Youth Climate Corps BC Launches Second Season in Kelowna

The 2026 YCC Kelowna team from left to right: Ria Kaeley, Samantha Squires, Neela Rader, Pasha Summerland, Zoe Sibthrop, Augustus Lees.

Kelowna, BC – May 28, 2026 – Youth Climate Corps BC (YCCBC), in partnership with the City of Kelowna, is proud to launch the second season of the Kelowna Youth Climate Corps program as part of its growing province-wide network of youth-led climate action initiatives.

Now entering its second season in Kelowna, YCCBC continues to expand opportunities for local youth to gain paid, hands-on experience while contributing to meaningful climate action projects in their own community.

During the fall and winter 2025–2026 season, YCCBC launched its inaugural Kelowna cohort, completing more than 403 Climate Action Days (1 climate action day = 1 youth x 1 full workday) in partnership with the City of Kelowna and many local organizations. The team worked alongside the City of Kelowna Climate Action & Environmental Stewardship Department, the City of Kelowna Fire Department, Okanagan Fruit Tree Project, Helen’s Acres Community Farm, Habitat for Humanity Okanagan ReStore, and Interior Wildlife Rehabilitation Society to support climate resilience, environmental stewardship, wildfire preparedness, sustainable food systems, community outreach, and youth-led climate action initiatives across the region.

The 2026 Kelowna Youth Climate Corps crew will be led by Co-Leads Ria Kaeley and Augustus Lee, who will work alongside four Climate Action Mobilizers throughout the summer season.

This year, the Kelowna program is working closely with the City of Kelowna to support the City’s Climate Resilient Kelowna Strategy. Through this collaboration, local youth will help strengthen community engagement with Kelowna’s ClimateSmart initiatives, programs designed to help residents reduce emissions, conserve resources, and prepare for climate-related impacts.

Projects this season will focus on:

• Ecological restoration and environmental monitoring

• Urban forestry and tree stewardship

• FireSmart and emergency preparedness initiatives

• Water conservation and climate resilience education

• Community outreach, education, and engagement

  
  

Key initiatives this season include emergency preparedness and wildfire resilience workshops, FireSmart fieldwork and mapping projects, sustainable transportation initiatives such as bike valet programming, and outreach connected to Kelowna’s urban tree canopy programs.

The team will also support community events and public engagement initiatives throughout the summer, including projects connected to National Indigenous Peoples Day and local climate resilience campaigns.

Throughout the season, the YCCBC crew will help connect residents with programs including Energy Home Navigator, FireSmart, WaterSmart, and NeighbourWoods. These initiatives support homeowners in improving energy efficiency, reducing wildfire risk, conserving water, and expanding Kelowna’s urban tree canopy.

By supporting outreach, education, and community engagement, the team will help ensure more residents can access practical tools to build a more climate-resilient city.

Community leaders and government representatives shared their support for the continued growth of the Squamish Youth Climate Corps program:

“Youth Climate Corps BC is playing an important role in climate action in Kelowna, bringing youth leadership and capacity to this work," said Chris Ray, Climate Action & Environment Manager, City of Kelowna. "Their efforts support and extend the City’s programs like FireSmart and Neighbourwoods, helping more residents connect with practical steps that build a more resilient community.”

“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 Kelowna 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