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Youth Engagement Strategy 

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Developed in collaboration with more than 1,200 ​youth, City staff, consultant Revive Strategies and community partners, the City of Brampton’s 2026-2030 Youth Engagement Strategy​ outlines a comprehensive plan to engage residents aged 14 to 29. The strategy addresses key challenges faced by youth while reinforcing the City’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive environment that promotes healthy development and meaningful participation.​

To inform the Youth Engagement Strategy, the Youth Programs & Initiatives team collaborated with internal partners across all City departments and was further informed by:

  • Youth Engagement Survey
  • Community Pop-up Events​
  • Youth Advisory Circle
  • Focus Groups
  • City Council interviews
  • Staff and external partner engagement
​

Vision

Create a City Where Youth Belong, Contribute and Thrive

Built with youth feedback, the Youth Engagement Strategy envisions a Brampton where every young person is recognized as an active shaper of their community and is empowered to make a meaningful impact through civic engagement, leadership and community service.​

Mission

An Empowered Future for Youth – With Pride, Purpose and Belonging

The Youth Engagement Strategy seeks to empower Brampton’s youth to actively shape their city by fostering meaningful partnerships, prioritizing well-being, and creating pathways to engage, lead, and give back through advocacy, civic participation, and leadership development.

Guiding principles

The Strategy is rooted in six principles that reflect how Brampton will work with youth moving forward:​

  • Recognize youth as capable
  • Reflect the diversity and accessibility needs of youth
  • Make engagement relatable
  • Be consistent
  • Build trust through open and transparent communication​​
  • Put youth in positions of influence
​​

Priority Themes

The Youth Engagement Strategy is organized into six priority themes and actionable initiatives that ensure the voices of Brampton’s youth are at the forefront, addressing their priorities and reflecting their aspirations. Through the collective efforts of youth, community organizations and City stakeholders, the strategy aims to create a Brampton that meets the needs of today’s youth while investing in their potential for the future.​

What we heard:
Youth expressed that a Youth Cabinet would benefit the City of Brampton.

Outcomes:
Empower youth to actively shape the programs, services and initiatives that impact their lives.​

Goal:
Establish a Youth Cabinet.

What we heard:
Youth expressed that the City needs to meet them where they are, noting that social media alone isn't enough if it doesn't feel authentic.

Outcomes:
Tailored approach to youth engagement that will foster a sense of belonging within the community.

Goal:
Leverage the City’s existing Youth Webpage alongside establishing a digital newsletter.​

What we heard:
Youth identified a need more safe spaces to gather, meet mentors, and be themselves without judgement or barriers.

Outcomes:
Allow Youth to access and be aware of accessible spaces and programs.

Goal:
Leverage partnerships with organizations to increase awareness about City programs.​​

What we heard:
Youth voiced a need for more support in navigating the transition from school to a stable career, emphasizing the value of workshops, training, and mentorship to guide them through this change.

Outcomes:
Programs that bridge the gap between education and the workforce.

Goal:
Offer workplace readiness and skills development workshops alongside career fairs.​​

What we heard:
Youth emphasized the importance of mental health in this age range and noted that, despite Brampton's cultural diversity, there is a significant stigma around this issue.

Outcomes:
City can play a vital role connecting Youth to mental health resources provided by the Region.

Goal:
Create a directory of mental health resources that is accessible​.​

What we heard:
Youth expressed a strong desire to be involved in protecting the environment, calling for more programs where they can actively participate in making the community greener.

Outcomes:
Youth led efforts to promote environmental responsibility.

Goal:
Organize community wide clean-up events and environmental projects.​​

Milestones

Item Status: Future

  • 1.1. Establish a Youth Cabinet
  • 1.2. Create a Staff Task Force
  • 2.1. Raise awareness and develop digital newsletter
  • 2.2. Update and expand distribution list
  • 3.1. Increase awareness of subsidized offerings
  • 4.1. Encourage diversity in hiring pra​ctices
  • 5.1. Create a directory of mental health resources
  • 6.1. ​Strengthen sustainability initiatives
​ ​

Item Status: Future

  • 1.3. Establish peer-to-peer outreach
  • 2.3. Create an Outreach Task Force
  • 2.4. Launch a dedicated Youth social media platform
  • 3.2. Promote safer youth spaces
  • 4.2. Offer workplace readiness workshop
  • 4.3. Promote paid internships and apprenticeships
  • 5.2. Launch a mental health awareness campaign
  • 5.3. Organize Mental Health Week initiatives
  • 6.2. Enhance environmental educational programs
  • 6.3.​ Offer outdoor environmental programs
​

Item Status: Future

  • 1.4. Explore recognition opportunities
  • 2.5. Establish a transparent feedback system
  • 3.3. Explore leadership development opportunities
  • 4.4.​ Establish mentorship network​

Related Links
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CityConnect: Brampton Youth Edition e-Newsletter​

Hey Brampton Youth! If you're between 14 and 29, this is your newsletter. Be the first to know about City events, programs, job opportunities, perks and more.

Sign up today!​​​
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