TRI-COUNTY
2026
YOUTH SUMMIT
On April 24th, 2026, the Youth Wellbeing Network hosted a Tri-County Youth Summit at NSCC Burridge in partnership with TCRCE. 120 youth in grades 9-12, from across the Tri-Counties, came together for a day filled with keynote speakers, skill-building & educational workshops, and council connect engagement sessions.
​Empower young leaders to identify and address unique challenges
and opportunities within their communities and to leave inspired and
equipped with the tools, confidence, and networks to take action!
the purpose
the purpose
Keynote speakers highlighted that there is no one “right” path in life and that success can come from many different directions, including athletics, music, entrepreneurship, and community leadership. Youth learned the importance of pursuing their passions, embracing new opportunities, building their skills, and using their unique strengths to create a meaningful future for themselves and their communities.
ASHLEIGH
MYLES
INGRID D'EON
LOVEIT
DYLAN SMITH
fun fact!
Youth had the opportunity to develop valuable life, leadership, and career-readiness skills through interactive workshops focused on communication, employment, financial literacy, goal setting, and community engagement. They also explored topics related to mental health, wellness, healthy relationships, self-care, and personal growth, gaining practical tools to support their success in school, work, and everyday life.
fun fact!
Local Elected Officials participated in a Youth Engagement Session that focused on youth participation in decision-making. The session explored engagement approaches, identified common challenges, and discussed practical strategies for supporting meaningful youth involvement in communities.
Council Connect sessions brought together youth, community organizations and partners, as well as local elected officials to discuss community strengths, challenges, and concerns.
5 sessions were held, dividing by county and language (French and English speaking youth). Elected Officials were asked to actively listen while youth expressed their opions.
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When youth and councillors connect, communities become stronger, more inclusive, and better prepared for the future.
youth were asked:
What’s one thing that helps you feel like youbelong in this community?
What issues do youth and municipal leadersboth care about?
What do you think our community really
needs right now?
What do you care enough about to take action on?
How can youth voices be included in ways that actually feel meaningful?
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Youth were also asked to rate their community across 8 domains of wellbeing on a scale of "In Crisis" to "Doing Great". These factors impact belonging and contribute to wellbeing.
Taking youth ratings on the 8 domains and their feedback from the council connect sessions, we have created a report available to the public, community partners & organizations, along with municipal units and elected officials. This report can be used as a roadmap on how to improve youth engagement, in hopes of creating communities where youth can thrive!
Research indicates that those with a strong sense of belonging tend to be more engaged in their community, have positive social networks, and to build important relationships with others, all contributing to reduced feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
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By asking youth to rate their communities on these 8 domains of wellbeing, we can gauge where improvement may be needed to create an environment that serves youth wellbeing.
why?
why?
the best part?
the best part?
The Youth Summit Advisory Committee, which was made up of 20 youth from across the Tri-Counties, helped to guide the planning of the Tri-County Youth Summit! Youth reviewed documents, helped decide keynote speakers & workshops, decided what they wanted for food and prizes, and even designed swag!
"I've genuinely gained information that will help me through the next leadership roles and chapters throughout my career."
- Youth SUMMIT Advisory COMMITTEE MEMBER