The Muskoka Youth Climate Advisory Council (MCYAC) has received a $10,000 grant from the Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group’s Learning Engagement and Accelerator Fund (L.E.A.F.) to support two council terms spanning 2025–2026 and 2026–2027.
The MCYAC is a 10-month volunteer initiative that gives high school students from across Muskoka the opportunity to build leadership skills, learn about local climate initiatives, share ideas, and take action through projects that make a meaningful impact.
“Youth are the generation who will live longest with the impacts of climate change, and their voices matter,” said Lauren Saville, Community Climate Initiatives Coordinator. “Through the MCYAC, we’re creating a space for young people to lead, learn, and make a real difference in Muskoka.”
Saville said thanks to the grant, they can provide training, resources, and support for youth-led climate initiatives, building leadership skills and fostering hope for a sustainable future. Thanks to the funding, members have already been able to participate in local environmental and climate-focused activities and learn from guest speakers.
According to officials, the funding will also help support planning for the council’s first youth-led project, the Muskoka Youth Enviro-Fest, a farmers-market-style environmental festival that will take place at Memorial Park in Bracebridge on June 7.
For more information about the council, click here.
