The draft mandate for the soon-to-be formed Leisure Services Advisory Committee has been approved by City Hall.
The recommendation from the Planning Committee to adopt the mandate passed unanimously at council Monday.
The mandate sets out the functions of the new committee, which will deal with items that fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Leisure Services, as well as the SaskLotteries community grants applications.
Like the current Parks and Recreation, Culture and Heritage Committee that it will be replacing, the committee will include two councillors and up to four appointed at-large representatives who will serve for two-year terms.
The difference is there will also be an additional youth component, with one representative each from the three high schools in the city.
It is not known yet whether the representatives will be from Grade 11 or 12, but provisions have been made for either one.
The mandate provides for either one- or two-year terms for the youth representatives. Leisure Services Director Bill Samborski said the length of term for the youth reps will be dependent on the grade they are in.
He called it an excellent opportunity for "youth personal development and an opportunity to become involved in the affairs of the community and actually make a difference when it comes to planning for the future."
While there is a youth focus to the proposal, Samborski emphasized the committee will represent "the community as a whole."
The Leisure Services Department now plans to proceed with a call for interested people to sit on the new committee as at-large representatives. Anyone interested in serving is welcome to express their interest, Samborski said.
The expectation is for the new committee to be up and running by the new year.
As well, Leisure Services has announced they are holding a Community Appreciation Evening: Opportunity for Engagement, Nov. 5 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Chapel Gallery at 891 - 99th St.
It is described as a "community engagement event" where people are encouraged to come and share their thoughts and ideas about what they want to get out of Leisure Services. Samborski told council the comments Leisure Services have heard and will continue to hear will "shape our direction for the next couple of years."
The event is informal, and there are plans for displays, refreshments, door prizes and activities there as well.
