More than a year after council directed staff to investigate a Youth Engagement Strategy, a framework is in place.

A 2025 presentation from Greater Than County Youth Collective and the Students Commission of Canada spurred a municipal consultation process that engaged youth and community organizations.

The new strategy suggests ways to invite young people into municipal decision-making and to connect with their community. Council directed staff to incorporate its priority recommendations into work plans, programs and partnerships, and report back in the fourth quarter of 2027. Council also suggested up to $30,000 for youth engagement be incorporated into the draft 2027 budget.

“We heard from youth about the challenges they face, and the supports that they would like to see, and what we can do as a municipality to better support them,” Community Services and Programs Coordinator Ashley Stewart told council.

The strategy identifies five priority areas: career paths and mentoring, services and activities, engagement and recognition, adult allies, and community mobilization.

Among the initiatives is Municipal Mondays, which will bring staff into Prince Edward Collegiate Institute once a month to connect with students. “The idea is that we can use the partnership with the school to go into the school space to get input on programs, activities, events, services, projects,” Ms. Stewart said.

The program could be used by different departments when they are looking for youth input, Ms. Stewart explained. 

The strategy also proposes field trips to introduce students to career opportunities, youth programming with community organizations, public art, and intergenerational programming. Longer-term recommendations include co-op placements, job shadowing, internships, mentoring, and summer employment.

“How do we ensure that we’re able to spread any budget dollars equitably across the County?” Councillor Maynard asked.

Ms. Stewart noted inclusion was key, and said students attending schools in Belleville and surrounding areas would be engaged as well.

Councillor McNaughton asked about future communication with youth, including social media and the possibility of a youth advisory body.

The County has already launched the PECYouth Instagram account and is considering quick online surveys, while continuing youth representation on council committees, and eventually a youth-specific committee.

The strategy is a “living document,” meaning it will change with needs and the implementation strategies it pursues.