Proclaimed by the City of Ottawa and held annually during the first week of May, Youth week highlights the incredible contributions of young people in sports, civic engagements, the arts, and the community. This city-wide initiative brings together community partners, organizations, and above all youth from across Ottawa to inspire, connect, and showcase their talents.
Untapped: A Legacy of Youth Innovation — Evolving for What’s Next
For more than a decade, Untapped has been one of Youth Ottawa’s most impactful and celebrated initiatives. A flagship event that showcased the creativity, leadership, and problem-solving power of young people across Ottawa.
Originally launched as a large-scale youth action and social entrepreneurship showcase, Untapped brought together hundreds of students each year who had spent months developing projects through Youth Ottawa’s Social Enterprise Program (SEP) and partner school board programs. These projects reflected deep thinking, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to making communities stronger. The 2024 Untapped Youth Action Showcase, hosted at the National Arts Centre, marked a high point in this legacy. Delivered in partnership with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) and the Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) Social Entrepreneurs Program, the event welcomed over 550 students in grades 4–12. Youth presented entrepreneurial ventures designed with social purpose; demonstrating, year after year, that young people are not just future leaders, but capable changemakers right now.
The Mayor for a Day Contest gives Ottawa high school students a unique opportunity to step into the role of the city’s leader, gaining firsthand experience in municipal governance and city-building. Winners have the chance to shadow Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, learn about city initiatives, and engage with key decision-makers to discuss Ottawa’s future.
Last year, we congratulated Asim and Assia on winning the contest!
Their action-packed day included:
- Shadowing the Mayor and engaging in discussions about city priorities.
- Touring City Hall, meeting City Manager Wendy Stephanson, and attending a meeting with the Mayor’s communications team.
- Attending a facility update and tour with members of Ottawa City Council and stakeholders at the new 34-acre waterfront community, Zibi Project.
New for 2026: Expanded Leadership Experiences
In 2026, Ottawa Youth Week features an exceptional lineup of civic, sport, and business leaders opening their doors to the next generation.
Through our Mayor 4 A Day and CEO 4 A Day leadership contests, selected high school students will spend a full day shadowing one of Ottawa’s most influential leaders — gaining real-world insight into leadership, decision-making, and community impact.
2026 Leadership Opportunities
Mayor 4 A Day
Mark Sutcliffe – Mayor, City of Ottawa
CEO 4 A Day
Cyril Leeder – President & CEO, Ottawa Senators
Stéphane Giguère – CEO, Ottawa Community Housing
Mark Goudie – President & CEO, Ottawa Sports & Entertainment Group
Rachael Wilson – CEO, United Way East Ontario
Birket Foster – Investor & CEO, Storm Internet
Sueling Ching – President & CEO, Ottawa Board of Trade
John Liptak – President & CEO, Oakwood
Darin McCorriston – Founder & CEO, TSMI
The Mayor for a Day Contest gives Ottawa high school students a unique opportunity to step into the role of the city’s leader, gaining firsthand experience in municipal governance and city-building. Winners have the chance to shadow Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, learn about city initiatives, and engage with key decision-makers to discuss Ottawa’s future.
Last year, we congratulated Asim and Assia on winning the contest!
Their action-packed day included:
- Shadowing the Mayor and engaging in discussions about city priorities.
- Touring City Hall, meeting City Manager Wendy Stephanson, and attending a meeting with the Mayor’s communications team.
- Attending a facility update and tour with members of Ottawa City Council and stakeholders at the new 34-acre waterfront community, Zibi Project.
New for 2026: Expanded Leadership Experiences
In 2026, Ottawa Youth Week features an exceptional lineup of civic, sport, and business leaders opening their doors to the next generation.
Through our Mayor 4 A Day and CEO 4 A Day leadership contests, selected high school students will spend a full day shadowing one of Ottawa’s most influential leaders — gaining real-world insight into leadership, decision-making, and community impact.
Mayor 4 A Day
Mark Sutcliffe – Mayor, City of Ottawa
CEO 4 A Day
Cyril Leeder – President & CEO, Ottawa Senators
Stéphane Giguère – CEO, Ottawa Community Housing
Mark Gowdie – President & CEO, Ottawa Sports & Entertainment Group
Rachel Wilson – CEO, United Way East Ontario
Birket Foster – Investor & CEO, Storm Internet
Sueling Ching – President & CEO, Ottawa Board of Trade
Darin McCorriston – Founder & CEO, TSMI
A New Chapter for Untapped
Like many youth-serving initiatives across the city, Untapped has been affected by broader funding changes. As a result, the Untapped Youth Action Showcase will no longer proceed in its previous large-scale format. However, the spirit of Untapped is very much alive.
Moving forward, Untapped is evolving into a new form; one that reflects Youth Ottawa’s commitment to sustained youth engagement, leadership development, and real-world connection. Untapped is now the name of Youth Ottawa’s monthly youth networking and programming series, hosted at Ottawa City Hall. These monthly Untapped sessions are designed to be:
- A consistent gathering space for youth voices
- A hub for civic learning, leadership, and opportunity
- A place where youth can connect directly with decision-makers, mentors, and peers
- A visible platform for youth who want to be seen, heard, and involved in shaping their city
- A consistent gathering space for youth voices
This evolution allows Untapped to reach youth more regularly, more equitably, and with deeper long-term impact, while continuing to honour the legacy of what Untapped has always represented: youth potential, activated.
Learn more about the new Untapped monthly sessions: