Brantford YOUth

 

Brantford is officially designated as a youth friendly city.

Memberships for YOUth

Learn more about memberships for YOUth that cost only $5 a year! Youth ages 11 to 17 will get access to drop-in's, lounges, gaming and more!

Brantford Youth Council

The Brantford Youth Council (BYC) is made up of high school aged (ages 13- 18) community volunteers who are passionate about making Brantford a community where young people can thrive. Members of BYC plan and implement activities, special events and community impact projects throughout the year such as: Brantford Youth Week, consulting on community projects for youth, launching a youth little free library and community garden plot. BYC volunteers gain important skills and experiences in leadership, collaboration, project management and community impact.

What is the time commitment of joining BYC?
Brantford Youth Council meets twice a month, and members are expected to be present to help support BYC community events such as Brantford Youth Week, which runs annually from May 1-May 7.

Brantford Youth Council members are expected to attend 15 meetings and 5 BYC community events.

If you know that you have scheduled conflicts that make attending 80% of meetings and community events impossible, we recommend you refrain from applying.
What is the BYC structure?
  • Each year BYC membership elects a president, vice president, and subcommittee leaders to help lead BYC’s meetings and projects
  • BYC has three subcommittees:
    • Art/Sports/Special Events
    • Social and Environmental Impact
    • Marketing and Communications
Are there perks of joining BYC?
  • Volunteer hours
  • Certificate of completion if you've attended the minimum required meetings
  • An exclusive BYC member T-shirt
  • A chance to engage with Brantford City Council and network with many different influential adults, groups and services in the community
  • Snacks at each meeting
What is expected of BYC members?
  • Each Brantford Youth Council member must sign a Code of Confidentiality & Conduct and have a parent/caregiver sign a City of Brantford Photo and Video Consent form. 
  • Complete a 10-month term on the BYC.
  • With City of Brantford staff, work on initiatives that support the implementation of the Empowering Youth Strategy. 
  • Attend at least 15 meetings and 5 BYC community events each term.
  • Actively participate and contribute to the meetings.
  • Actively participate and contribute to the development Brantford Youth Week (May 1-May 7) and other BYC hosted events.
  • Share BYC information and updates with their networks (i.e. in person, at school, social media).
  • Ensure everyone is working together and all voices in the group are heard.

If you are interested in joining BYC, please fill out the Brantford Youth Council Application Form. 

2025/2025 BYC Meeting Schedule
DateTime
 Thursday, September 4, 2025  5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
 Thursday, September 11, 2025  5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
 Thursday, October 9, 2025  5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. (2025-2026 BYC leadership election)
 Thursday, October 23, 2025  5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
 Thursday, November 6, 2025  5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
 Thursday, November 20, 2025  5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
 Thursday, December 4, 2025  5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
 Thursday, December 18, 2025  5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. (end of the year dinner)
 Thursday, January 8, 2026  5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
 Thursday, January 22, 2026  5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
 Thursday, February 5, 2026  5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
 Thursday, February 19, 2026  5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
 Thursday, March 5, 2026  5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
 Thursday, March 26, 2026  5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
 Thursday, April 9, 2026  5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
 Thursday, April 23, 2026  5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
 Friday, May 1, 2026 to Thursday, May 1, 2026 (Brantford Youth Week)  Various times
 Thursday, May 14, 2026  5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
 Thursday, May 28, 2026  5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
 Thursday, June 11, 2026  5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
 Thursday, June 25, 2026  5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. (summer celebration dinner)

Empowering Youth Strategy

The 2025-2027 Empowering Youth Strategy was developed through collaboration with the Brantford Youth Council, as well as engagement with local youth groups, advocates and youth-serving agencies. Supporting the development of the youth strategy is a collective endeavor from both the community and staff across various City departments who work hard every day to make Brantford a great place for youth.

Over this three-year period, the City of Brantford will continue to work collaboratively with partners, organizations and community groups to implement the strategy through the following initiatives:

  • Launch of a Youth Healthy Relationships Campaign
  • Youth Mental Health Resource Fair
  • Expansion of the Youth Engagement Series
  • Envisioning the Future: Indigenous Youth Consultation Project
  • Co-designing cultural and recreational programs with youth in connection with the Inclusive Community Plan
  • Increase youth participation in City-supported leadership programs

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