By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

YMCA to operate new Northside Community Centre

Oct 25, 2018 | 5:30 PM

The City of Red Deer says it is in the process of establishing the YMCA as the operator of the new Northside Community Centre.

On Monday, city council will review the facility’s operating budget because it has entered into an agreement with the YMCA of Northern Alberta which would see that organization lease and run the entire facility when it opens in July 2019.

“The YMCA approached us earlier this year about establishing a presence in the community,” said Shelley Gagnon, Recreation, Parks and Culture Manager. “As a result, we explored an operating model that would see them operate the Northside Community Centre.”

The design for the facility at Taylor Drive and 77 Street has been refined over the last two years, and will include multi-purpose space that can act as both gymnasium and special event gathering areas, culture programming space, flexible office/meeting rooms, a fitness studio, kitchen teaching space, interactive technology and play space, and a youth drop in area.

It’s proposed annual operating budget is more than $848,000.

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“With the Operating Agreement with the YMCA in place and construction well underway, the budget is the final piece of the puzzle,” Gagnon adds. “We’re looking forward to getting the Northside Community Centre open in July to serve the residents of North Red Deer and the broader community.”

More information on the agreement between The City and the YMCA will become available at Monday’s council meeting. In the meantime, the City has released a Q and A backgrounder.