The Squamish Youth Centre building is being closed, leaving young people without a central gathering space until the new Youth Hub opens in 2021.
A District news release, issued Feb. 14, states the closure will occur on March 16.
“It is with great reluctance that we close the current Youth Centre in advance of the new facility opening. However, it is our absolute priority to continue to support all local youth with programming, services and, when needed, extra support until the new Youth Hub opens on Buckley Avenue next year,” says Mayor Karen Elliott in the release.
“With the input, direction and energy from youth who helped us build the new Youth Strategy, I know we can succeed and meet the needs of our young people through this transition.”
According to the release, the building is being shuttered due to costly plumbing repairs.
In the meantime, programming, services and resources for youth will be offered at various locations by the District, the Arts Council and Sea to Sky Community Services.
“For more than two decades, Sea to Sky Community Services has been delivering high quality, accessible programs and social services to young people at the Squamish Youth Resource Centre,” says Jaye Russell, SSCS executive director, in the release.
“Due to circumstances out of our control, that building must now be closed. However, we are building a new Youth Hub with the help of our community partners. It will provide a safe and welcoming place for all youth, and offer a range of recreational and educational programming, as well as that extra support when needed to help with the challenges we all face growing up.”
A new Youth Hub will open in 2021 in the Buckley Avenue affordable rental housing building near Howe Sound Secondary School.
