Students learn first-hand about Coalhurst municipal government

By Lethbridge Herald on December 3, 2025.

HERALD PHOTO BY JOE MANIO Fifth and sixth graders from Coalhurst Elementary School prepare for a mock city council meeting Tuesday morning, guided by Coalhurst Mayor Deb Florence. The motion being discussed is whether to build a new skate park in Coalhurst and this group is arguing against building one.

Joe Manio
Lethbridge Herald
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

It was a good day to witness the official raising of a new flag for the Town of Coalhurst Tuesday, and an opportunity to learn about how the municipal government works for nearly 40 students from Coalhurst Elementary School.  

Coalhurst recently undertook a rebranding which was launched at the end of July. And with a newly elected Council in place the Town celebrated the rebranding in conjunction with the Town’s 30th anniversary year.

“It was wonderful to have the kids here,” says Deb Florence, who is serving her first term as mayor and who raised the flag. “They’ve been learning all about local governance in the Grade five-six classes, and so to close that out they were able to come here for school tours. They ask the best questions. Kids often see things that adults don’t.”

Coalhurst recently celebrated its 30th anniversary as a town in 2025, which is actually the 30th anniversary of its reincorporation as a town on June 1, 1995. The community marked the milestone at events like its annual Miners Days festival in July and a special Heritage Ball and Winter Festival in November.

The anniversary was also a time to reflect on the town’s history of resilience, including its past as a mining town established in 1913 and its period of decline and existence as a veritable ghost town for decades before its revival during the 1970s and rebirth in 1995. 

“We want to be moving forward, and I think it’s really something that’ll help put Coalhurst on the map and let people know that we’re open, ready for business and ready to welcome businesses and residents alike,” says Florence.

Following the flag raising the students were invited into council chambers for a short presentation by Mayor Florence and council member Lori Harasem on how the town government worked. 

During the question and answer session, the first two questions the students asked were if the town had both a Youtube channel and a Facebook page, and the specifics of how to find them so they could learn more about Coalhurst.  

The students asked a variety of questions ranging from infrastructure questions about speed bumps and speed limit signage in their neighborhoods to recreation and leisure questions like building a new skate park in town.

“Can we come here any time and attend a (council) meeting?” Asked 10-year-old Sam Blake. “And can you make me one of those shirts?”

He was referring to the Town of Coalhurst T-shirt the mayor was wearing. It is said that there’s no such thing as a dumb question. Blake did follow-up with a few more civic-related questions.

Following the question and answer session, and guided by Florence and Harasem, students participated in a mock town council meeting with three students acting as council members and one as the mayor, having been previously elected by their classmates. 

The hypothetical motion discussed was whether or not to build a new skatepark in Coalhurst. And in a surprise twist (given the demographic) the motion was defeated 2-1 to audible groans from the student gallery who had to be reminded that the whole thing was a simulated town council meeting.

“It was so fun to see the students get the chance to participate in a mock council meeting, especially on a topic that some of them were clearly passionate about, building a skate park,” says Harasem. “Their questions were thoughtful and they were truly interested in the process, but also how much time and planning goes into amenities like this if approved.”

Harasem says it was encouraging hearing the students asking questions about legitimate concerns they have (outside the mock scenario) because it shows they are likely having conversations with their parents about these topics and are paying attention. 

“I’d love to see engagement increase and so it excited me to know that these students hopefully feel comfortable stopping us in the community to share their ideas and ask their questions now. You are never too young to have a voice and I’m always eager to engage with community members of all ages,” she says.