COLLINGWOOD, Ont. — When the Collingwood Public Library hosted a voter information event for young and first-time voters, only a handful of youth stopped by to ask questions.
Two visitors asked about voter registration, and one registered to vote and received information about online voting, said Vanessa Horne, the library’s youth services co-ordinator.
The modest turnout raises a broader question about civic engagement in Collingwood: are residents of this small city on the shore of Nottawasaga Bay, just west of Wasaga Beach, disengaged from local politics, or are they struggling to find the information they need to participate?
In the 2022 municipal election, 39.67 per cent of eligible Collingwood voters cast a ballot, down from 47.5 per cent in 2018. Turnout was particularly low among younger residents. Just 24.47 per cent of eligible voters aged 40 and under voted, compared with 50.59 per cent of those aged 61 and older, according to figures reported by CollingwoodToday.
The numbers show a gap in participation, but they do not explain why younger residents are less likely to vote.
Some residents said better access to candidate information could make municipal elections easier to navigate. Others want candidates to pay more attention to the needs and priorities of younger generations.
Bridget McMaster said an email reminder could encourage more people to vote. She also wants the council to prioritize outdoor recreation with more waterfront walking areas and restaurants.
“We are physically active! We need the outdoor space and facilities for family activities,” McMaster said.
She said the town is beginning to consider the needs of her age group, although municipal changes can take years to implement.
Other residents identified affordable housing, homelessness and access to outdoor spaces as priorities for the next council. Some said they wanted a single website where voters could compare candidates’ positions.
Eirik Dunlop said Collingwood needs to do more to engage younger residents and create a community that reflects their interests.
“Collingwood is still a retirement community that lacks the vision to really make our community unique and stand out as a city of true outdoor living,” Dunlop said.
Dunlop identified protected park space, waterfront development and recreation facilities as priorities. He also said a centralized website outlining candidates’ positions would make it easier for voters to compare platforms and make informed decisions.”
Horne said the library organized its voter information event to help young people access reliable information about municipal elections. She drew on her own experience as a first-time voter when planning the program.
“I remember voting in my first municipal election and feeling unsure about what to do or where to find reliable information,” Horne said.
She said municipal elections can feel different from provincial and federal elections because candidates do not run under political party labels.
“We wanted to give young people navigating the voting process for the first time a casual, welcoming opportunity to ask questions without feeling like they should already know the answers,” Horne said.
The library promoted the event through its website, social media channels and local news website CollingwoodToday.ca. Organizers also provided printed candidate biographies to help residents learn about candidates without favouring individual campaigns.
Still, the historical turnout numbers highlight a clear participation gap between younger and older residents, as the challenge is not simply encouraging residents to vote. It is ensuring they have the information and confidence to participate in decisions that affect their community.
