It was a big day for local youth at Squamish’s municipal hall.
Residents ranging from early teens to young adults filled all the seats in council chambers as elected officials approved a youth strategy the District had drafted in partnership with young locals.
At the same meeting, which took place on Nov. 26, councillors also approved a non-binding memorandum of understanding that was intended to lay the framework for the new youth centre planned in the Buckley Avenue development.
But before the motions were approved by elected officials, the youth helped present some of the key recommendations that were proposed by the youth strategy, a document that’s intended to guide how the municipality will engage with its younger residents.
One key message was to ensure that no one gets left behind.
“While these are all excellent asks, things that will increase services and increase opportunities for youth throughout Squamish, throughout this time we also have to ask whose youth are going to be serviced by this,” said Nate McCarthy, the president of the Quest University Students Association.
He urged municipal officials to ensure that youth in more trying circumstances still get access to the resources outlined in the plan.
Among the key recommendations was the creation of a mayor’s youth council, which would advise elected officials on how to best serve that demographic.
It also called for maximizing youths’ participation in municipal decision making and encouraged the District to provide grants, scholarships and support volunteerism, among other things.
The document also urges council to assist young adults by providing life skills courses, such as programs on renters’ rights, and mentorship opportunities.
The youth also pointed out that the high cost of rent in town hurts young adults moving out on their own.
Afterward, Sea to Sky Community Services gave an update on the youth centre.
Executive director Jaye Russell said the hub would have games such as foosball and pool, a projector for movies, a kitchen, a lounge area, washrooms, showers, a flex space and more.
A clinical area with its own separate entryway will also be included.
The hub is expected to be open by 2021 and currently, Sea to Sky Community Services is in the process of trying to raise the $1.4 million needed to build the facility.
Under the memorandum of understanding’s terms, the municipality will provide a ground lease to the society for 60 years.
The society will then build the hub and lease portions to Vancouver Coastal Health, Ministry of Children and Family Development, School District 48 and possibly others.
The society will be in charge of the overall management of the hub.
