Youth Climate Corps BC Launches Second Season in Courtenay
- Kate Addison
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Youth Climate Corps BC (YCCBC), in partnership with the City of Courtenay, is proud to launch the second season of the local Youth Climate Corps program as part of a growing province-wide movement supporting youth-led climate action across British Columbia.
This season in Courtenay, local youth will work alongside the City of Courtenay and community organizations to advance climate action and strengthen local resilience.
The 2026 Courtenay Youth Climate Corps team will be led by Mikasa Quaife and Heather Welch, who will work with a team of five Climate Action Mobilizers throughout the summer season.
The 2026 team will build on the strong foundation established during the previous season with projects focused on:
Ecological restoration and environmental monitoring
Local food security and sustainable agriculture
FireSmart and emergency preparedness initiatives
Community outreach, education, and engagement
Youth Climate Corps provides living wage employment to young adults to complete climate action projects in their community, working alongside local government and community organizations.
During their first season, the Courtenay Youth Climate Corps team worked alongside organizations including LUSH Valley Food Action Society, BC Parks Foundation, Project Watershed, and Millard-Piercy Watershed Stewards to support initiatives focused on ecosystem restoration, sustainable agriculture, and local food systems resilience.
Youth also supported the Lake Trail Community Education Society through the Commons Corner development project, gaining hands-on experience in permaculture principles and sustainable land stewardship. Through “Explorer Days,” the team designed and delivered engaging programming to help local children connect with nature and build confidence in outdoor environments. In total, the 2025 Courtenay team completed 384 Climate Action Days (1 climate action day = 1 youth x 1 full workday).
This season, they will continue this work and expand their efforts to include emergency preparedness initiatives, like FireSmart, to help the community build resilience against wildfires.
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 Courtenay Youth Climate Corps program:
“The Youth Climate Corps program is an inspiring example of young people taking action on climate change,” said Mayor Bob Wells. “By working alongside local organizations and City staff, these youth are not only building valuable skills, they’re helping to strengthen Courtenay’s resilience and sustainability for the future.” — Bob Wells, Mayor of Courtenay
“Since the beginning, Youth Climate Corps has shown the incredible impact young people can have when they are trusted, supported, and given meaningful opportunities to lead. It’s inspiring to see the program continuing to grow in communities like Courtenay.” — 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 Courtenay 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
“Young people are stepping up to lead climate solutions in their communities, and programs like Youth Climate Corps help provide the tools, training, and opportunities to make that possible. I’m proud to support this important work in the Comox Valley.” — Gord Johns, MP Courtenay—Alberni, British Columbia
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