The Ontario Heritage Trust honours young people who have contributed to the preservation of local heritage. The Young Heritage Leaders program awards certificates of recognition and pins to young people who have given their time and enthusiasm to heritage projects or activities.

Achievements have included the design of heritage websites, protection of natural heritage areas, production of local history publications, development of walking tours, costumed interpretation at historic sites and volunteering at local museums.

Individual and group nominees under the Young Heritage Leaders program will be considered for the Lieutenant Governor's Ontario Heritage Award for Youth Achievement. This award recognizes the most exceptional group in each of the built, cultural and natural heritage nomination categories, and the most outstanding individual nominee across all categories.