The Youth Engagement Committee is made up of eight community representatives between the ages of 15 and 29 and two councillors. The committee advises council based on the interest of youth in our community and engages and educates youth on opportunities and resources available to them.
Mandate |
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Responsibilities |
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Members |
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Meetings, Agendas and Minutes
The Youth Engagement Committee meets on the second Thursday of each month. Meeting agendas and minutes can be found on the City of Belleville website.
If you would like to make a deputation at a Youth Engagement Committee meeting or if you would like a member of the Youth Engagement Committee to come to your local event, please reach out to youthrec@belleville.ca.
Youth Engagement Committee Highlights
The Committee is working together to achieve its mandate and has achieved the following in 2023/2024:
- Conducted a survey for Youth on resources they feel are important in the community.
- Bike giveaway to local high school student for completing the Youth survey.
- Two Volunteer Fair visits at local secondary school put on by Volunteer and Information HPE.
- Regular visits to career/civics classes by Councillor Allsopp to talk about local government and what youth need in the community of Belleville.
- Youth community resource guide created and distributed. Request a copy
- Attended Loyalist College Information Fair.
- Visited One Roof in Kingston to learn more about Youth Wellness Hubs of Ontario.
- Promoted local events for Youth on social media and website.
- Met with local leaders at monthly committee meetings to learn more about local organizations and causes.
- Free student transit passes initiative launched.
- Launched Belleville Youth News newsletter. Email to request a copy.
- Attended the 2024 Rural Youth Summit in Belleville
Belleville Youth News
We have some great information available through our online newsletter.
| Letter from the Chair |
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Hello everyone! With spring finally here, we want to focus on getting outside, enjoying this beautiful weather, and learning more about all of the exciting outdoor recreation that we have in this area. No matter what you are into, Belleville has you covered! From fishing, boating and paddle boarding on the bay or one of our many local lakes, running, rollerblading or cycling our waterfront trails, to soccer, basketball, and disc golf the variety and quality of our outdoor recreation is among the best in Southeastern Ontario, and contributes greatly to the quality of life that we enjoy in this area. In this issue we have a spotlight on one of our city's most progressive parks, Riverside Park, as well as a calendar of upcoming events, and so much more. Dive in and enjoy a safe and fun start to spring in Belleville. Cheers, Tyler Allsopp |
| Local Spotlight - Check out Riverside Park |
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In 2023 BYEC sent out a survey asking youth about their experiences in Belleville. Many of you were looking for free or low barrier recreation opportunities. Riverside Park might have what you are looking for! What: Riverside Park Who: For all ages! When: Open 24/7! It has: Greenspace, sports fields, walking trails, disc golf, skate park and more! Belleville is well known for its great outdoor living and extensive park network. Though it may not be as well known as Zwicks Park, one of the best parks in town for active youth is Riverside Park, located at the north end of Moira Street. Within just a couple of kilometres from downtown along the Moira River this park has an incredible Just north of that before the trail crosses under Bell Boulevard is a mountain bike trail known as the Belleville Riverside Bike Park which is a 1 km loop through the trees over rocks and routes which has also become popular for trail runners. A more recent addition to the park is the newly built disc golf course that winds its way through the park and has already played host to several tournaments. Rounding out the activities for younger visitors is the Pirate Ship Park play structure, the outdoor sound garden installation, and soccer field that are available all season long. When you are planning your outdoor adventures this year make sure to check it out! |
| Need someone to talk to? |
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There are people who will listen. Helplines Suicide Crisis Line: Call/text 9-8-8 LGBT Youthline Talk –Sunday to Friday from 4:00pm- First Nations and Inuit Hope for Counselling/Therapy Children’s Mental Health Service Youthab (ages 16-24) One Stop Talk |
| Why Youth Should Care About Our City Council |
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The Youth Engagement Committee’s goal is to advise City Council on matters that are important to young people, but why do youth need to make sure their voices are heard? In our community, many of the decisions that impact our day to day lives are made by the Counsellors who have been elected to represent our city and its citizens. City Council makes decisions on everything from our recreation and green spaces to the schedule of our transportation networks. The city also provides funding to non-profits for social programs, to businesses for tourism initiatives, and to arts organizations to help them plan events in our community. If we want to see more opportunities for young people, have programs for us prioritized and ensure we’re thought about when designing transportation or new park areas, we need to Have an idea you’d like shared? Have some thoughts on how we can make some of the things above better for youth? Send us a message or get involved in the Committee yourself. Together we can make a difference! |
Things to do in Belleville: |
| Want to contribute? |
| Do you have something you'd like to share? Fill out the form. |
Youth Resources
City of Belleville Resources
We have a variety of resources available to youth:
Recreation
There are many recreational opportunities for youth to enjoy.
- Youth Belleville offers programs run by youth for youth; designed to make teens feel valued and empower them to help shape their future and the world around them. Become a member and help determine activities and events that can be held for youth in the Youth Room and at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre.
- The Youth Room at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre is a drop-in room for Grade 6 to 12 students full of games, electronics and more. Register for Youth Room drop-in times here.
- The Quinte Sports and Wellness offers a variety of youth programs including: Gym programs, Art and science programs, skating and power skating, swimming lessons, advanced aquatic programs and camps. Learn more and register for programs visit the Activity Guide page.
- For a map of all the parks in Belleville, check out our Parks and Facilities page.
- For more information on trails and a trail map visit our Trails page.
Employment
Are you looking for a job with the City of Belleville?
- Visit the City's careers page for student positions. Summer student positions are usually posted in the winter and early spring. Student positions at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre are posted year-round.
Volunteering
Give back to your community and become a volunteer.
- The Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre offers volunteer opportunities for youth 14 years old and up. These opportunities include: Youth Room Attendant, Preschool/Children/Youth Program Helper, Gym/Sports Program Helper, Camps Helpers, Aquatics Helper, 50+ Centre Helper. Apply using the Youth Volunteer Application Form.
Belleville Transit
Transportation is important to get around the city.
- Did you know high school students ride free on all Belleville Transit buses? Ask your school about how you can get a free transit pass or show the bus driver your student id and your ride is free! You can use the transit interactive map to plan out your route and learn more about the schedule.
Youth Community Resource Guide
Looking for community resources for Youth in Belleville. Request our community resource guide with this online form and a Community Services Staff member will be in touch with you via email with the guide.
Other Resources
There are a variety of resources available in the community.
Social Media
Stay up to date on all things Youth including City of Belleville Youth programming at Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre and local events.
