The Youth Voice Report includes the stories and feedback shared by youth with youth. They shared their need for safe community spaces, the importance of expression, their frustrations with the current education and employment systems, the role of support systems that work and reflect their experiences, and their connections to their communities.

Their insights are valuable and compelling and from them the following recommendations were developed:

• Improve accessibility and youth experience within services
• Strengthen and expand youth-centred community spaces
• Expand mentorship, career pathways, and skills development
• Enhance youth entrepreneurship and micro-grant access
• Encourage youth hiring and workplace inclusion
• Invest in culturally grounded, accessible mental health support

This youth-driven initiative is part of the City’s Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Plan under the Youth Social Development Priority, in partnership with the:

• Ottawa Coalition of Community Houses
• Centre for Resilience and Social Development
• Community Development Framework
• Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa (BGCO)
• Social Planning Council of Ottawa

This project supports youth to take the leadership roles in project implementation, develop creative solutions and create positive change in their community.

Timeline / What's next

• Youth Consultations: Complete – Held fall 2025
• Youth Forum: November 24, 2025
• Consultation findings final report: Coming in 2026
• Action plan: Coming in 2026

On November 24, 2025, youth leaders and community partners gathered to explore the themes that emerged from youth-led consultations.

The Youth Forum:

• Showcased youth-driven findings and recommendations
• Celebrated youth leadership and community collaboration
• Sparked dialogue among City staff, sector leaders and partners on advancing shared solutions
• Started the process of developing a collaborative action plan for the CSWB Plan’s Youth Social Development Priority.

The presentation shared that day captured the energy and creativity of the consultation process. It highlights what young people shared about belonging, safe spaces, identity, learning pathways and supportive systems in Ottawa.

The presentation summarized:

• The purpose and guiding principles of the Youth Voices Project
• Who participated and how engagement was designed
• Key themes emerging from youth consultations
• Youth creative expressions and spoken word reflections
• Early strategic directions identified through collective dialogue

A final report on the consultations is expected in April 2026. Once released, it will help inform the sector’s three-year action plan. This action plan will advance meaningful, youth-informed change across Ottawa.

Four events were designed to give youth space to share, connect and co-create solutions that will shape City policies and programs, benefiting us all. The four events were held on:

• September 28, 2025 at Dempsey Community Centre
• October 5, 2025 at BGC Taggart Parkes Family Clubhouse
• October 19, 2025 at Michele Heights Community Centre
• November 2, 2025 at Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre

Designed and facilitated by youth leaders, these events were shaped by lived experiences. Youth facilitators asked participants about:

• What matters most to youth in their communities
• Ideas for youth programs, spaces and services
• How to make Ottawa more inclusive, creative and supportive for youth