WHAT ABOUT OUR YOUTH - Part 2

October 2nd, 2026

Removing Barriers and Building Connections

Simple Solutions: Positive. Practical. Inclusive. Local. Doable.

Yesterday, I shared four ideas for creating more opportunities for young people in Wasaga Beach.

But opportunities mean little if a child cannot afford to participate, is worrying about their next meal or feels they don't belong.

So today, I'd like to share four more ideas for us to explore.

5. Explore Accessible Swimming for Children

Swimming is recreation, exercise and an essential life skill. Yet the cost of lessons, admission and transportation can create barriers for some families.

Could we explore a free, supervised swimming hour for children during the summer or school holidays? Could we also investigate ways to improve access to swimming opportunities throughout the year?

We would need to consider demand, available facilities, qualified lifeguards, safety, accessibility and funding. Partnerships or sponsorships might also be worth exploring.

The first step is to ask what is possible and what our community needs.

6. Address Food Insecurity with Dignity

No child should have to worry about whether there will be enough food.

The Town may not be able to solve food insecurity on its own, but it can work with local schools, food programmes and community organizations to understand where gaps exist and how families can be connected with support.

That means listening to people who understand the needs, protecting families' privacy and helping ensure assistance is accessible without embarrassment.

Sometimes, making a difference starts with finding out where the existing system isn't reaching people.

7. A Clothing, Footwear and Skate Exchange Without the Stigma

Children grow quickly. A coat that fits in September may be too small by spring. Shoes need replacing, and winter activities bring another expense: skates.

What if community volunteers helped organize a clothing and footwear exchange where families could find good-quality items in a welcoming environment?

Imagine items arranged by size and season, with parents and children able to choose what they need without being labelled or made to feel that they're receiving charity.

Could we also organize a skate exchange before winter, so that the cost of growing feet doesn't prevent a child from enjoying an activity?

This would be about community sharing, reducing waste and helping families manage rising costs.

It wouldn't necessarily require a new Town-run programme. With the right community partners, volunteers and space, it might be something we could explore together.

8. Bridging the Digital Divide — And the Generations

This idea is especially close to my heart.

I grew up without grandparents. As a child, I didn't understand why I didn't have relatives like the ones my friends talked about.

As an adult and an avid reader of history, I understand more about the circumstances. But I also understand how much it can mean when someone outside your immediate family takes an interest in you.

Miss Sinclair, my Scottish neighbour and a librarian, was part of my life for 26 years. She helped me with English, taught me about reading and writing, and showed me the importance of respect, good manners and writing proper thank-you letters.

She wasn't my grandmother. But she became family simply by being Miss Sinclair.

I wrote about her and three other important women in my blog, Four Women Who Taught Me How to Live. Here's the link: https://www.aldona4wb.ca/post/four-women-who-taught-me-how-to-live

That experience taught me something I've never forgotten: The people who make a difference in our lives aren't always related to us. Sometimes, they're the people who choose to care.

Now, imagine bringing young people and older residents together through a practical programme.

Could the Youth Centre, library, local high schools and tech-savvy teenagers work together to help seniors learn how to use new phones, tablets and e-readers, access online library services or make video calls to grandchildren who live far away?

Young people could gain experience, build communication skills and connect with another generation. Seniors could gain confidence with technology and perhaps a new friendship along the way.

Ontario students need 40 hours of community involvement to earn their secondary school diploma, although eligible activities must meet school requirements. A programme like this would need appropriate supervision, privacy safeguards and coordination with participating schools.

But the potential goes beyond technology.

It could create relationships that benefit both generations — and give young people the experience of discovering just how much they have to offer.

Let's turn caring into action.

AI generaated graphic poster

Here is something we need to recognize: government can do only so much.

As a Councillor, I can advocate for you. I can be your voice at Council. I can help bring people together, establish committees, encourage partnerships and organize volunteers to explore practical solutions.

But neither you nor I can expect the Town to pay for everything. Every new programme has a cost, and that cost comes out of our community wallet — a wallet that already has many demands on it.

So what else can we do?

Perhaps you're retired and have a background in technology. Would you consider sharing your knowledge with young people?

Perhaps you know a group of parents who would be willing to organize a clothing or footwear swap — or a skate exchange before winter?

Perhaps you're an experienced cyclist who could help teenagers learn safe riding skills.

Maybe you have a talent, a skill or simply a little time that could make a difference in a child's life.

You don't have to be wealthy, run an organization or have a grand plan. Sometimes, all it takes is a few people willing to work together.

To give our young people the opportunity to grow into strong, resilient, compassionate and responsible citizens, we all have to step up and do our part.

This isn't about asking government to do less for our children. It's about recognizing that government, community organizations, businesses, volunteers, parents and residents can accomplish more when we work together.

I can help open doors, ask questions, bring people to the table and advocate for practical solutions. But building a stronger community is something we must do together.

Because our youth aren't just the next generation. They're part of our community today.

Let's give them reasons to feel that they belong here — and opportunities to discover what they can contribute.

A caring community isn't built by government alone. It's built by people who care enough to get involved.

What skills, ideas or connections could you bring to the table? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks for listening!