Expand public transportation routes to include small towns and suburban neighbourhoods, improving access for underserved areas and connecting to nearby communities.
Many youth spoke about the barriers created by a lack of access to public transit. Youth in suburban neighbourhoods and rural communities in particular discussed the challenges that not having a nearby stop or access to consistent buses can cause (in addition to a lack of ion access).
For many rural youth, lack of public transportation can:
The cost of transportation was discussed with each conversation (and is still a high priority for many youth). However, some workshop participants noted efforts to address this, like Grand River Transit’s pilot to offer transit free for high school students. And for others, affordability isn’t a discussion if the routes don’t exist to begin with.
Expand public transportation routes to include small towns and suburban neighbourhoods, improving access for underserved areas and connecting to nearby communities.
Increase access to family physicians to reduce emergency room overuse and wait times.
Increase accountability of school staff to address bullying concerns raised by students (like homophobia, racism, ableism, sexism and sexual harassment, etc.)) Establish consistent complaint processes, zero-tolerance policies, and ensure youth know the consequences of such behaviours.
Invest in long-term housing solutions by increasing safe spaces for youth and adults experiencing homelessness, building more affordable homes, and increasing funding for supportive housing services.
Involve youth directly in decisions that affect them. Create more spaces and opportunities for intergenerational discussion between youth and adults/elders. Use these as opportunities to build relationships but also engage in conversation about issues that impact youth and the broader community, and how youth and adults can take meaningful action together. Adults in these spaces should be mindful of how to meaningfully engage with youth, and share power.
Provide more or easier access to resources for immigrant parents restarting their lives in Canada.
