The mandate of the Youth Climate Leadership Team is to activate the leadership skills of young people in New Westminster and drive local climate solutions.
The group of youth, working with the Mayor and guided by City staff, will learn about the City's Climate Action strategies and goals, and work together to develop ideas and tactics to reach those goals. The Team's ideas will be transformed into actionable projects and initiatives, giving members the opportunity to bring their visions to life and see tangible results in their community.
More Information
If you have questions or need further information, please email YouthClimateAction@newwestcity.ca or call the Mayor's Office at 604-527-4522.
The Youth Climate Leadership Team is a dynamic group of passionate and driven young individuals who are committed to making a real impact on our City's climate goals.
The Team meets in person, on the third Wednesday of every month, from 4:00pm - 6:00pm, starting November 2024.
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and the voices of youth are essential in driving effective solutions.
For more information regarding the mandate of the Youth Climate Leadership Team, please see the Terms of Reference.
When New Westminster was originally constructed, many streams that ran through the land were put in pipes and buried underground to make way for the city's infrastructure. This means that we no longer have access to the stream's natural ecological benefits. Referencing Douglas College Students' The Lost Streams of New Project, the Youth Climate Leadership Team (YCLT) determined that one of these streams is the Glenbrook Stream, located beneath Terry Hughes Park.
The Restoring the Lost Glenbrook Stream project seeks to reconnect the community with a buried historic waterway by reintroducing natural stormwater flow into the landscape. While this is not a full stream daylighting, it represents the first step in acknowledging and revitalizing the Glenbrook Stream, which was once a vital ecological feature of the area.
This project aims to transform a portion of the surrounding greenspace into a natural stormwater management area with native vegetation, natural seating elements (logs, stumps, and boulders), and educational signage detailing the history of the Glenbrook Stream. The project will help manage urban runoff, reduce localized flooding, and promote local biodiversity. This is a step towards creating more green spaces in New West while simultaneously providing climate mitigation and adaptation.
We created blueprints for the stormwater management system and the surrounding social area.
At the New West City Council meeting on May 12, the YCLT presented a project proposal along with a request for funding. The council unanimously approved our proposal and we began putting our project into action.
Groundbreaking started on September 8, 2025
The Planting and Installation day on September 27, was a huge success with great media coverage.
Final Wrap up meeting happened November 19, with a few last edits for signage changes
The raingarden in Terry Hughes Park is complete and signage is on the way
The first term of the YCLT has ended, but their work isn't done. The team has hopes to further daylight Glen Brook. As of 2026 they are continuing their work as a local climate organization society, the Homegrown Pigeon Society.
