1UP Fall Conference 2026

Upstream: Youth Building Flood-Resilient Cities — empowering high school students to explore and shape more resilient cities for the future. Welcome to the 1UP Fall Conference 2026 Upstream! Ready to help build more resilient, equitable, and sustainable communities? Start here. This year’s conference theme, Upstream: Youth Building Flood-Resilient Cities, invites young people to think proactively about how our cities can prepare for and respond to the growing impacts of flooding and climate change. The 1UP Fall Conference 2026 brings together high school students, young professionals, educators, planners, designers, and community leaders from across Ontario for a full day of hands-on learning, collaboration, and city-building. Through interactive workshops, competitions, career conversations, networking opportunities, and the Urban Futures Fair, participants will explore how climate justice, urban planning, and civic leadership can create stronger communities for everyone. This is your platform. Bring your ideas, meet industry professionals, build your network, and gain practical skills that will help shape the cities of tomorrow. What to Expect: • Keynote Address on Climate Justice — Hear from Juan Rueda, Senior Program Manager, Climate Adaptation Planning at ICLEI Canada. • 1UP Competition — Watch participants pitch their best flood mitigation solutions for Evergreen Brick Works for a chance to win cash prizes. • Evergreen Brick Works Walking Tours — Explore the site and learn more about this unique city-building environment. • Career Panel: Climate Justice & City-Building — Hear from professionals about career pathways, experiences, and opportunities related to climate justice and city-building. • Urban Futures Fair & Resume/Portfolio Review Clinic — Connect with organizations offering city-building volunteer, employment, and post-secondary opportunities and receive feedback on your resume or portfolio. • Common Ground Workshop (CIVIX) — Take part in an interactive afternoon workshop. • Networking Reception — Meet fellow participants and professionals and build new connections. • Awards Ceremony — Celebrate the finalists and winners of the 1UP Competition. • Complimentary Food & Refreshments — Breakfast refreshments, lunch, and food during the Networking Reception will be provided. What to Bring: • Yourself and your ideas • A laptop (strongly recommended as all conference materials will be accessed digitally) • Notebook and pen • Reusable water bottle Refer-a-Friend Giveaway: Help spread the word about the 1UP Fall Conference 2026! Refer a friend to register and attend with you for a chance to win a $20 multi-store gift card. Each of you will earn one raffle entry when your friend signs up and attends. Questions?Email us at [email protected] About the Organizers Urban Minds Urban Minds creates meaningful opportunities for youth to shape equitable and sustainable cities. Through youth engagement, education, consulting, and programs such as 1UP Youth City Builders, Urban Minds equips young people to become active city builders and changemakers. Evergreen — Event Partner Evergreen is a national non-profit dedicated to transforming public spaces to build healthier, more sustainable and climate-ready communities. Working with communities across Canada, Evergreen creates vibrant public places that strengthen communities and help cities respond to pressing urban and environmental challenges.