Toronto to Double Youth Employment Readiness Capacity in Parks and Recreation by 2026
Toronto youth employment programs will expand in 2026 with doubled capacity, free certifications and new hiring pathways for young people.
TORONTO — The City of Toronto is moving to significantly expand youth employment readiness opportunities, with Mayor Olivia Chow announcing plans to double the capacity of the City’s Building Skills Through Recreation program beginning in 2026. The initiative is part of a broader effort to improve access to jobs and reduce barriers for youth across the city.
The City employs more than 16,000 youth each year, making it one of Toronto’s largest employers of young people. The expanded program will increase participation to up to 2,000 youth annually, with a focus on supporting equity-deserving groups and underserved neighbourhoods.
City of Toronto announces plan to double its employment readiness capacity for youth in Parks and Recreation.
Read the full news release: https://t.co/56sA9Prj8q pic.twitter.com/AfbhjBSJ2M
— City of Toronto 🇨🇦 (@cityoftoronto) November 25, 2025
Building Skills Through Recreation: More Courses, More Access, More Jobs
The Building Skills Through Recreation program provides free employment readiness training, including certifications and job placements, for youth aged 15 to 24. The City’s expansion includes:
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100+ certification courses planned for 2026
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60 local hiring events across Toronto
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Free access to required credentials such as first aid, lifeguarding and coaching certifications
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Training in areas such as aquatic leadership, sports literacy and camp leadership
City officials say the increased investment will help young people gain the skills they need to secure jobs both within the City’s workforce and with external employers. Staff also remain connected with program graduates to support ongoing job placement.
Mayor Olivia Chow said the expansion is part of a commitment to creating a more supportive city for young people:
“Too many young people are struggling to find work, and this needs to change. That’s why we are doubling the City’s Building Skills Through Recreation program to support up to 2,000 youth in 2026. By expanding free training, certifications and local hiring opportunities, we’re making it easier for young people to get their first job and stay employed. We are making sure Toronto is a caring city that delivers for you.”
New Report Identifies Five Key Actions to Remove Barriers
A new staff report titled “Reducing Barriers to Youth Employment” outlines how the City plans to strengthen youth employment pathways. The report recognizes the distinct challenges faced by Indigenous, Black, newcomer and 2SLGBTQ+ youth, as well as youth living in underserved communities.
The proposed actions include:
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Making job postings more transparent, accessible and inclusive
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Modernizing the City’s recruitment system
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Expanding training and certification opportunities
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Increasing youth partnerships and influence
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Leveraging major City events to support youth hiring
The report will be considered at the Economic and Community Development Committee on December 2. The full agenda item is available on the City’s website:
https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2025.EC25.7
Source: City of Toronto — Official News Release, November 25, 2025
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