Climate change has become a part of our daily lives, and we are all experiencing its effects. Therefore, it’s more important than ever that our communities are strong, and able to withstand these effects and have ways to take care of ourselves and each other. Building climate resilient communities means both empowering citizens to be prepared for the effects of climate change and providing networks and infrastructure to ensure everyone can stay healthy under the effects of climate change.
To start cultivating climate resilient communities, the City of Vernon and Youth Climate Corps BC are putting on a series of resiliency workshops. The community is invited to attend these workshops and be guided through simple do it yourself projects that can help reduce the impact of climate change. All materials are included in the workshop as well as instructions so participants can feel empowered to teach others how to create these tools.
Urban E-Bike Social Tours
The Youth Climate Corps BC is hosting several guided e-bike rides throughout the City of Vernon. One of the goals of these rides is to encourage citizens to use biking as a method of transportation by exploring urban bike paths in and around Vernon as well as going over bike safety tips. Additionally, these rides are a chance for citizens to socialize and enjoy biking together as a community. All experience levels are welcome!
Book an e-bike
E-bike rentals from Kalavida are $15 but if the price is a barrier, please reach out to slammi@vernon.ca.
Air Filter Workshops
In this workshop participants will create simple air filters using a box fan and filter. This filter can be used in your home to clean the air during periods of intense wildfire smoke or air pollution. Participants will be instructed step by step how to make these filters, and all materials will be provided as well as take home instructions so participants can teach others how to build these air filters.
Register Online
There is no cost to participate in these workshops.
Weather Resiliency Starter Kit Workshops
Participants will begin the process of making a ‘go bag’ of items that might be useful in the event of a wildfire evacuation and receive some tips of what other items they could add to their bags at home. Additionally, participants will also walk away with a ‘cooling kit’ to help them stay cooler during periods of intense heat. All the materials and information in this workshop are meant to encourage participants to start thinking about how to prepare for these events and this is not complete training on what to do in these scenarios. Rather, this is an opportunity to start preparing some resources and get to know other organizations and community members to strengthen resiliency in extreme weather. All materials are provided to participants free of charge.
Register Online
There is no cost to participate in these workshops.
Climate Conversation Café
Hosted by a local youth member of Youth Climate Corps BC, our Climate Conversation Cafe is an informal gathering space to come and connect with like-minded people interested in climate action. Building resilience through connection and storytelling, we will have an open conversation about eco-anxiety and share how to cope with our busy world.
Register Online
There is no cost to participate in these workshops.
Climate Conversation Café Dates:
- Thursday, July 24th and August 14th from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the Vernon Library Community Room.
Your Voice, Your Route: Shaping Vernon’s Transit Together
Your Voice, Your Route: Shaping Vernon’s Transit Together is a youth-led community workshop inviting residents to reimagine local transit. Through interactive maps, creative activities, and open discussion, participants will explore current service gaps, share ideas, and discuss more accessible, sustainable, and inclusive bus networks. Whether you're a regular rider, new to transit, or just passionate about improving your community, join us for this workshop! Free and open to all ages. Everyone is welcome!
This workshop is hosted by Youth Climate Corps BC - Vernon mobilizer, Manvir, who is a student of Geography and climate change at Okanagan College. He was born in India and moved to Canada in 2023. He lives in Vernon, BC, on the traditional territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation. Manvir has always loved being out in nature, whether it's hiking forest trails, observing wildlife, sitting by the water, or getting peace and purpose from the natural world. Manvir is a devoted student and loves learning from his peers and mentors especially pertaining to climate change. He is very committed to understanding ecosystems and helping others care for them. He is also very interested in community building and making personal connections within communities.
Register Online
There is no cost to participate in these workshops.
Your Voice, Your Route Workshop Dates:
- August 21st from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Vernon Library Community Room.
Ecosystem Empowerment
Youth Climate Corps BC - Vernon is hosting a fun, interactive and art based workshop that focuses on the importance of Vernon’s Ecosystems. Learn about our BX Falls, Grassy Hills and Alpine forests while painting and conversing with other attendees! Free for everyone to attend, wear clothes that can get paint on them! All ages welcome!
This workshop is hosted by Kira (she/her) who spends most of her time on the unceded territory of the Syilx peoples. When she isn’t walking, hiking or looking for bugs Kira can be found in a library – researching insects, wildlife and ecosystems alike. After the Summer Kira will be starting her Environmental Science degree at the University of Northern British Columbia with a major in Wildlife Conservation and Practice.
Register Online
There is no cost to participate in these workshops.
Ecosystem Empowerment Workshop Dates:
- August 23rd from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Vernon Library Community Room.
Sustainable Fashion Clothing Swap
Ready for a wardrobe refresh? Come join Youth Climate Corps BC at the Okanagan Regional Library (Vernon branch) for a Community Clothing Swap! This free, drop-in event is open to all genders and ages, and promotes sustainable textile consumption in a casual, inclusive setting. As your “entrance fee,” please bring a bag of clean clothes in fair condition to swap.
This clothing swap is hosted by Ria, the coordinator for Youth Climate Corps BC in Vernon. Ria (she/her) who grew up on the traditional and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples. Passionate about climate action, she moved to the territory of the Syilx peoples to pursue a Bachelor of Sustainability at the University of British Columbia Okanagan campus. In her third year of school, Ria is committed to applying what she learns in her studies to real-world climate action scenarios. She aims to use her degree to change consumption patterns within various industries, creating a more climate-conscious culture. Some of her hobbies include thrifting, playing guitar, and cafe hopping.
Register Online
There is no cost to participate in these workshops.
Sustainable Fashion Clothing Swap Dates:
- August 23rd from 2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Vernon Library Community Room.