SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. - Since opening its doors in 1996 the busy youth centre and Skate Park in Summerside has served thousands of youth from Tignish to Montague as a safe place to learn, develop, and socialize.
But after falling into severe disrepair, the wheels are now in motion for major renovations on the Generation XX Inc. facility starting next year, so future generations can be positioned for success.“We’ve been working on this for a couple of years and we finally signed the papers and had the agreements with the federal and provincial governments for some funding,” said Gordon Whitlock, the executive director of Generation XX.
“We’ve also teamed up with the John Howard Society as part of their homeless partnering strategy, which includes youth that has nowhere to go or are at risk of being homeless, so we are going to be providing some services upstairs in the boardroom area for them,” he added.
Renovations of the building, located at 328 Notre Dame Street, will begin on Jan. 1, 2019.
“The first phase of the project will be the lobby, basement, and upstairs. We’re talking about gutting it down to the bare studs, adding new supports, flooring, a shaft for an elevator…” shared Whitlock.
Renovations for the first phase are estimated to take three months to complete before the second phase begins.
“Phase two is twice the money as the first completion stage,” stated Whitlock. “Its $1 million and that includes an addition upstairs that will go over the skate park, which will be like a mini gym. It will also include an elevator so that the building becomes fully accessible to everyone.
“It includes a new outside exterior, new windows, doors, accessible washrooms, showers, kitchen, craft room, and boardroom on the upper level.”
The Government of Canada and the province are supporting the upgrades, enabling the organization to continue their work with youth, helping them become productive members of the community.
Through an Innovative Communities Fund, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is providing the project with a non-repayable contribution of $297, 500. The P.E.I. Government is contributing $50,000 through the Department of Rural and Regional Development.
The Government of Canada and the four Atlantic provinces are invested in driving economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy. By supporting initiatives like Generation XX, a skilled workforce can be built, along with strengthening rural communities and creating opportunities for youth.
“Kids that need food can get something to eat here. It’s a better place to do their resume or job search, training on skills, and that type of thing, so we are excited about the future,” chimed Whitlock, while noting the final renovations will open more opportunities with the additional space.
Funding proposals are still in the works regionally, provincially and municipally for the second stage of renovations, according to Whitlock. “But we will start our capital campaign in the New Year to make sure that we are putting some funds in the pot too.”
Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont, said in a press statement that the youth of Prince County have benefitted for the programs offered by Generation XX.
“From its recreational uses to teaching life and social development skills, the facility is a unique gathering spot in Summerside for the city’s youth. The Government of Canada is proud to support Generation XX Inc. with its planned upgrades.”
He continued, “I commend the great work carried out by this organization to help better serve young Atlantic Canadians. When our youth are supported with programs that teach them life skills, our society, and economic benefit.”
