The loss of the Squamish Youth Resource Centre until 2021, as the shiny new Youth Hub is built, is a serious blow to the youth who currently use the centre as a second home before and after school.
The District announced on Valentine’s Day that the centre will close March 16 due to costly plumbing repairs needed in the 1960s-era facility, which once served as the community police station and later an art annex.
Until the new hub is built as part of the Buckley Avenue development, programming, services and resources will be offered by Sea to Sky Community Services, the Squamish Arts Council and others at various locations throughout the community.
Those offerings are sure to be top-notch, but this plan misses the fact that the current location is where 30 to 40 youth between the ages of 12 and 18 gather every day.
I live near the centre and go by it daily.
It isn’t just a place where youth access programming and crisis services, it is where they hang out — where they feel safe. It is their space. Some don’t want the programming offered, they just want to feel safe and hang out in a judgment-free zone.
Laughter, music, smiles and hugs are often shared by youth who linger just outside its colourful walls.
They get loud at times, as young people do, and should, when they feel comfortable with their surroundings.
Tucked in the trees right next to Howe Sound Secondary it takes little effort for students to get there.
Contrary to popular belief, it isn’t only troubled youth who utilize the centre, but the bottom line is two years could be detrimental for those who are struggling.
The powers that be are undoubtedly well-meaning and no one can argue that the new Youth Hub won’t be awesome — but with it not opening until 2021, that is too long for these kids to go without a home of their own.
After all, for students in Grade 10, the new centre likely won’t open until they have graduated high school. That is a lifetime for a high-schooler.
Why not put in a portable or another temporary facility on the grounds next to the current facility? Or give the youth a temporary space downtown? It just needs to be within walking distance of the high school, alternative school and bus routes and be theirs alone.
Over the next few weeks, further announcements about what is to come for the youth are expected. Many will be holding their breath waiting to see what those are. I will be too.
If this issue matters to you, reach out and tell the District, squamish.ca/recreation/youth-services.
