Editor’s note: We were pleased to receive the following press release from Lanark County Council about its decision to contribute to the re-establishment of a youth centre here, following the sudden closure of the Almonte ‘TYPS’ centre on Mill Street in 2014.
Council has approved the release of $40,000 that was included in the 2016 approved budget towards a youth centre in Mississippi Mills.
This follows a presentation by Diane Smithson, Mississippi Mills CAO, at a community services committee of the whole meeting earlier this month.
The Take Young People Seriously youth centre in Almonte closed in October 2014, with no long-term youth program set up to replace it. Processes in the spring and fall of 2015 identified opportunities for youth projects, including a new youth centre. Ms. Smithson indicated the projects work to address municipal concerns and unmet needs for youth around LGBTQ, addictions, mental health and more.
She said an interim committee has been established to begin planning the Mississippi Mills Youth Centre and funding applications are underway. First steps would be to hire an executive director and summer staff, apply for grants, recruit board members and complete the incorporation process.
A temporary centre will be located at the Almonte Curling Lounge, with a permanent location identified over the summer months with an anticipated September opening.
Mississippi Mills is allocating its full budgeted amount to summer staffing, materials and supplies, initial start-up costs and rent.
This year, as in past years, the county has allocated $40,000 to each of the five youth centres (Perth, Lanark Highlands, Carleton Place, Smiths Falls and Mississippi Mills). For more information, contact Mary Lou White, Children’s Services Manager, at 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 2301.
