FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Youth Climate Corps BC Launches Second Season inVernon
- Kate Addison
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Vernon, BC – May 25, 2026 – Youth Climate Corps BC (YCCBC), in partnership with the
City of Vernon, is proud to announce the return of the Vernon Youth Climate Corps team for
the 2026 summer season.
Now entering its second season in Vernon, YCCBC continues to grow as a province-wide
initiative offering youth paid, hands-on opportunities to contribute to meaningful climate
action projects in their own communities while developing leadership and workforce skills for
the future.
This season in Vernon, local youth will once again work in partnership with the City of
Vernon, the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO), and community organizations to
support climate action and strengthen local resilience.
The 2026 Vernon Youth Climate Corps team will be led by Co-Leads Ryan Koelwyn and Liz
Stewart, who will work alongside four Climate Action Mobilizers throughout the summer
season.
Projects this year will focus on:
● Ecological restoration, stewardship, and environmental monitoring
● FireSmart and community resilience initiatives
● Active transportation and sustainable mobility projects
● Youth education and climate engagement
● Community outreach and public awareness initiatives
A major focus this season will be expanding sustainable transportation initiatives throughout
Vernon, including community bike rides and the continued development of the city’s bike
valet program. The team will also continue supporting restoration work and stewardship
initiatives in collaboration with RDNO, including projects connected to wetland restoration,
trail networks, and agricultural parklands.
During the 2025 season, the Vernon Youth Climate Corps team completed 533 Climate
Action Days (1 climate action day = 1 youth x 1 full workday) while supporting a wide range
of climate and community initiatives. The team organized guided e-bike safety rides to
promote low-carbon transportation options, supported more than 100 student-led climate
action projects through the CARE program, and piloted a new bike valet service in
partnership with the City of Vernon.
Youth also played an important role in raising awareness of Vernon’s Climate Action Plan
through weekly outreach at local markets and by producing a public awareness video
focused on sustainable transportation. To strengthen their skills and better support the
community, the team also completed FireSmart and first aid training.
These local efforts are part of YCCBC’s growing province-wide impact. As the organization
continues to expand, YCCBC is equipping young people with the skills, experience, and
confidence needed to address climate challenges while helping build stronger, more
connected, and more resilient communities across British Columbia.
Community leaders and government representatives shared their support for the
continued growth of the Vernon Youth Climate Corps program:
“Youth Climate Corps represents the kind of community-based climate leadership we
need more of across British Columbia. I’m proud to continue supporting a program
that empowers youth while helping communities become stronger and more
resilient.” — Brittny Anderson, Minister of State for Local Governments and Rural
Communities
“Addressing the climate crisis requires leadership, innovation and bold action.
Through programs like the Youth Climate Corps, young people in Vernon are taking
meaningful steps toward strengthening community resilience while helping to build
the skilled workforce we need for a low-carbon future.” — Adrian Dix, Minister of
Energy and Climate Solutions
“The Vernon Youth Climate Corps program is creating meaningful opportunities for
young people to build skills, gain experience and make a positive impact in our
community. It’s so inspiring to see youth stepping into leadership roles while
supporting environmental sustainability and community resilience here in
Vernon-Lumby. To the youth: you are our future and I am so moved and encouraged
to see your engagement, your dedication and your hard work. Thank you for the
amazing work you do.” — Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Lumby
“Youth Climate Corps BC has proven its ability to deliver meaningful climate action at
the community level while empowering young people with valuable skills and
experience. Vernon has seen firsthand the positive impact this program can have,
and we are proud to support YCCBC’s continued leadership both locally and as a
model for national youth climate action.” — Mayor Victor Cumming, City of Vernon
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