OLDS — Council has approved a proposal by town staff to create a space for groups such as non-profits from inside and outside the community to meet and run programming — all in one facility.
When the idea was pitched to council more than a month ago, the space was envisaged as a place to house a youth centre as well. The Sunshine Bus would also operate out of that facility.
The idea is not to build a new facility, but to move into existing space, most likely in the Uptowne area.
Now that approval has been given for the move, staff, in conjunction with interested groups, will decide on a location.
A tentative name for the facility is the Community Connections Centre.
Council gave the green light for the project during its April 11 meeting. A motion authorizing the move calls on chief administrative officer Brent Williams to coordinate its creation.
During a 22-minute discussion, community services director Doug Wagstaff and lead community facilitator Heather Dixon answered questions from council, many of which were similar – if not identical – to questions posed when the concept was first raised in March.
Council was reassured that the centre wouldn’t cost the town any more money, as the space would be paid for via FCSS (Family and Community Support Services) money, provided via a grant from the province in partnership with the Town of Olds and Mountain View County.
Wagstaff reaffirmed that no extra staff would be hired. The town’s three community facilitators (including Dixon) would move into the new space.
“This is a change that would have no financial impact on the tax draw. It would be a reallocation of funds within the FCSS budget to adjust to a new delivery model,” he said.
Coun. Heather Ryan expressed concern about costs that would be incurred such as renovations, obtaining furniture, hooking up IT services with the town administrative office, and security.
Dixon said at least some of the places they’ve looked at require virtually no renovation – are essentially ready to move into now.
She said Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has gifted Mountain View Moccasin House with some furniture such as tables and chairs.
Also, Dixon said FCSS money can be used for some purchases, if necessary.
She also said some of the groups they’d be working with are “excited” to apply for grants that could cover things like renovations if needed.
As for IT services, Dixon said they had a quote for that already: $3,800.
In regard to security, Dixon said there will always be at least two people in the office; not just staff, but also people connected with one of the groups using the facility.
Besides, they’d follow town procedures for security, should someone be alone in the building.
Ryan said it was her understanding that FCSS dollars can’t cover things like rent.
Finance director Sheena Linderman said staff checked with the provincial government and yes, that money can indeed cover things like rent or utilities.
Coun. Wanda Blatz wondered whether the space would be provided free to all groups utilizing it.
“It’s not all free. There will be some programming office space in there where they would be contributing towards a lease,” Wagstaff said.
Dixon said several local groups have continued to come forward expressing interest in the idea such as Mountain View Moccasin House, Mountain View Resource Network and Olds and District Special Family Voices.
She noted that groups outside of Olds looking for space in Olds include Sexual Assault Centre based in Red Deer and the Centre for Newcomers.
Another group looking for space to meet with clients in Olds is the John Howard Society which works with prisoners to ensure their legal and human rights are upheld and to make changes in their lives to move away from criminal behaviour.
“We are actually bringing in more services to our community, so actually getting more bang for our buck," Dixon said.
Dixon said it’s made very clear to groups they help out that they’re not to expect to always receive FCSS funding. The money is there to help them while they find a way to become self-sufficient.
“I really applaud you for the word use of services and connections. It’s like one big sharing circle we’re trying to create, like a hub,” Dahl said.
