City taxpayers will spend $2,408 to host the B.C. Youth Parliament at City Hall over three days in March.
City staff recommended against the request.
"We just don't have the funding," said Rob Woodland, director of legislative and regulatory service.
Coun. Marianne Alto "vociferously" disagreed, calling it an excellent use of council chambers.
"It is very important for us to allow these folks to see what their future might be if they choose public service," she said.
Council passed the motion despite outstanding questions about why the provincial Legislature can't host or help fund the sessions.