Our Youth Council In Action: $10,000 - L.E.A.F Grant Awarded

The District of Muskoka’s Watershed and Environment Department is excited to announce that our Muskoka Youth Climate Advisory Council (MCYAC) are the recipient of a $10,000 grant from The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group’s Learning Engagement & Accelerator Fund (L.E.A.F.).

The Youth Council brings together passionate high school students from across Muskoka to learn about climate action, share ideas, and lead projects that inspire their peers to take meaningful steps toward a healthier environment and community. This generous funding will help support two terms of the council, spanning 2025-2026 and 2026-2027.

"Youth are the generation who will live longest with the impacts of climate change, and their voices matter," said Lauren Saville, Community Climate Initiatives Coordinator. "Through the MCYAC, we’re creating a space for young people to lead, learn, and make a real difference in Muskoka." Thanks to The Commonwell’s L.E.A.F. Grant, we can provide training, resources, and support for youth-led climate initiatives, building leadership skills and fostering hope for a sustainable future.

The council’s first cohort is made up of seven dedicated and passionate youth from across Muskoka. With support from the grant, members have already been able to participate in local environmental and climate-focused activities and learn from guest speakers, including local Indigenous leader, Christopher Stock of the Wahta Mohawks, who shared insights on environmental sustainability through the teachings of the Thanksgiving Address.

The funding is also helping support the planning of the council’s first youth-led project, the Muskoka Youth Enviro-Fest. This farmers-market-style environmental festival will take place at Memorial Park in Bracebridge on Sunday, June 7. The family‑friendly event will offer hands‑on activities and opportunities to learn more about protecting Muskoka’s lakes and our watershed, climate action at home and in the community, and ways to get involved locally.

Attendees will have the chance to connect with community partners, youth leaders, and learn more about programs such as the District’s Climate Hero program, which highlights everyday actions that help reduce emissions and protect the environment, helping ensure a thriving Muskoka for years to come.

Learn more about the Climate Hero Program.

To learn more about our Youth Council Program and apply for our next cohort (applications open May 20th, 2026): www.engagemuskoka.ca/climate-youth-advisory-council