Reflecting on the 2026 Kelowna Youth Climate Corps Season
As October comes to a close, so does the 2026 season for the Kelowna YCCBC team. The season has been marked by meaningful community engagement, environmental restoration, and climate resilience work throughout the region. As the crew wraps up, we'd like to reflect on some of their many accomplishments.
Community Engagement with the City of Kelowna
In collaboration with the City of Kelowna's Climate Action Department, the team participated in community events including Earth Day, the Turtle Island Festival, and Wonders of Water. Through these events, the crew raised awareness of Climate Smart initiatives, including FireSmart, WaterSmart, and NeighbourWoods. The team also coordinated the City’s external working group meeting, facilitating an interactive activity and presentation to support collaboration on local climate action.
The team also supported the BC Lions Bike Valet, attending to more than 600 bikes over two weekends and encouraging low-carbon transportation. Through two door-to-door canvassing campaigns, the crew distributed watering bags to support Kelowna's urban tree canopy and delivered more than 40 drought-resilient native plants to beautify two neighbourhoods, reaching over 250 households in total.
Climate Resilience Workshops for Fire Season
As wildfire season approached, the team partnered with the City of Kelowna, the BREATHE Project, Kelowna Community Resources, and the SHARE Society to distribute DIY air purifiers and emergency grab-and-go kits. These initiatives equipped community members with practical tools to prepare for wildfire smoke and potential evacuations.
In collaboration with the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society (KFS), the crew also distributed climate emergency kits to unhoused community members, helping make emergency preparedness resources more accessible to those facing additional barriers.
Fire Mitigation with the Kelowna Fire Department
Under the guidance of the City of Kelowna's Fire Department, the team gained hands-on experience in wildfire risk reduction by conducting transect measurements to assess forest fuel loads and inform future prescribed burns. Through this work, crew members learned how proactive forest management can reduce accumulated fuel vegetation and help mitigate wildfire risk.
Riparian Restoration with the Okanagan Fruit Tree Project
In partnership with the Okanagan Fruit Tree Project, the team contributed to a five-acre riparian restoration project initiated by one of its Climate Action Mobilizers. The crew removed more than 70 kilograms of invasive plant material to make way for native vegetation and, with support from the City of Kelowna, planted 27 native plants. An additional 25 plants were allocated through an Ocean Wise Action Grant. For this project, the team researched drought-tolerant native riparian species and developed skills in GIS mapping to support the long-term success of the restoration.
Food Sustainability and Indigenous Food Sovereignty
The team explored how sustainable food systems can support both environmental health and community well-being. Through Eco-Cooks, they participated in and led hands-on youth and adult cooking workshops focused on shifting consumption habits towards plant-based meals and lower-carbon food choices.
In partnership with ntámłqən Community Garden & Food Hub, the team also hosted a screening of Tea Creek, highlighting Indigenous food sovereignty, followed by a Q&A with Dixon, an Elder and founder of ntámłqən. The team further supported local food security through collaborations with farms including Helen’s Acres and the Okanagan Fruit Tree Project.
Supporting Climate Action Across Kelowna
From wildfire preparedness and forest management to habitat restoration and community engagement, the Kelowna team contributed to a wide range of initiatives, supporting a more climate-resilient region.
We extend our deepest thanks to the team's Climate Action Mobilizers, Co-Leads, the City of Kelowna, and all community partners who helped make this season possible.
Consider supporting our work by donating to YCCBC.
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