Kootenay Youth Find Jobs and Purpose in the Youth Climate Corps Program
- Kate Addison
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
The Kootenay region - May 5th, 2026 - Youth Climate Corps BC (YCCBC) and Wildsight are proud to launch their 2026 summer season, including the return of crews in the East and West Kootenay regions, marking six years of operation. The program first launched in the Kootenays in 2020 through Wildsight and has since grown into a province-wide initiative: Youth Climate Corps BC. Today, Wildsight continues to run the East and West Kootenay Youth Climate Corps crews.
This season, Youth Climate Corps East and West Kootenay crews, led by Tim Chapman and Melissa Lavery, will work alongside local governments and community partners to advance climate action and strengthen local resilience. The program brings together youth, local government, and partners to deliver projects that have both immediate impact and long-term value.
"It’s incredibly encouraging to see young people across the Kootenays stepping into leadership roles and making a tangible difference in their communities. Youth Climate Corps is creating pathways for youth to build skills, find purpose, and contribute to a stronger and more climate-resilient future for British Columbia. I have been a champion of the Youth Climate Corps program since its inception, and have seen the impact over the past 6 years. I am excited to see the province of BC continue to fund and support young people in the Kootenays." — Brittny Anderson, Minister of State for Local Governments and Rural Communities
This year, the two teams of five will focus on wildfire risk reduction, local food systems support, ecosystem restoration, water stewardship, youth leadership development, community-based education and outreach. A key project this season will take place in late May, when crews from both regions will come together in Creston to support wildfire risk reduction through innovative approaches to forest management. This work will explore alternatives to traditional pile burning, including the production of biochar, connecting climate mitigation with local economic development opportunities.
The 2026 Kootenay season builds upon the exciting work accomplished in 2025. Last year’s East and West Kootenay crews completed a combined 925 climate action days and contributed to projects such as invasive species removal, native plant restoration, water source mapping, forest fire prevention, and food recovery. Read the full reports here: West Kootenay Report & East Kootenay Report.
"We’re excited to launch our 13th and 14th crews in the Kootenays this summer,” says Graeme Lee Rowlands, Wildsight’s Director of Water and Climate and staff lead for YCC. “Working alongside YCCBC to create productive and purposeful employment opportunities for young adults has been such a rewarding experience, and we’re anticipating another incredible season for our crews here in the Kootenays and across B.C."
YCCBC and Wildsight are excited to continue expanding this model across more communities to employ youth and make the province more resilient in light of the climate crisis. Follow along this summer as young people across the province lead climate solutions on the ground and share their stories of impact, connection, and change.
For more information about Youth Climate Corps and upcoming initiatives, please visit the YCCBC and Wildsight websites or contact info@youthclimatecorps.com.
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