The 20205 Vernon Youth Climate Corps team at the Sunshine Festival (Image Credit: City of Vernon)

By Liam Verster

Youth Climate Corps

Vernon youth to take on summer climate action projects

May 27, 2026 | 6:00 AM

For the second year in a row, the Youth Climate Corps will have a team in Vernon.

Youth Climate Corps is a province-wide initiative offering youth paid, hands-on opportunities to work on climate action projects.

In Vernon, the youth will primarily focus on expanding active transportation through a community bike ride initiative and work to establish a bike valet program, which was piloted the previous summer.

The participants will also do projects involving ecological restoration, stewardship and environmental monitoring; FireSmart and community resilience; active transportation and sustainable mobility; youth education and climate engagement; and community outreach and public awareness.

“Youth Climate Corps represents the kind of community-based climate leadership we need more of across British Columbia,” Brittny Anderson, Minister of State for Local Governments and Rural Communities, said in a release.

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“I’m proud to continue supporting a program that empowers youth while helping communities become stronger and more resilient.”

Along with taking action to address climate concerns, the youth will learn workforce and leadership skills that they can benefit from in the future.

“The Vernon Youth Climate Corps program is creating meaningful opportunities for young people to build skills, gain experience and make a positive impact in our community,” Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Lumby, stated.

“It’s so inspiring to see youth stepping into leadership roles while supporting environmental sustainability and community resilience here in Vernon-Lumby. To the youth: you are our future and I am so moved and encouraged to see your engagement, your dedication and your hard work. Thank you for the amazing work you do.”

This will be the second year of operations for the Vernon Youth Climate Corps.

In the summer of 2025, the participating youth took on a number of projects including raising awareness about the city’s Climate Action Plan, organizing guided e-bike safety rides to promote low-carbon transportation options, and supported student-led projects through the Climate Action Ripple effect program.

“Youth Climate Corps B.C. has proven its ability to deliver meaningful climate action at the community level while empowering young people with valuable skills and experience,” Mayor Victor Cumming noted.

“Vernon has seen firsthand the positive impact this program can have, and we are proud to support YCCBC’s continued leadership both locally and as a model for national youth climate action.”

by Liam Verster

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