Thunder Bay now hosts a chapter of Planet Youth, a global initiative designed to foster healthier environments for young people. United Way of Thunder Bay, Mayor Ken Boshcoff, Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU), city council, and local partners launched the program with a signing ceremony at city hall on Friday.
Proven Approach from Iceland
Planet Youth employs a structured, data-driven strategy inspired by Iceland’s success in reducing youth substance use from some of Europe’s highest rates to the lowest. Desiree Green, Planet Youth coordinator at United Way of Thunder Bay, describes the initiative as a “long-term, sustained” effort without fixed timelines, distinguishing it from typical programs.
“It focuses on changing the environments around young people to prevent substance use initiation,” Green states.
Addressing Local Challenges
Students in Thunder Bay report elevated levels of stress, loneliness, anxiety, and substance use compared to provincial averages. Local youth experience earlier initiation and sustained multi-year harms from substances, exceeding provincial rates by over ten times for more than a decade.
How Planet Youth Works in Thunder Bay
Young people complete a 45-minute to one-hour online survey. Data transmits to Planet Youth headquarters in Iceland, generating reports within six to eight weeks. Decision-makers gain access to real-time insights on community risk and protective factors for youth.
The program enables a structured prevention plan, promotes a prevention culture, and centers youth voices as co-designers of solutions. “This is their city,” Green emphasizes.
Encouraging Youth Participation
Sheena Albanese, health promotion planner at TBDHU, urges youth involvement. “Planet Youth is a future-oriented enterprise, and the future belongs to youth,” she states. “Your experience, ideas, imagination, and leadership are essential.”
Albanese highlights the program’s emphasis on community action and youth empowerment, bringing diverse voices including Indigenous leadership to ensure culturally grounded, locally relevant actions.
City’s Commitment to Prevention
Louisa Costanzo, community safety and well-being manager for the City of Thunder Bay, notes daily impacts of substance use, mental health issues, and social disconnection. “Planet Youth makes sense because it’s preventative and collaborative,” she says. “It brings schools, families, service providers, partners, the city, and youth into one shared effort grounded in real local data.”
“Investing in youth is not only important — it’s vital,” Costanzo adds. “We can’t build a thriving community if young people don’t feel connected, supported, and hopeful. Planet Youth strengthens protective factors like families, schools, friendships, and meaningful activities.”
The initiative supports long-term prevention through data-guided actions, aligning the community to intervene early.
Mayor’s Vision
At the launch, Mayor Ken Boshcoff reaffirmed Thunder Bay’s dedication to prevention and partnerships. “Youth well-being is a collective responsibility,” he declares. “This initiative unites schools, families, service providers, and leaders for coordinated, data-informed action to help young people thrive.”
