Proclamations – September 2026
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
WHEREAS: September is officially recognized internationally as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month; and,
WHEREAS: The most recent data shows that cancer remains the leading cause of disease-related death in children; and,
WHEREAS: The most recent data shows that incidence rates of childhood cancer are increasing; and,
WHEREAS: Cancer in children affects aspects of their physical, emotional, and social development, as well as their family and school life, effects which research shows are long-lasting; and,
WHEREAS: Childcan believes childhood cancer must be designated a child health priority, and that support services for families are critical; and,
WHEREAS: Childcan raises awareness and funds to provide personalized, responsive, and compassionate programs and services to families facing the childhood cancer journey from diagnosis, through treatment, post-treatment care, or bereavement and,
WHEREAS: Organizations which support families dealing with childhood cancer are working together to raise awareness of this disease and its devastating effects, as well as raising funds to support the affected families and children; and,
WHEREAS: Raising awareness and funds will help these families and children deal with the emotional and financial toll
THEREFORE: I, Mayor Jack Couckuyt, on behalf of the Town of Aylmer Council, do hereby proclaim September 2026 Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in the Town of Aylmer.
Flag Raising Ceremony
A flag raising ceremony for this proclamation will be held on Tuesday September 1, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Town Hall, 46 Talbot Street West, Aylmer. All are welcome to attend.
National Coaches Week – September 14-20, 2026
WHEREAS the Town of Aylmer recognizes the tremendous positive impact coaches have on athletes and communities; and,
WHEREAS the purpose of National Coaches Week is to provide the 300,000 coaches who call Aylmer and Ontario home with the resources, representation, and recognition they deserve for the time they devote to ensuring Canadians live an active and healthy lifestyle; and,
WHEREAS we celebrate the many amazing coaches who live and volunteer in our communities for their selfless commitment to their athletes and participants by saying #ThanksCoach;
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor Jack Couckuyt, on behalf of the Town of Aylmer Council, do hereby proclaim September 14 to September 20, 2026, as “National Coaches Week” in the Town of Aylmer.
Rail Safety Week – September 21-27, 2026
WHEREAS, Rail Safety Week is to be held across Canada from September 21 to 27, 2026;
WHEREAS, 252 railway crossing and trespassing incidents occurred in Canada in 2025; resulting in 69 avoidable fatalities and 60 avoidable serious injuries;
WHEREAS, educating and informing the public about rail safety (reminding the public that railway rights-of-way are private property, enhancing public awareness of the dangers associated with highway rail grade crossings, ensuring pedestrians and motorists are looking and listening while near railways, and obeying established traffic laws) will reduce the number of avoidable fatalities and injuries cause by incidents involving trains and citizens; and
WHEREAS, Operation Lifesaver is a public/private partnership whose aim is to work with the public, rail industry, governments, police services, media and others to raise rail safety awareness;
WHEREAS CN and Operation Lifesaver have requested Town Council adopt this resolution in support of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness, save lives and prevent injuries in communities, including our municipality;
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor Jack Couckuyt, on behalf of the Town of Aylmer Council, do hereby proclaim September 21-27, 2026 as “Rail Safety Week” in the Town of Aylmer.
National Forest Week – September 27 – October 3, 2026
WHEREAS, Canada’s forests are a valuable, renewable resource that contribute to our economy and the livelihoods of our communities; and,
WHEREAS, Aylmer and its citizens rely on the surrounding forests for livelihood, health, and recreation; and,
WHEREAS, this annual one-week campaign with the theme of “Forest Pathways: Innovation and Sustainability” will be celebrated across Canada by individuals and organizations; and,
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor Jack Couckuyt, on behalf of the Town of Aylmer Council, do hereby proclaim September 27 – October 3, 2026 as “National Forest Week” in the Town of Aylmer.