The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to advise the public that twelve youth-led projects have been selected to receive funding through the Town’s Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF).
Following a successful Round 1 YCAF program, Round 2 offered microgrants between $1,500 and $7,000 CAD to fund youth-led climate initiatives, with funded activities taking place this year in The Blue Mountains and other locations across the traditional Territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation.
“Youth are demonstrating their interest, energy and ability to take meaningful action on climate change, and we appreciate the organizations that have stepped up to support youth and help make their projects a reality,” said Town of The Blue Mountains Mayor and Grey County Warden Andrea Matrosovs. “The Town has been proud to provide this opportunity to enable youth leadership and climate action across our region.”
The following projects were selected to receive YCAF funding:
- Living Snow Fence – students will plant a natural tree buffer to improve winter road safety where the need and a willing rural landowner are identified
- Wiarton Bike Bus – students will run bike to school events and build knowledge of bike safety and repair
- Community Gardens & Urban Farming – students will co-design and plant new gardens, including Indigenous methods, at St. Mary’s High School in Owen Sound
- Water & Woods: Reviving Nature Through Cleanup & Reforestation – youth and volunteers will restore a section of the Nottawasaga River in The Blue Mountains
- Earthkeepers – older students will explore a model of developing and delivering climate change education for younger students
- EcoFlow – youth will provide education on sustainable period product options and will provide free options in various public places
- Get Our Festivals Clean – youth will enhance the sustainability of Banditfest, a youth-led music festival, and will involve attendees in climate awareness activities
- Backyard Bird House project – students will learn about, design, build and distribute bird houses to enhance habitat and biodiversity
- Butterfly Garden and Insect Hotels – students will learn about, design, build and distribute insect hotels and will provide pollinator-friendly plants to student families
- Endangered Species Mural – students will create a mural to build awareness of endangered Ontario species for the Bluewater Outdoor Education Centre
- Pollinator Engagement and Education – youth will create public art and installations to build awareness of pollinators and pollinator habitat in The Blue Mountains
- Community Gardens Food Security Service and Education – youth will co-design a new community area at the CMHA garden and deliver educational content
More detailed project descriptions for the twelve Round 2 projects are available on the Youth Climate Action Fund website, along with more detailed information summarizing the activities and outcomes of the eight Round 1 youth-led projects.
For further information, please contact:
Nicholas Cloet
Sustainability Coordinator
Town of The Blue Mountains
Email
(519) 599-3131 ext. 235
About Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund:
Kickstarted at the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Innovation Studio at COP28, as a part of the Local Climate Action Summit, the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund provides cities with the tools, techniques, and supports to leverage innovation approaches that invite and foster robust youth collaboration in climate problem-solving and policymaking.
The Town of The Blue Mountains received $50,000 USD in 2024, and $100,000 USD in 2025 to distribute microgrants to fund youth-led climate initiatives as part of the Youth Climate Action Fund.
Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on creating lasting change in five key areas: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic consultancy that advises cities around the world. In 2023, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $3 billion. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org, sign up for their newsletter, or follow them on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTub
