Upcoming Youth Council Events
Youth Council in the News
Read about the TRCA Youth Council’s Turtlefest 2025 event at Heart Lake Conservation Park in the Caledon Citizen.
Got a passion for the environment? Looking to make a positive impact in your community? There could be a place for you on our Youth Council.
Watch Testimonials
MEET THE YOUTH COUNCIL EXECUTIVE
About TRCA’s Youth Council
Are you between the ages of 16 and 30? Then the team here at Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) wants to hear what you have to say about environmental issues.
TRCA’s Youth Council is designed to give young people in the Toronto region a way to come together to identify issues that matter to you, and give you the tools to take real action.
Council members set their own annual goals, as well as continue on longer term projects started by previous Youth Council Executives and help move forward important TRCA work.
New initiatives could include organizing youth events about the environment, giving input on TRCA programs and priorities, or working on awareness-raising campaigns about specific environmental issues — the decision belongs to you.
Examples of previous events and projects include panel discussions on equity and inclusion in the conservation field, documentary screenings and Q&As with experts, and participating in the live streaming of TRCA’s work — like night-time electrofishing!
Important Stuff to Know:
WHO SHOULD JOIN THE YOUTH COUNCIL?
If you’re between the ages of 16 and 30 and currently reside or attend school in TRCA’s jurisdiction, then the answer is simple: it’s you.
A couple of other important considerations:
- We want the Council to be diverse: Members should come from the widest possible range of backgrounds, to reflect the tremendous diversity of the Greater Toronto Area.
- We want members to be passionate: The people who join the Youth Council should be motivated, energized and committed to making real change.
WHAT’S THE YOUTH COUNCIL ALL ABOUT, ANYWAY?
The Council has a couple of big goals:
First, to build healthy communities through improved connection to greenspace and nature.
This can mean different things to different communities, but we know that a stronger connection to nature generally leads to better health and well-being.
Second, to inspire empowered and engaged youth.
Young people have an enormous stake in the long-term health of our environment, and they need a voice right now in discussions about sustainability and conservation. That’s why it’s so important for the Council members themselves to shape its direction.
There are also some major objectives that will guide the development of program activities:
- Build capacity and engage youth by creating learning opportunities for young people across the GTA.
- Build a youth network and strengthen existing networks to help connect young people across the region who share a passion for environment and sustainability.
- Identify youth perspectives so that young people’s views on current environmental issues can help inform the work of TRCA and its partners.
- Create fun opportunities for youth to explore environmental issues in entertaining and engaging ways.
Sound good?
SO WHY SHOULD I GET INVOLVED?
Lots of reasons! You can help shape the Youth Council. Here are some benefits to joining:
- Make new friends who share your interests and passions
- Develop leadership skills
- Expand your professional network
- Enjoy new experiences
- Learn about the inner workings of an important environmental organization
- Get environmental sector experience
- Make a positive difference in your community!
Additionally, Executive members may benefit from gaining volunteer hours and references for job or school applications.
Ready to Apply? Let’s Get Started
There are two ways to participate in the Youth Council: as a general member, or as a member of the Youth Council Executive.
YOUTH COUNCIL EXECUTIVE
The Youth Council Executive is the guiding body of the Youth Council. Ten Executive members will be selected for a term of one year.
As an Executive member you’ll be expected to organize and run monthly Youth Council meetings, help set priorities for the year, and draw up the work plan – a commitment of approximately four to five hours a month.
Executive members must reside or attend school within TRCA’s jurisdiction and be between the ages of 16 and 30.
Applications for the Youth Council Executive for 2026-2027 are now closed.
GENERAL MEMBER
As a general member, your level of participation is up to you. There will be opportunities for all members to take part in a variety of activities on a drop-in basis. If you have an interest in heading up a project or initiative, you’re encouraged to bring your idea to the Youth Council Executive.
TRCA Youth Council recognizes the systemic inequalities faced by BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth in the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. We are working hard to address those inequalities through our work, and we encourage applications from the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities.
TRCA Youth Council Webinars
Check out the videos from our virtual events.
Conservation Careers at TRCA
Virtual Town Hall – January 26, 2026
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Queer Ecology
Virtual Town Hall – July 28, 2025
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Fast Fashion
Sustainability Solution Town Hall – February 27, 2025
View Previous Webinars
Careers in Conservation
Virtual Town Hall – January 29, 2025
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TRCA Career Opportunities
Virtual Town Hall – January 31, 2024
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Infrastructure Planning and Permits
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Hidden Rivers Q&A
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Electric Greg Q&A
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Barriers to Inclusion in Conservation and Outdoor Spaces
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Toad People Q&A
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Invasive Species Q&A
Questions?
If you’d like more information about the Youth Council, please contact Jessica MacDonald, Coordinator, Government & Community Relations.
Our Newsletter
Find out what’s been going on with the TRCA Youth Council by checking out back issues of our newsletter:
Youth Council Executive
The 10-member Youth Council Executive takes the lead in in organizing community events for the Youth Council and the general public.
Working together with TRCA staff, Youth Council Executive members plan events focused on the issues that young people in the Toronto region are most passionate about.
MEET YOUR EXECUTIVE MEMBERS
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Almustafa Abbas | Don River Watershed Almustafa Abbas is a social policy advocate with a strong interest in refugee rights, environmental sustainability, youth engagement, and politics. He has worn multiple hats through his journey since 2018, when he volunteered for the first time with Green for Sudan. He has experience working with many organizations including Nature Canada, Climate Vulnerable Forum, and YOUNGO. Additionally, Almustafa has served as a UN Youth Delegate for Sudan as well as a COP29 Youth Delegate for Canada. |
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Jessica Krukoski | Etobicoke Creek Watershed Hello! My name is Jessica. I have a passion for nature and look forward to being part of the TRCA Youth Council Executive for the 2026 year. I have been part of community service, outdoor education, and art communities and hope to combine my interests in these to contribute to the work here on the Executive. A fun fact about me is that my favorite animal is a turtle. I used to work at a zoo doing animal care and it was one of the best experiences of my life. |
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Sunita Lall | Highland Creek Watershed Hello! My name is Sunita (Sunny) Lall. I am a second-year undergraduate student pursuing a double major in Conservation Biodiversity and Environmental Studies at U of T Scarborough. Although I am passionate about the environment overall, I am especially interested in examining the implications of a changing climate on vulnerable populations and building resilience in overlooked communities. I look forward to working with the TRCA Youth Council Executive to spearhead conservation initiatives and advocate for the natural world. I bring five years of experience in conservation leadership, environmental education, and climate policy to this role. |
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Gunar Lalli | Etobicoke Creek Watershed Hello! My name is Gunar and I’m so excited to be a part of TRCA’s Youth Council Executive for a second term. I’m looking forward to exploring wildlife action and tending to the environment. I also love reading historical fiction, swimming, going on hikes with my family, and planting vegetables. |
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Zoey MacLean-Howard | Don River Watershed Hello, my name is Zoey and I’m very excited to be joining the Youth Council Executive this term! As a recent BSc graduate with certificates in Indigenous Studies and Environmental Impact Assessment, I’m passionate about connecting people, science, and policy to support environmental stewardship. I look forward to supporting community-based sustainability projects alongside TRCA that help people reconnect with their local environment. In my free time, you can find me volunteering outdoors, reading, knitting, or walking my dog! |
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Payal Mehta | Humber River Watershed Payal Mehta is an environmental professional with a background in community-based climate action, sustainability engagement, and environmental project coordination. She holds a Master of Environmental Sciences and focuses on translating environmental science into accessible, youth-led initiatives through workshops, events, and collaborative projects with community partners. Payal was selected for the Climate75 Fellowship with Starfish Canada and is involved with the LIVGREEN leadership program at Jane Goodall Institute of Canada, where she continues to develop skills to support inclusive and impactful climate solutions. Her work has centered on plastic pollution reduction, circular economy approaches, and youth engagement. Payal currently serves on the TRCA Youth Council Executive and has been selected as a Youth Representative on the Regional Watershed Alliance, where she contributes a youth perspective to watershed stewardship, environmental education, and long-term conservation planning across the region. |
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Apirah Nithiyanathan | Humber River Watershed Apirah Nithiyanathan is a recent graduate from Carleton University, holding an Honours Bachelor of Economics with concentrations in environmental economics and development. She currently works with the Town of East Gwillimbury as a Climate Action Program Assistant and has spent the last two years working in Ottawa’s food security sector. She brings a strong interest in climate equity, food security, affordability, and sustainable development. As an Executive Member of the TRCA Youth Council, she hopes to bridge these areas together by organizing events and initiatives that will strengthen community connections and empower youth to take meaningful action to protect the planet. |
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Reginald Somera | Humber River Watershed Hi! My name is Reginald (Reg), and I’m a hydrogeologist-in-training. I believe groundwater is a reliable and safe source of drinking water for communities and plays a vital role in supporting our ecosystems and natural environment. I’m passionate about raising public awareness around groundwater and why it matters. You’ll usually find me outdoors, reading, running, or searching for the best coffee spots in Toronto. I’m excited to join the TRCA Youth Executive Council to connect with others who are passionate about protecting the environment and creating positive change. |
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Geneviève Stacey | Humber River Watershed Hello/Bonjour! My name is Geneviève and I’m very excited to be part of the TRCA’s Youth Council this year. I’m a multidisciplinary artist studying Communications. I am fascinated by art as advocacy and its history, and try to incorporate elements of it in advocating for various things as much as possible; my most recent interest is the intersection between film and species and ecosystem conservation. My goal on the Council is to share awareness for some of the absolutely amazing beings around us and their conservation through art. I adore exploring all facets of biodiversity; living, non-living, big or small, and believe they all deserve more love and protection! When I’m not working or studying, you’ll often find me reading, crocheting or taking care of my plants; I recently got a carnivorous one, and I’m very fond of it! |
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Henry Wang | Don River Watershed Hi! I’m Henry, a Year 11 student at Upper Canada College. I am passionate about stewardship, sustainable development, and connecting with nature. When I’m not in the classroom, you’ll usually find me on the trails with a medium format camera. I’m excited to be part of the TRCA Youth Council this year. |