The Chatham-Kent to the Power of Young People (aged 15-39) - CKY Advisory Group gathers and shares the voice of young people in CK.
The CKY Advisory Group was created in 2018 as a response to feedback from the Chatham-Kent to the Power of Young People, 2017 Survey which revealed that only 22% of young people feel their contributions to Chatham-Kent are valued. The Group facilitates discussions amongst young people and provides feedback to Municipal administration, Council, and community organizations on matters that impact the attraction, retention, and engagement of young people locally. Read the
CKY Advisory Group Terms of Reference for more information on how the Group works, and check out the
CKY Advisory Group 2018-2022 Review infographic to see what they have been up to since they got started.
Follow the activities of the CKY Advisory Group here and over social media on
Facebook,
Instagram, and
Twitter. See the latest CKY meeting minutes from December 2023, February 2024, and
April 2024 to learn what the Advisory Group is focusing on. To speak with a member of the CKY Advisory Group, and share your thoughts and opinions, email
CKY@chatham-kent.ca.
CKY Advisory Group Members
Olivia Jones, Co-Chair - Chatham
I was born and raised in Chatham then moved away for 7 years to pursue an education in Kinesiology. In November of 2019, I made my way back to CK which I am proud to call home once again. What I appreciate the most about Chatham is how our population size allows for it to feel like a close community. I like being able to go to a store, a restaurant, or a festival with a high chance of connecting with someone I know. I have a passion for making improvements in sport & recreation within the communities of Chatham-Kent. My dream would be to see Chatham open the ultimate recreation complex that allows for different types of sports, exercise, and physical activity for all ages.
Kaitlyn Smoke - Pain Court
I was born and raised in Pain Court and returned after completing my Bachelor's degree in Linguistics and Language Studies at Glendon College, York University in Toronto. I have always had a passion for being involved in my community, through various clubs, initiatives and experiences. Having a sister with multiple complex needs, I have always been a strong advocate for those with special needs, by volunteering with organizations such as the Children's Treatment Centre of C-K and spearheading fundraising initiatives such as Let's Take AACtion. Chatham-Kent is an incredibly supportive and tight-knit community, and I look forward to helping CK continue to be better as part of CKY. Everyone deserves a voice, and every voice deserves to be heard. I hope to help youth feel that their ideas and opinions are heard and validated for the future of our community.
Laura Wheeler - Ridgetown
I was born and raised in Chatham-Kent. After moving away to receive my post-secondary education, my partner and I started our lives together in the Niagara Region. A few years in, we knew that we dreamt of living somewhere that felt more like home. We made some career changes, allowing us to move back to CK and settle in Ridgetown - a place that is known for its town camaraderie. I joined CKY as a way to connect with those across the municipality. Over the years, this group has helped showcase the unique pieces that each corner of our region has to offer. I am excited to continue to work to highlight the voices of young people across Chatham-Kent.
Spencer Stinson - Blenheim
My wife and I settled in Blenheim in 2015 and are now joined by two busy boys. I am originally from a small northern town near Kingston, Ontario, and the rural setting of Blenheim was appealing to me and my wife; who is originally from Chatham. In our spare time, you'll find our family usually enjoying the outdoors somewhere.
