1UP Fall Conference 2026

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.

Email us at [email protected]

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.

Info: Participants will take part in one of the following: (1) Walking Tour of Evergreen Brick Works
(2) 1UP Competition - Round 1
All participants of the Fall 2026 1UP Competition will pitch their best flood mitigation solutions for Evergreen Brick Works to a panel of judges to win a cash prize of $600. Please note that registration for the competition is separate from conference registration. Competition registration closes on November 5, 2026 at 11:59PM.

Info: Connect with organizations offering city-building volunteer, employment, and post-secondary opportunities.

Info: Finalists advancing to the final round of the 1UP Competition will be announced.

Info: Moderated by Ryan Lo, Co-Executive Director of Urban Minds
Hear from professionals about career pathways, experiences, and opportunities related to climate justice and city-building.

Info: Choose from one of the following concurrent sessions:
1. Urban Futures Fair & Resume/Portfolio Review Clinic
2. Common Ground Workshop (CIVIX)
3. Walking Tour of Evergreen Brick Works (repeat of Morning Session)

Info: The top two teams pitch.

Info: 1UP Competition Winners Announced:
1st place = $600 + Trophy
2nd place = $300 + Ribbon + Limited Edition 1UP T-shirt + Sticker
3rd place = $100 + Ribbon + Limited Edition 1UP T-shirt

Event venue & nearby stays

Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Canada

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.

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