It’s been a long time coming, but Dryden is once again home to a Youth Centre.
The old facility was closed in 2013 due to City budget cuts.
The doors to the new facility will officially open at 1:00 this afternoon (Friday) at the old Dryden Children’s Resource Centre on 113 Albert Street.
The location has been offered in-kind by the Kenora District Services Board, who recently purchased the building from the City.
The KDSB was able to secure funding to hire a full-time Youth Centre Facilitator.
Megan Silander was a guest on the CKDR Morning Show today (Friday) and she says they will be offering a variety of programming.
Silander says “In the Youth Centre right now, we do have an air hockey table, a couple of couches and it’s just a safe space for the youth to come and hang out.”
She adds “I am excited to work with the youth and gain a perspective on what types of activities and events they would like to take part in.”
The dream to once again open a Youth Centre was a joint effort, with a number of organizations and individuals coming together to form the Dryden and Area Well-Being Committee.
The facility will be open 1:00pm until 3:30pm and 4:30pm until 9:30pm, Tuesday to Saturday, from now until the end of summer.
The grand opening will be held on Friday, July 12th, with a youth dance beginning at 7:00pm.
For now, the Centre will operate through to August 24th.
Dryden Police Community Services Officer Denise Szachury says “The Youth Centre will allow young people to drop-in and participate in a variety of free, supervised activities. Activities taking place this summer will be driven by youth input to ensure that participants gain a sense of ownership and belonging to the centre.”
She adds “An extensive youth survey was conducted, which resulted in 281 responses. The survey showed that youth want a safe environment where they can participate in activities.”
Catherine Kiewning is the Youth Engagement Coordinator of the Northwestern Health Unit and she says “A Youth Centre is a worthwhile endeavour for youth in our community to feel empowered, valued and at the forefront in determining meaningful activities for themselves. In partnership with the youth, we hope to create something that is inclusive and meaningful to all.”
To hear more, visit the Audio link below.
