
students, and thank staff for the work they do.
In 2005, the Truck Roadeo was moved from its traditional date in May to the fall. This change
was made as the focus of the Roadeo was shifted towards staff. The Roadeo events were also
expanded in 2005 to allow more staff to participate. Staff were encouraged to compete in the
Truck Roadeo, the backhoe competition and the truck and trailer competition. All staff were also
allowed to test their skills through an obstacle course for the trackless sidewalk tractor. Again
there was a charitable barbeque for staff participating in the event.
All of the events were a success and staff raised $10,000 which was donated to the Childrens'
Wish Foundation.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The annual operating budget, totaling $15,000, is split equally between the Community
Services, Development and Technical Services and Financial Services departments. Any
proceeds that are raised through the golf tournament, t-shirt sales and barbeque are donated to
the Children's Wish Foundation.
CONCLUSION:
The Public Works Week committee would like to thank Council and the City's administration for
their continued support in this important educational event.
Ken Currier
Director of Operations
KB