By: Christian Collington, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, TheIFP.ca

As local students settle back into the classroom, two Halton Hills community youth hubs have geared up for a major autumn influx of teenagers and young adults seeking recreation, social connections and essential support services.

Back-to-school surge follows strong summer attendance

Alexandra Fuller, the town’s director of communications, said last year, overall attendance jumped by an average of “120 per cent” from the summer months into the autumn season as youth sought spaces after school hours.

She added that town staff anticipate a similar surge this fall, bolstered by a 33 per cent increase in summer programming attendance compared to last summer and upcoming outreach visits to local schools.

“Historically, participation at our youth centres increases during the fall season as students return to school and seek safe, welcoming spaces to spend time during after school hours,” Fuller said.

With the new school year underway, both locations have returned to their fall and winter schedule, opening daily from 3 to 7:30 p.m. for youth aged 12 to 24.

Activities are hosted at 19 Willow St. N. in Acton and 96 Guelph St. in Georgetown.

Community partnerships expand support services

While recreational activities and peer drop-ins are the main draw, Fuller said community partnerships play a crucial role in expanding what the centres can offer.

Aligned with the town’s Youth Service Delivery Model, external service providers use the spaces to deliver food security initiatives, mental health and addiction resources, homelessness support, harm reduction education and practical life skills workshops.

External grants and community donations have also enabled the town to introduce tailored, free-to-low-cost activities without drawing solely on municipal operational budgets.

For example, the town’s Hoops for Youth program was built directly around feedback from local participants.

Fuller explained that the program is funded through Canadian Tire Jumpstart and was “developed in response to feedback from local youth who expressed interest in having access to indoor basketball opportunities during the fall and winter months in Acton.”

Dedicated hubs for youth engagement

Beyond specific programming, Fuller said the core strength of both facilities lies in staff mentorship and fostering a consistent sense of belonging for local youth.

“Town-trained staff build meaningful relationships with participants, creating opportunities for engagement, mentorship and ongoing support,” she said. “Our youth centres serve as dedicated community hubs where youth can access a safe and inclusive environment, participate in activities of their choice and build positive social connections.”

Local youth looking to share feedback, pitch new program ideas or join youth committees can speak to staff at either location, connect on Instagram or email the town’s recreation co-ordinator at edunn@haltonhills.ca.

More information on the current month’s slate of activities can be found online.