“CityServe” will provide more at-risk youth work experience this summer
TORONTO - Mayor Chow is expanding youth programs for at-risk teenagers this summer to build safer and stronger neighbourhoods. She made the announcement Friday at McGregor Park Community Centre in Scarborough, alongside dozens of youth who benefit from city programs. She was joined by local Councillor Michael Thompson and members of the Mayor’s Youth Safety Taskforce: Deputy Mayors Paul Ainslie and Amber Morley; Councillors John Burnside, Anthony Perruzza.
The CityServe program provides paid work experience for youth 16-24 most vulnerable to violence and crime. Today’s announcement will expand the program to youth aged 14-18 over the summer months when school is out. CityServe was created by Mayor Chow to prevent youth violence and give young people more opportunities.
“If we empower and support youth, especially those most at risk, we can create safer and stronger neighbourhoods for everyone across our city,” said Mayor Chow. “By expanding CityServe, we’ll be giving teenagers access to work experience, a chance to give back to their communities, and positive, healthy path forward”
Running year-round, the CityServe program serves youth ages 16-24 and focuses on building meaningful employment opportunities, mentorship and violence prevention support. Mayor Chow has a motion coming to the May Executive Committee to expand the CityServe Program.
“I’ve spoken to mothers who have lost children to gun violence. It is heartbreaking and traumatizing for families. I promised I would provide young people a better path and more hope for the future,” said Mayor Chow. “That’s how we steer young people away from violence or crime, and build long-lasting community safety.”
Through her budgets, Mayor Chow has invested an extra $5 million annually into community-based youth safety programs across the City. Her 2025 youth Summer Safety Plan engaged 15,000 youth and 550 parents and caregivers in summer recreation and violence prevention programs. As a result, youth violence dropped 40% across the city. This work will continue in 2026 and is part of the broader SafeTO, Toronto’s community safety and well-being plan.
BACKGROUND:
- CityServe was created through a motion by the Mayor to provide youth employment, mentorship and skill building opportunities, to prevent youth violence and create safer neighbourhoods. See the motion by the Mayor here: https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2025.MM32.36
- While CityServe and the Summer Safety Plan are targeted for youth at highest risk of violence or crime, Toronto also hires 16,000 young people annually through jobs in recreation, special events, museums, and more.
- Through her budgets, Mayor Chow has invested an extra $5 million annually into community-based youth safety programs across the City. Youth violence prevention programs are part of SafeTO: Toronto’s 10-Year Community Safety & Well-Being Plan, which has an annual budget of $43 million.