Official Community Plan Engagement Recognized for Innovative Youth Project

The ReMembering Youth project, a collaborative initiative led by the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) in partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) and School District 46 (SD46) and a contracted educator, has been recognized by the Planning Institute of BC with an honourable mention in the 2026 Excellence in Planning Awards.

The honourable mention, presented to the SCRD earlier this month at the Planning Institute of BC’s annual conference, recognizes the project’s success in creating meaningful opportunities for young people to share their experiences, aspirations and vision for the future of the Sunshine Coast while contributing to important community planning processes.

Launched in 2024 through funding provided by a Vancouver Coastal Health grant administered by BC Healthy Communities, ReMembering Youth was developed in response to 2022-2023 data showing that about one third of Sunshine Coast youth feel a low sense of belonging here. In addition, about one third of Sunshine Coast youth self-report a mental health condition.

The initiative explored belonging as a key factor in youth mental health and well-being while engaging students in civic learning and SCRD Official Community Plan renewal discussions. The intent was to facilitate learning opportunities for participating organizations and youth alike, while also gathering youth input on planning for the future.

Over the 2024–2025 school year, approximately 190 students from Elphinstone Secondary School and Chatelech Secondary School participated in a series of workshops, field trips and experiential learning activities designed to strengthen connections between youth, sense of place and community decision-making.

Quotes

“This recognition from the Planning Institute of BC is recognition of the power of partnership and the importance of creating opportunities for youth to help shape the future of our communities,” says SCRD Board Chair Alton Toth. “On behalf of the SCRD Board, I want to thank our partners at Vancouver Coastal Health, School District 46, participating educators and, most importantly, the students whose thoughtful contributions made this project such a success.”

“The ReMembering Youth initiative demonstrates a genuine commitment to recognizing young people as essential contributors to building healthier communities, and we are proud to be a partner” says Dr. Moliehi Khaketla, VCH Medical Health Officer for the Sunshine Coast. “This community planning approach has brought forward meaningful insight from local youth, and will strengthen their sense of belonging, resilience and well-being.”

“This project demonstrates what is possible when we create authentic opportunities for students to share their perspectives and help shape the future of their communities,” says Sunshine Coast Board of Education Chair Amanda Amaral. “We are proud to have partnered with the Sunshine Coast Regional District and Vancouver Coastal Health on this innovative initiative. The recognition from the Planning Institute of BC highlights the value of listening to young people and ensuring their voices are reflected in the decisions that affect their lives, well-being and sense of belonging.”

Project findings were included in a report to the SCRD’s Electoral Area Services Committee last year and in the Phase One OCP Engagement What We Heard Report.

Stay up to date with the SCRD’s Official Community Plan Renewal at letstalk.scrd.ca/ocp-renewal