Newmarket mayor talks to students about climate change, health on walk to school day

Kids then turn tables and ask mayor issues on their minds (hint, pizza is a big one)

Yorkregion.com
Oct. 13, 2021
Lisa Queen

The students of Alexander Muir Public School and Mayor John Taylor had a chance to go for a stroll and have a chat.

As part of international Walk to School Month in October and IWALK Day on Oct. 6, Taylor met the students at Ford Wilson Drive and Chilcott Crescent before class and joined them on their walk to school.

He spoke with the children about the importance of walking for their health and how walking is good for the environment because it reduces emissions that contribute to climate change.

Then, students lobbed a few tough questions at the mayor.

A couple asked if he likes pizza.

The answer is yes.

One asked if his job is hard.

It can be, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, Taylor said.

Another asked whether he’s taller than Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The answer is yes -- Taylor is six-foot-five compared to Trudeau’s six-foot-two -- and Taylor said he’s taller than most people.

As part of the IWALK Day event, representatives of Smart Commute, the York Region District School Board and York Regional Police were also there to speak about active transportation to school and give out some blinking zipper pulls and reflective arm bands to the students.