JASON SETNYK
Nearly 900 people attended the 2026 Youth Engagement Fair at the Benson Centre, bringing together dozens of local organizations, clubs, and service providers for an afternoon focused on connecting young people with opportunities in the community.
The free event, organized by the Social Development Council SDGCA, invited youth aged 11 to 17 to explore interactive booths, meet local organizations, and learn about programs that support their interests, well-being, and future goals.
Melanie Boileau, Project Manager with the SDC SDGCA, said the goal of the fair is to help youth discover the many resources available to them in the region.
“I can’t say that I was surprised to see how many people are here already,” said Boileau. “This is our third year, and youth are starting to recognize it as an annual event.”
The fair featured a variety of activities designed to keep youth engaged while encouraging them to visit booths and speak with exhibitors. Attendees could participate in a passport challenge, enjoy free popcorn, try hands-on activities, enter prize draws, plus a few new features.
“We added a few things this year,” she explained. “For example, we added a virtual reality activity, and a script-and-sticker activity where youth can learn how to write their name in Arabic. And this year we also had free skating on Pad One.”
Dozens of booths filled the Benson Centre’s main floor, from the Cornwall Public Library to Diversity Cornwall to the Seaway Valley Music Academy.
Among the participants was the 110 Stormont Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps, which provides youth aged 12 to 18 with leadership training, physical activity, and opportunities tied to Canada’s naval traditions.
Master Cadet Dylan Mitchell said the group attended the fair to encourage more young people to get involved.
“We’re representing our corps to encourage more youth to join and to show them the fun things we do,” said Mitchell. She said cadets gain unique experiences that many youth would not otherwise have the chance to try.
“It’s a great opportunity to meet new people and have experiences you wouldn’t normally have,” she said. “For example, we go sailing a lot, which you don’t usually get to do in Cornwall.”
Another exhibitor, the Cornwall Aero Modellers, introduced visitors to the hobby of building and flying radio-controlled aircraft.
Club contact Edmund Renaud said the group enjoys sharing their passion for model aviation and meeting others interested in the hobby.
“We fly model airplanes down on Cornwall Centre Road,” he said. “We love the hobby and the camaraderie-you get together with a whole bunch of people and spend the afternoon having fun.”
The club operates out of Leger Landing, a designated flying field outside the city where members gather to fly their aircraft. Renaud said newcomers are always welcome and often start by learning with experienced members.
The Social Development Council of Cornwall and Area works with local agencies and governments across Cornwall, Akwesasne, and the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry to address issues such as poverty reduction, food security, employment, and community well-being.
Boileau said the strong turnout this year suggests the event will likely continue to expand.
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