Ideally, what does the PEC area feel like for youth in 2025?

What are the changes you want to see?

• Affordable spaces for youth to live, work and play.
• Youth are supported, gainfully employed and hopeful about the future.
• Diverse groups of youth feeling supported and like they belong (e.g. having leaders that look/are similar to/ or can relate to them)
• Children and young adults with hidden and not so hidden disabilities, are also accepted and have a place.
• Intergenerational connections are working together toward change.
• Youth have better ideas of what they’d like to do, or at least what they can do with their lives at an earlier age due to better access and exposure to the post-secondary opportunities that lie ahead.
• Youth have access to transportation to enable them to access fun, safe, spaces.
• All youth in PEC have funds to meet basic needs.
• There are accessible and culturally safe mental health supports for youth in the community that address their needs.
• The ratio between short-term & long-term housing options is more balanced.
• Renters are much more aware of their rights, and strategies for them to act have been developed.
• Youth are empowered to be the changemakers of PEC with support from the community.
• Youth have an opportunity to influence & seize opportunities re: community growth.

What can only be accomplished effectively by working together?

• Feeling of safety- can only get this through working together.
• Have communication even when there are different goals.
• Build trust & relationships across generations, sectors, community.
• Recognize strengths as a community & learn how to support youth.
• Continuing to talk about youth needs with multiple service providers not present.
• Accessible drop-ins for youth (general accessible services).
• Working together continues the conversation to create connections.
• Non-clinical models to address mental health (e.g. using art)
• Pilot program on systems navigation