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Youth Centre Engagement

BGC Leduc currently operates youth programming in the Leduc Recreation Centre and has been exploring opportunities for a future stand-alone facility. They have identified Kinsmen Park as a potential location.

No decisions have been made. Before moving forward, City Council is committed to hearing from the community to gather perspectives and input that will help them understand what should be considered when thinking about:

  • Whether and how a youth centre could move forward in Kinsmen Park
  • What matters for the park and neighbourhood
  • How a future facility could be owned and operated

Whether you live nearby, use Kinsmen Park, are a young person or parent, or are simply interested in Leduc’s future, Council wants to hear from you.

Complete survey

What is a youth centre?

The potential youth centre would be a safe and supervised space that supports young people through activities and opportunities, including drop-in programming, recreation, leadership development, employment readiness, and connection. It is not an overnight shelter.

Why Kinsmen Park?

Kinsmen Park is City-owned land, and it is being explored because of its:

  • Existing recreational amenities
  • Accessibility for youth and families

Community input will help Council understand what should be considered as they explore whether and how a potential Youth Centre could move forward in this location.

Map of Kinsmen Park showing the proposed Youth Centre location between the outdoor rink and Leduc Track John Bole Park.

Proposed Youth Centre location within Kinsmen Park.

Ownership and operations

If a youth centre moves forward, there are different ways it could be owned and operated.

For example:

  • City owned and operated
  • Partner owned and operated (such as by BGC Leduc)
  • Shared model, with responsibilities between the City and a partner

Community input will help Council determine potential paths to explore further.

Group of young people standing in a circle with hands stacked together in the center, symbolizing teamwork and community connection.

How to share your input

Open houses

Attend a public open house at the Civic Centre to engage in deeper conversations about the project. Drop in to the atrium on:

  • Thursday, Aug. 20 between 4 – 8 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Sept. 2 between 4 – 8 p.m.
Survey

Complete the online survey before Sept. 13.

Community Pop-Ups

You may see our engagement team around the city and at events throughout the summer. They want to hear your thoughts and answer your questions.

Other ways we’re engaging

In addition to public engagement opportunities, we are also connecting directly with:

  • Nearby residents through mailouts and one-on-one conversations
  • Community groups that use Kinsmen Park or are related to those who may access a future youth centre
  • Youth through BGC Leduc programming, summer programs, Youth Council, and schools

Timeline

July – August: Broad community engagement

September: Engagement at schools

October – November: What We Heard Report shared with Council and community

A group of seven diverse young adults smiling widely and taking a selfie outdoors during the day.

Contact

We are committed to making this opportunity accessible to everyone. If you have questions or feedback, require accommodations, or would like to provide input in another way, please contact Kiann McNeill, Director, Communications and Marketing Services at [email protected].

FAQ

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.

Map of Kinsmen Park showing the proposed Youth Centre location between the outdoor rink and Leduc Track John Bole Park.

Proposed Youth Centre location within Kinsmen Park.

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.

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 are encouraged to participate.

You can participate by completing the online survey or by attending a community pop-up or public open house.

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