Members of Concern for Youth were before city council in North Battleford Monday to present a feasibility study for a potential new teen centre in the city.
The completion of the study was something long awaited by the City and Concern for Youth Executive Director Nicole Fidelak presented the findings Monday.
The board had talked informally about a teen centre and then the decision was made to do a feasibility study to identify specific needs, supports, potential issues and to help guide the agency in developing something.
It was a slow process, acknowledged Kent Lindgren, board chair of the Concern for Youth, but he made clear they wanted something sustainable.
They were “really particular about making sure that we were able to follow through,” said Lindgren.
A survey was created. Input from other agencies was sought to see what such a centre should have and what the expectations were. For those other community members and agencies, according to Fidelak, the top priorities for a teen centre would be life skills training, structured programming, recreation and sports and cultural programming.
Youth were consulted as well, and they expressed a desire for accessing structured recreational sports or skills training, such as cooking classes or learning about finances.
The board and staff determined such a centre would need couches, pool tables and a TV, as well as computers and other items.
The next steps, according to the delegation, are to look for funding opportunities, as well as to identify potential locations and available properties.
While there were supportive comments at council, the discussions were general in tone at Monday’s meeting, as the feasibility study report mainly served as an update to council on Concern for Youth’s plans.
