FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
15 Oct 2026 | OTTAWA | UNCEDED, UNSURRENDERED TRADITIONAL TERRITORY OF THE ALGONQUIN ANISHINAABEG
Ottawa, ON — Ecology Ottawa today announced the newest cohort of its EcoYouth Council.
In its third year, Ecology Ottawa’s EcoYouth program seeks to engage youth in local environmental solutions, listening to and respecting their knowledge and perspectives. It facilitates the deepening of their knowledge about environmental issues and solutions in Ottawa, and seeks to meaningfully work out justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion through all their activities.
This year’s Council is formed of 16 Ottawa youth, including 3 returning from last cohort: Aaron, Alexis, Amelia, Cameron, Chloe, Claire, Ekroop, Emma, Hazel, Jonathan, Kaamil, Lindsay, Naomi, Shaarby, Zahra, and Christophe.
Youth Council members participate in monthly meetings with speakers on environmental topics and they plan youth-oriented activities; they also develop presentations on ecological topics to deliver in schools and youth-oriented groups; and they develop and implement environmental projects.
Most recently, Youth Council members helped produce two social media series: a takeover of Ecology Ottawa’s Instagram account with environmental content including Greenbelt protection, urban gardening, and food security; and a series of short, practical sustainability tips, or “waste reduction hacks.” They also delivered 10 presentations at Ottawa schools so far in 2026.
Several EcoYouth members are also participating in an Intergenerational Dialogue project in partnership with Climate Legacy, a climate organization that mobilizes seniors.
The EcoYouth Council’s first major public activity is its third annual Youth Summit for all Ottawa youth on December 5. This youth-led event will feature speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities.
EcoYouth Ottawa is funded by the generous support of the Alva Foundation.
Quotes:
“EcoYouth Ottawa is an integral part of the community, as it allows Ottawa students to clear the air around climate change and the fears that surround it. As a geomatics student, I understand that mapping these issues can help spread awareness within the GIS space, but spreading my knowledge about maps and the world around us is my true passion. I hope that EYO continues to be a special place for those interested in preserving the Earth for the next generation.”
- Shaarby Sivakumar, EcoYouth Ottawa Member (2026–27)
“For me, it’s really important to be part of this council because having made a lot of efforts to start and lead different activism projects, I’ve realized that the current climate crisis doesn’t need innovative initiatives. It needs the teamwork that comes from urgency, where large groups of people come together without any expectation of credit and do their part for the greater good. Being a member of this council to me feels like a step towards larger more impactful initiatives and I’m excited to work with other youth who feel the same urgency.”
- Naomi Baird, EcoYouth Ottawa Member (2026–27)
“The energy in this group of passionate, intelligent youth is palpable and already showing huge promise for this year. It’s a privilege to support the initiatives and activities that this cohort will develop—starting with the Youth Summit this December.
- Sara Steel, Community Organizer
“We’re delighted that this year again, our Youth Council is growing—including 3 youth continuing from last year. As governments at all levels reverse course on key environmental measures, not only failing to fight climate change, but enacting measures that will exacerbate it, it’s critical that we empower youth to take action. Youth play a critical role in environmental work, and we’re excited to work with this group of 16 inspiring individuals.”
- William van Geest, Executive Director
About Ecology Ottawa
Ecology Ottawa is a not-for-profit, grassroots and volunteer-driven organization. We believe that Ottawa residents are concerned about issues such as climate change, pollution and waste, and that they want sustainable communities where clean energy, air, and water, public transit, active transportation and greenspace protection take priority. We provide residents with the information and tools needed to understand local environmental issues and promote environmental leadership at all levels impacting the City of Ottawa.
Contacts
Sara Steel
Community Organizer, Ecology Ottawa
[email protected]
613-860-5353
William van Geest
Executive Director, Ecology Ottawa
[email protected]
613-860-5353
