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HAY RIVER
It appears that discussions about the future location of the Hay River Community Youth Centre have returned to where they began almost two years ago.

On Aug. 8, Glen Wallington, chairperson of the youth centre, told town council that a number of options have been looked at, but the centre should stay where it is on Woodland Drive instead of relocating as the town wants.

That would be the most effective way to fulfil the youth centre's mandate of helping youth and keeping them out of the downtown core, he added.

Wallington requested that the Town of Hay River consider either agreeing to a long-term lease or granting the property to the organization.

"I know that I'm asking a lot, but I believe it's worth it, and I believe it needs to happen and it needs to happen now," he said.

"The youth of Hay River need it and you can make it happen."

Back in late 2009, the town made it clear that it wanted the youth centre and the Hay River Soup Kitchen, which subleased a portion of the lot, off the land.

The lot is zoned commercial, not institutional for organizations like the youth centre and the soup kitchen, and the town wants to correct that violation of its bylaws.

Wallington said the long-term goal is that a new youth centre can eventually be built on the lot as a multi-purpose facility that will involve other groups.

However, that depends on stability in order to obtain financial support from funding agencies.

"Long-term stability for us is essential," he said. "It's essential for any fundraising that we do."

Wallington said the Hay River Ministerial Association, which operates the youth centre, has looked at various options, including moving to the old pool area in the recreation centre, partnering with the Soaring Eagle Friendship

Centre and even moving into a part of the existing hospital when a new one is built, but none of the options is appropriate.

The idea of the youth centre staying on the current lot did not receive a warm response from council.

Deputy mayor Mike Maher said he's not convinced that the existing lot is the right location for the youth centre.

"I'm still committed to helping you guys find a new home," he said, adding he doesn't believe the old pool area has been ruled out.

"I think there are still lots of options on the table," Maher said.

"I think we just need to look a little harder at that."

The deputy mayor also noted the soup kitchen has already moved off the lot with $35,000 in assistance from the town.

"I think it would be really unfair of us to just give you the land at this point," he told Wallington.

"I think we still need to help you find a permanent home."

Mayor Kelly Schofield also noted the soup kitchen has moved.

"I just don't see the fairness factor in asking one group to leave and letting the other one stay," he said.

The mayor asked Wallington if a piece of institutional land recently purchased by the town on Cameron Crescent would be of interest to the youth centre.

Wallington said that land is too far removed from downtown.

Schofield said the youth centre has to broaden its horizons in the search for a new location.

The youth centre has been on the Woodland Drive lot for about 16 years.

That was only supposed to be a temporary, year-to-year arrangement.

The lease expired in 2005 and has not been renewed.

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