Construction begins on controversial complex
WINNIPEG, MB—Winnipeg mayor Sam Katz can't understand why everyone isn't happy that the local chapter of Youth for Christ (YFC) is building a Centre for Youth Excellence "to provide youth with constructive recreational opportunities and other programs" that "help youth make good life choices."
"Even when great ideas come forward, there will still be criticism," said the mayor at the June 24 sod-turning ceremonies for the controversial complex. "This is something positive and wonderful. I've toured YFC's existing facilities and I've seen how they give kids a place of safety and hope."
In February Katz fought a tough battle at city hall to secure civic support for the $12.6 million project at the corner of Higgins and Main, a site in a hard-scrabble part of the city that's been sitting vacant for more than a decade. To date, federal and civic contributions account for $6.3 million and YFC is raising most of the rest privately.
The controversy erupted over the prospect of using public funding for faith-based organizations. It was further complicated because the YFC proposal proceeded on a fast track that precluded consultation among groups—mostly aboriginal—already operating in the area.
YFC executive director John Courtney says he has been working quietly behind the scenes to establish and restore relationships damaged in the public debate.
Minister of public safety Vic Toews, who championed the plan at the federal level and landed stimulus funding, joined Katz one the platform. "The funding we provided is secondary to the work by YFC," he said, noting that the federal contribution of $3.2 million is for the construction of the facility.
"The government contributed some of the capital, but all the ongoing operational costs are private—to the benefit of the public," he explained. "This site needs renewal. I am confident YFC will do exactly that. This will be a centre-piece."
Courtney announced that he had received three major private donations totaling $3.5 million, leaving $3.8 still to come in. He does not know how much the province will be kicking in.
Courtney told reporters that the centre is open to all youth from anywhere in the city. "This is not an aboriginal centre; it's a youth centre," he said. "We welcome youth from all cultures. Our approach is integration." He indicated that YFC is making progress in developing better relations with its new neighbours. "Let the healing continue," he said.
Youth for Christ Winnipeg plans to consolidate all its existing facilities under one roof. The ministry presently serves 4,403 youth between the ages of 12 and 18, and aims to increase that to 10,000 youth annually by 2015. "We take the view that when we give youth the right opportunities and support, it can make a lasting difference."
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