Students celebrate National Public Works week in Woodstock

Elementary students in Woodstock learned about public works services and potential future careers. CTV London’s Lauren Stallone reports.

Hundreds of students are participating in Woodstock’s Public Works Week Event to celebrate National Public Works week. They’re showcasing the important work done by city staff and how their work touches people’s lives daily.

“Today we are learning about different types of sewage and things the city does for us and figuring out how and when they do it throughout the year,” said Wade Thompson, a local student.

Grades 4-6 students from Southside, Winchester, Eastdale and Central public schools got the opportunity to learn about the different services provided by public works staff. They rotated through eight stations focusing on things like roads, waste and water.

“They will have a better sense of our presence in the community and maybe we will inspire some of them to be public work staff in the future,” said Dan Locke, director of Public Works.

“It’s exciting for me because I’ve always wanted to be a firefighter when I grow up,” said Thompson. “If I can learn this, what would stop me from learning other things like being a firefighter?”

The event marks this year’s National Public Work Week and the first event of its kind to take place in Woodstock.

“National Public Work Weeks theme this year is people, purpose, presence,” said Locke. “So, we hope they will see our phenomenal public works staff … and better understand what they do in our community.”

Although the weather wasn’t ideal, the students didn’t let it ruin the fun.

“We work in all facets of weather so it’s good,” said Locke. “Another piece of appreciation that the kids will get out of today.”