Mapped!, an interactive online map of resources, services and opportunities -- created by youth, for youth -- is aiming to give youth a louder voice in Vancouver.
More than 400 youth took part in the project, a partnership between the City of Vancouver, Sustainable Cities International and various youth organizations.
The project was developed after studies revealed youth wanted more opportunities for municipal involvement, said Coun. Andrea Reimer.
“[Most] can't vote, they don't feel connected to city policy and decision-making. To provide them with empowerment we need to do it from the ground up," she said.
Young people aged 12 to 18 worked together to identify and map more than 100 places they thought other youth should know about.
In addition to youth shelters and clinics, participants also pinpointed their favourite spots to grab a good burger, play basketball or see a movie.
Users can choose different categories, including "community centres," "basic needs," "food," and "recreation," to highlight young folks' favourite spots.
The map will be a valuable resource for the city, Reimer said.
"The simplest use of it is looking at areas where youth aren't finding assets," she said. Health care is the greatest concern, she said, as many young people said they feel uncomfortable going to community clinics.
"They need to know there's somewhere they can go where they won't run into their mom's best friend," she said.
She said the city will also be looking at areas where resources exist, but for whatever reason, youth are not identifying them as safe or helpful places.
The online map is meant to be an interactive space for youth to discuss the city. Users can flag locations as "caution zones" if they have concerns.
Parents should feel safer knowing their kids are discussing safe spaces in their communities, Reimer said.
"As a parent, I find it very powerful to have that information from the perspective of youth."
At the launch party at Creekside Community Centre Saturday, about 30 young people gathered to discuss public spaces in Vancouver.
