Planet Youth Initiative Officially Unveiled in Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay has introduced a new chapter of the global Planet Youth initiative, aimed at fostering healthier environments for young people. The launch took place on Friday with a signing ceremony at city hall, involving United Way of Thunder Bay, Mayor Ken Boshcoff, Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU), city council, and various local partners.
Planet Youth provides a structured, data-driven strategy inspired by Iceland’s success in dramatically reducing youth substance use rates from among Europe’s highest to the lowest.
A Long-Term Approach to Prevention
Desiree Green, Planet Youth coordinator at United Way of Thunder Bay, describes the initiative as a “long-term, sustained” effort without fixed timelines, setting it apart from typical programs. “It focuses on changing the environments around young people to prevent substance use initiation,” Green stated.
Local students report elevated levels of stress, loneliness, and anxiety. Substance use rates exceed provincial averages, with earlier onset and sustained harms over a decade—more than 10 times higher than elsewhere in the province.
How the Program Operates
Youth will complete an online survey lasting 45 minutes to an hour. The data heads to Planet Youth headquarters in Iceland, generating reports within six to eight weeks. These reports deliver real-time insights into community risk and protective factors for young people, empowering decision-makers.
Green emphasizes that the initiative centers youth voices as co-designers of solutions based on survey findings. “Their voice is being heard, and it’s their story. This is their city,” she noted. The program aims to build a prevention culture and structured action plan.
Community Leaders Weigh In
Mayor Ken Boshcoff affirmed Thunder Bay’s dedication to prevention and collaboration by endorsing Planet Youth. “Youth well-being is a collective responsibility. This initiative unites schools, families, service providers, and leaders for coordinated, data-informed action to help young people thrive,” Boshcoff said at the launch.
Sheena Albanese, health promotion planner at TBDHU, urges youth participation. “Planet Youth is future-oriented, and the future belongs to youth. Your experience, ideas, imagination, and leadership are essential,” Albanese stated in an email. The approach highlights community action, youth empowerment, and Indigenous leadership, ensuring culturally grounded responses.
Louisa Costanzo, community safety and well-being manager for the City of Thunder Bay, highlights the program’s preventative and collaborative nature. “It brings schools, families, service providers, partners, the city, and youth into a shared effort based on local data,” Costanzo said. “Investing in youth is not only important—it’s vital.”
Costanzo stressed strengthening protective factors like families, schools, friendships, and activities. “We can’t build a thriving community without connected, supported, and hopeful young people. This aligns the community for earlier action and long-term prevention,” she added.
