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City Council has officially adopted a motion to support at-risk Toronto youth and prevent violence and crime.

On May 20, 2026, City officials reviewed a budget proposal dedicated to investing more money and time for youth employment programs in the city.

Toronto already runs the CityServeTO program, which provides paid work to young people who are vulnerable to violence and crime. 

Mayor Olivia Chow sent a letter on April 28, 2026 to propose expanding the program for the summer. The expansion will provide 100 youth, aged 14 to 18, with paid work that supports community building, skills training, mentorship and violence prevention. 

The Executive Committee approved the motion from Chow, which was reviewed at the most recent City Council meeting. The councillors moved forward with the decision to increase funding by $615,000 and to ask city agencies, like the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and the Toronto Community Housing Corporation, to develop and implement a plan for skilled trades jobs. 

A CityServeTO staff member said that youth employment is at a “historic high” of 16.8%. He says that’s higher than the 9.8% figure from before the pandemic. 

Councillor Michael Thompson asked how the 100 young people will be chosen.

A CityServeTO staff member said that the program looks at Neighbourhood Improvement Area (NIA) data, as well as statistics from the Toronto Police Services, to identify where there are high rates of youth violence. The team is also looking at working with community organizations and school boards to see who may need the program most. 

All present council members voted in favour of the item.