National Youth Employment Program Funds Trail Repairs and Meaningful Jobs in Magnetawan
As the summer of 2025 approached, the Trans Canada Trail in Magnetawan, Ontario, needed attention. Just as residents were getting outdoors, dead trees and overgrowing vegetation threatened to obstruct the popular route near the village’s lock system.
Facing potential maintenance delays due to limited resources, the local municipality was at a crossroads. Luckily, they accelerated the work through Trans Canada Trail’s National Youth Employment Program (YEP).
Designed to support jobs that contribute to the development of trails, the YEP provides funding to trail operators to employ youth aged 15 to 30 for trail maintenance projects. The initiative also aims to provide training to young people interested in pursuing rewarding and sustainable careers in the trail sector.
“Accessing YEP funding allowed the municipality to complete this important project while supporting meaningful employment opportunities for local youth,” says Laura Brandt, Deputy Clerk, Recreation and Communications at the Municipality of Magnetawan.
“The program helped stretch municipal resources further and contributed to the long-term sustainability and usability of local trail assets.”
Photo credit: Municipality of Magnetawan
Going above and beyond with trail maintenance
Once granted the funding, Laura interviewed and hired two local young people who demonstrated enthusiasm, interest in the outdoors and openness to skill-building.
Initially, their tasks were focused on clearing the Trail of debris, raking leaves and cleaning up. However, they soon offered to replace two sets of stairs that were starting to rot.
“They took that project on themselves,” recalls Laura, adding that both employees made a material list and completed the work before their contract ended.
The two young people also volunteered to assist with other municipal tasks throughout the summer, working above and beyond their 200 hours of work.
The project resulted in significant benefits for the local community, while providing the youth employees with valuable experience and sustainable trail maintenance skills.
As more people flocked to the Trail near the Magnetawan River, locals reached out to the municipality to express their appreciation.
“We had such great, receptive, positive reviews on Facebook, not only about how the Trail was cleaned up and the stairs, but how respectful and engaging the youth were when people went through the Trail and were speaking to them,” says Laura. “It was really great.”
Photo credit: Municipality of Magnetawan
Apply for the National Youth Employment Program
Trans Canada Trail invites all trail operators and municipalities to hire youth employees with a grant from the YEP.
Examples of tasks that can be funded by the YEP include:
• Trail stewardship
• Trail event planning
• Chainsaw training
• Budgeting
• Data processing
We strongly encourage all employers to support youth who face barriers to employment in trails, including Indigenous youth, new Canadians and youth living in remote areas.
For more information and to apply, visit the YEP webpage.
The National Youth Employment Program is generously supported by Bass Pro Shop’s Outdoor Fund, the Co-operators, Parks Canada, and Power Corporation of Canada.
About Trans Canada Trail
Stretching nearly 30,000 kilometres across every province and territory, the Trans Canada Trail is cared for locally by trail and community groups. As a charity, Trans Canada Trail advocates for and stewards this nationwide system. We support community-led trail projects through the Trail Catalyst Fund and we share reliable trail knowledge through the Centre for Trail Excellence.
Main photo credit: Municipality of Magnetawan
