On October 28, over 90 elementary students and more than 15 educators from 13 schools across Grey and Bruce counties gathered at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre in Owen Sound for the fifth annual Youth Climate Action Conference (YCAC). The event provided a platform for students, educators, and community organizations to come together, learn, and collaborate on climate action initiatives.
The day opened with the Wabnookwe Singers from Saugeen First Nation, followed by five Grade 9 students from Mary Immaculate Catholic School sharing about their action project that was inspired by last year’s conference. Students then listened to a second keynote by local youth Anaïs Mitropoulos who reflected on her personal journey through climate anxiety to hope and action.
Following the keynotes, students participated in exploratory labs developed in collaboration with Georgian College’s Community Innovation Lab at Sydenham Campus. Topics included Cut Consumption, Loving the Land, Wipe Out Waste, Eliminate Emissions, Honouring Nibi (Water), and Food for All. These sessions were facilitated by local organizations such as Beaver Valley Outreach, Grey Sauble Conservation Authority, the Saugeen Ojibway Nation Coastal Waters Monitoring Program, and other local community changemakers. While students were in sessions, teachers participated in professional development on how to connect climate to their curriculum.
Also over the lunch hour, students enjoyed a taco lunch by local charity Elephant Thoughts and participated in different activities, including helping maintain the Tiny Forest that was planted as part of the 2025 conference. The Biinaagami Map exhibit was a popular lunchtime hangout spot, which was on loan from the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre.
In the afternoon, students worked with their teachers to develop an action project plan. The day concluded with students sharing their project ideas in an energized session at the end of the day, including planting pollinator gardens, building an outdoor classroom, or installing a water refill station. The pitch session was hosted by Grey County Deputy CAO Niall Lobley.
“Grey County is proud to continue to support the Youth Climate Action Conference,” said Grey County Warden Andrea Matrosovs. “It is so inspiring to see students from across Grey and Bruce spend the day learning, asking questions, and planning projects of their own. Thank you to The Sustainability Project, the educators and partners who make this day possible, and to the students for the ideas and energy they bring.”
“The Youth Climate Action Conference is an invaluable opportunity for our students to collaborate on environmental sustainability projects and learn from local experts and educators, who bring their passion and knowledge to deepen youth awareness, understanding, and engagement around this vitally important topic,” said Erin O’Grady, Superintendent of Education for Bluewater District School Board. “We are grateful to the many community partners and volunteers who enable this incredible learning experience and continue to be amazed by the resulting eco-inspired initiatives that students develop and bring back to their schools.”
“At the Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board, we are blessed to support the Youth Climate Action Conference, inspiring our students to live out their baptismal call as faithful stewards of God’s creation,” said Paul DeVuono, Program Principal for the Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board.
The conference was organized by The Sustainability Project, with support from Learning for a Sustainable Future, Grey County, Bluewater District School Board, Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board, City of Owen Sound, local climate action teams, and financial contributions from Bruce Power, Ontario Power Generation, and a dozen other community organizations.
The conference helps advance implementation of Grey County’s climate change action plan, Going Green in Grey. To learn more about Grey County’s Climate Action Plan, Going Green in Grey, visit grey.ca/climate.
