Coquitlam knows what the surveys say, now they have to develop a plan for youth in the city.
After beginning research and consultation to update its youth strategy last spring the parks, recreation and culture department are about to embark on finding ways to improve its youth services (11- to 24-years-old) which haven’t been reviewed since 2006.
The city said its 300 in-person consultations with youth and young adults and 630 online responses revealed crammed schedules, technology overuse are among the biggest factors that half left today’s youngster exhausted without a healthy life balance. It also showed there were gaps in program delivery by the city.
“In essence, the city heard, youth and young adults are looking for convenient, low-cost and engaging opportunities with flexibility in times, location and commitment levels,” said a city press release. “They also want to connect with peers who have shared interests and with positive adult leaders who recognize their abilities, understand their needs and can support them in their goals.”
The city said four key themes emerged from the consultation:
• A quarter of youth and a third of parents or adults said youth have a good life balance with diminishing time for recreation. It was suggested offering activities in more locations that are closer to home, school and youth hangouts would help.
• Drop-ins are the most popular way for youth to participate. Pass sales are on the rise as registered programs tend to suffer a drop off after age 14. Some suggested lower costs, more social time, more non-competitive recreation activities and activity destinations where they can do homework, socialize, snack or drop-in.
• They’d like to have more positive connection. A third of the youth surveyed said best part of programs was meeting new friends and hooking up with current ones. They also appreciated connecting with caring adults. There were suggestions of creating more social connections in programs and developing clubs for those with shared interest.
• Some youth also wanted in on being a leader, developing the skills so they could be more involved in the decisions on developing and designing programs and services.
The draft youth strategy is expected to be presented to council in late spring.
Information about the project can be found at coquitlam.ca/youthplan.
