Herleen V. is Vaughan’s 2026 Mayor for a Day!

Grade 6 student spends the day with Mayor Steven Del Duca at Vaughan City Hall

Congratulations to Herleen V., the City of Vaughan’s 2026 Mayor for a Day contest winner!

Herleen, a Grade 6 student from Blue Willow Public School in Ward 3, spent the day at Vaughan City Hall alongside Mayor Steven Del Duca, gaining a firsthand look at how municipal government operates. Her experience included meeting with Members of Council and City staff, touring Vaughan City Hall and attending a Council meeting.

This year’s Mayor for a Day contest invited local Grade 5, 6, 7 and 8 students to reflect on what they love most about their city and to share ideas on how Vaughan can continue to grow and improve. Following a review by the selection panel, Herleen was chosen for her thoughtful ideas to strengthen community connection and her strong understanding of municipal government.

Now in its fourth year, the Mayor for a Day program was launched by Mayor Del Duca as part of the City’s ongoing commitment to youth engagement and civic education. The initiative complements classroom learning by giving students a real‑world opportunity to explore municipal decision‑making and share their ideas on issues that matter most to them.

QUOTE

“I was proud to introduce our 2026 Mayor for a Day, Herleen, to my Council colleagues and City staff today. Her enthusiasm, thoughtfulness and creative ideas for making Vaughan an even better place for future generations were truly inspiring – and ultimately what led her to sit in the Mayor’s chair for the day. I know the young people of Vaughan are engaged and eager to make a difference, and after spending the day with Herleen, I can confidently say that our city’s future is in very good hands. She brought forward wonderful ideas to expand community events, foster connections and strengthen engagement between City officials, local leaders and students. On behalf of the City of Vaughan and Members of Council, I thank Herleen for joining me at Vaughan City Hall. Congratulations on being named our 2026 Mayor for a Day!”

- Mayor Steven Del Duca

QUICK FACTS

• Vaughan’s 2026 Mayor for a Day contest was open to students in grades 5 to 8. 
• Each entrant was asked to submit two ideas on improving Vaughan, and a selection committee reviewed all the contest entries to determine the winner.