Potential Youth Centre in Kinsmen Park

Boys and Girls Club (BGC) Leduc currently operates youth programming in the Leduc Recreation Centre and has been exploring opportunities for a stand-alone facility. They have identified Kinsmen Park as a potential location, and before any decisions are made the City is committed to hearing from the public.

No. No decisions have been made. City Council is gathering community input before determining next steps.

A youth centre is a safe, supervised space where young people in age cohorts of 12-17 and 18-24 can participate in programs and activities such as drop-in programming, recreation, leadership development, employment readiness support, and social connection opportunities. It is not an overnight shelter.

As the community continues to grow and change, the need for safe, welcoming and supportive spaces for teens and young adults has also increased. Since 2023, there has been a 116% increase in the number of youth registered in BGC Leduc’s expanding programming (growing from 135 registered participants to 292 today). Evidence suggests that services like this offer youth access to environments that develop positive relationships, strengthen social-emotional skills, and build confidence and resilience in the next generation of residents and community leaders. Consistent access to caring adults, meaningful activities, and community connections are key preventative factors that contribute to positive long-term outcomes for children, families, and the broader community. 

Kinsmen Park is being explored because of its existing recreational amenities and accessible location for youth and families.

Kinsmen Park is the only potential location currently being explored. Community feedback will help Council determine whether it is suitable.

The proposed site is outlined in the map below. No facility designs have been developed at this stage.

If the project moves forward, there are a variety of ownership and operating model options that could be considered, such as city-owned and operated, partner-operated (for example, by BGC Leduc), or a shared model. Community input will help Council determine which approaches to explore further.

The current infrastructure does not create a barrier to building on the site. It would be taken into consideration during construction design if the project were to move forward.

The City has not asked BGC to move out of the LRC. BGC have identified the need for more space and have been seeking a location for a standalone facility.

BGC Leduc currently operates youth programming in the community at the Leduc Recreation Centre. They would be a key partner in delivering programs if a new facility is developed.

Community input will help Council understand different perspectives and make informed decisions about whether to move forward with Kinsmen Park as the location for a potential facility and what to consider when exploring potential ownership and operating models for the facility.

All residents were encouraged to participate.

Engagement has concluded. Thank you to everyone who participated.

All input is being reviewed and summarized in a What We Heard Report, which will be shared with Council and the community later this fall.