Vaughan Youth Cabinet

Youth Participation in Community Planning and Design

Abstract

*Political Participation and Youth in Local Governance | Reports from the Field

This paper examines the importance of youth cabinets in providing opportunities for youth participation in the planning and design of their communities. Despite being perceived as less knowledgeable, less competent and less responsible, youth are showing an increased awareness and interest in being included in the planning and decision-making processes within their communities. Although there are many youth that display leadership qualities, when it comes to youth being involved in community planning decisions, they face many challenges and are often excluded from the process. To examine the capacity in which youth have the ability to affect change, I draw upon the recent establishment of a youth cabinet, as well as the recent appointment of a Youth City Councilor in the City of Vaughan, Ontario. The history of this cabinet, along with its successes and challenges will be examined. The Toronto Youth Cabinet as well as other examples of youth cabinets in Ontario and across Canada will also be mentioned. Youth involvement has much to offer in the field of planning and design.