Leduc hosts consultation for new youth centre

LEDUC -- The City of Leduc will be hosting an open house tomorrow to discuss plans for a new youth centre.

The facility has been proposed for Kinsmen Park with the goal of providing local supports for Leduc's growing youth population. While a final decision on the matter has yet to be reached, planning for the new youth centre has been ongoing for several years. As part of the public consultation process, an open house has been scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 20, at the Leduc Civic Centre.

The open house will allow residents, park users, youth, parents, and community groups to learn more about the project, ask questions, and share perspectives. In a statement, the City of Leduc says that community feedback gathered during the open house will help inform city council's consideration of the project.

They note that Kinsmen Park is being explored because of its existing recreational amenities and accessibility for youth and families. It would serve as a safe and supervised space to support young people through activities and opportunities, including drop-in programming, recreation, leadership development, employment readiness, and connection.

If plans for the new youth centre move forward, there are several different ways it could be owned and operated. This includes a model that would see it owned and operated by the city, while another option could see it partner-owned and operated by B-G-C Leduc. Last summer, a geotechnical study was conducted, which determined Kinsmen Park as an ideal location.

Thursday's open house will take place from 4:00 to 8:00 p-m at the Leduc Civic Centre, while a second public engagement will take place on Sept. 2. Residents can also take part in an online survey until Sept. 13.