Media Release | Planet Youth Nogojiwanong brought to you by Peterborough Youth Substance Use Prevention (PYSUP) kicks off data collection at local high schools

The initiative brings together community partners to reduce youth substance use following the Icelandic Prevention Model (IPM)

PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO — Tuesday, March 31, 2026

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PYSUP Community Partners were joined by Peterborough MP Emma Harrison, City of Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal, Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark, Lakelands Public Health Medical Officer of Health Dr. Thomas Piggott, and Public Health Agency of Canada Policy Analyst Olanna Barnett to announce the next phase of the PYSUP initiative.  

The goal of this long-term, community-driven work is to prevent and reduce substance use harm among youth by increasing their sense of connection and belonging in their community. 

Peterborough is one of thirteen projects across Canada currently funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Youth Substance Use Prevention Program (YSUPP). In 2024, PYSUP received initial funding of $125,000 to begin adapting the IPM to the local context and received an additional $720,560 in fall 2025 to continue this work. To date, there are more than 16 community partners coming together to plan, implement, and support this work, including local youth to ensure the work is centered around youth's voice.    

Peterborough MP Emma Harrison emphasized the importance of this community-driven work to reduce substance use in the Peterborough area.

“Our government is proud to partner with the incredible organizations doing meaningful prevention work that uplifts and protects future generations. Under the clear and strong leadership of Dr. Thomas Piggott and Lakelands Public Health, this initiative is grounded in science and data and focuses on reconnecting young people to their communities and to nature, and to a sense of belonging. By investing in the Peterborough Youth Substance Use Prevention Initiative, we are supporting a proactive, evidence‑based approach that helps youth thrive." 

After laying the foundation and actively engaging youth at local schools, PYSUP announced Tuesday that local data collection will begin in Spring 2026 at three secondary schools. Students will complete a survey that covers the topics of health, well-being, behaviour, and substance use. PYSUP will also host focus groups, attend community events, and create a Youth Planning Table. Hearing directly from youth will be central to this process. The data collected through these engagement opportunities will provide valuable local insights to help inform action plans and interventions shaped by data, youth voice, and the broader community.   

Dr. Piggott expressed his excitement for the opportunities this funding will provide the region.

"This nearly $1 million in funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada is critical to bringing the evidence-based Icelandic Prevention Model/Planet Youth, which has been considered in our region for many years, to Peterborough. Our nature-focused and Indigenous-grounded approach to the project is unique and fitting for this beautiful region of Nogojiwanong. I'm excited for youth engagement and leadership of this work, and our community coming together, to support health for the next generation."  

Peterborough region’s natural beauty will shape PYSUP’s nature focused approach, guided by a Two-Eyed Seeing approach that will braid together Indigenous worldviews and western methodologies. 

PYSUP also unveiled a community art project co-created with local youth as part of Tuesday's announcement. The art installation visualizes data gathered from youth and community members across Peterborough City and County, highlighting where young people spend their time, where connections are happening, and where opportunities exist to strengthen engagement. 

Jasmine Parent, a grade 11 student at Holy Cross spoke about PYSUP’s presence in local schools and her hopes for the work being done, saying

“I have had a few chances to get to know the people of PYSUP and their mission this year and can whole heartedly say they've all been very positive experiences. As a youth myself I can definitely say there are some ways adults can support Peterborough's youth such as including more affordable spaces and activities for teens to give them safe productive ways to express themselves.” 

Peterborough is joining communities across Canada and the world to work towards youth substance use prevention using the Icelandic Prevention Model (IPM), which is recognized globally for its proven ability to improve youth mental health, reduce harmful substance use, and lead to better future life outcomes.