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YMCA coming to Red Deer… to operate Northside Community Centre

Published

6 years ago

7 minute read

From the City of Red Deer

Council to review budget for Northside Community Centre

At Monday’s regular City Council meeting, Council will review the operating budget for the Northside Community Centre.  The City has entered into an Operating Agreement with the YMCA of Northern Alberta that will see the YMCA lease and operate the facility when it opens in July 2019.

“The YMCA approached us earlier this year about establishing a presence in the community,” said Shelley Gagnon, Recreation, Parks and Culture Manager.  “As a result, we explored an operating model that would see them operate the Northside Community Centre.”

Over the past two years, the design for the Northside Community Centre has been refined and the facility will include multi-purpose space that can act as both gymnasium and special event gathering areas, culture programming space, flexible office/meeting rooms, fitness studio, and kitchen teaching space, interactive technology and play space, and a youth drop in area.

As construction nears completion and the building set to open, Council will consider the annual operating budget for the facility: $848,685.

“With the Operating Agreement with the YMCA in place and construction well underway, the budget is the final piece of the puzzle,” said Gagnon. “We’re looking forward to getting theNorthside Community Centre open in July to serve the residents of North Red Deer and thebroader community.”

More information regarding the agreement with the YMCA, including in-person media availability with The City of Red Deer and YMCA representatives, will be available at the October 29 Council meeting, or see the FAQ.

FAQ

The City of Red Deer has entered into an agreement with the YMCA of Northern Alberta that will see the YMCA operate the Northside Community Centre.

  1. Who is the YMCA of Northern YMCA?With over 2,000 volunteers and staff working together across Northern Alberta who believe in helping children and families reach their full potential, the YMCA of Northern Alberta is a charity dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community.

    For over 111 years they have cared for kids, shaped leaders for tomorrow and helped generations of people come together to find support, get healthier and make friends for life. Their mission is to create life-enhancing opportunities for the growth and development of all people in spirit, mind and body.

    As one of 47 Member Association across Canada, the YMCA of Northern Alberta currently provides programs and services in Edmonton, Grande Prairie and Wood Buffalo.

  2. What type or programs and services will be offered at the Northside Community Centre?Programming will be determined by the YMCA, but the Northside Community Centre features multi- purpose space that can act as both gymnasium and special event gathering areas, culture programming space, flexible office/meeting rooms, fitness studio, and kitchen teaching space, interactive technology and play space, and a youth drop in area.

    The YMCA will operate the facility seven days a week, including holidays. The programs and services that will be offered assume that:

    • ?  The Centre will be a gathering place for community
    • ?  The facility will host a mix of local residents, residents from other areas of the city and user groups
    • ?  The schedule will be responsive to needs and evolve over time
    • ?  The Centre will serve individuals, families, agencies and rental groups
    • ?  Programming will serve the unique needs of the surrounding communities
    • ?  In order to offer a broad range of programming options without diminishing attendance at other City facilities, programming will be complementary especially with the GH Dawe Community Centre given its close proximity
    • ?  Programming will serve and be welcoming to every person – all ages, backgrounds, and circumstance.
  1. Why was the YMCA selected to operate the Northside Community Centre?The Northside Community Centre was originally envisioned to be a City-operated facility, but the YMCA approached The City in the spring and expressed interest in establishing a presence in the community through the possible operation of the Northside Community Centre. Over the summer, Administration explored this operating model, which led to the negotiation of the agreement.

    The City of Red Deer and the YMCA of Northern Alberta are strongly aligned through their focus on healthy, vibrant, inclusive communities where children, adults and families can thrive. The YMCA works with children, youth, adult and families at all ages and stages of their lives, to help them develop and achieve their potential. As a result, they increase their overall health and wellness, develop leadership abilities, and increase their motivation and resilience. Their participation in the YMCA contributes to an increased sense of connection and belonging to each other, to their YMCA community and ultimately to their local and global community.

  2. How will this benefit the community?In addition to the strong alignment between the YMCA and The City of Red Deer when it comes tobuilding healthy, vibrant, inclusive communities for children, adults and families, the YMCA’sproposed services and programs for the Northside Community Centre directly align with the Recreation Parks and Culture department mandate. They also meet six of the 10 Social Policy Framework Community Goals.

    As a well-known and established organization, the YMCA also brings extensive experience in housing, poverty prevention and reduction, employment services, and child care, that has the potential to extend beyond the Northside Community Centre.

    Further, the YMCA’s service delivery model is built on a foundation of fostering social change. With intentional program design to address community needs and risks, the YMCA is able to respond with a broad spectrum of opportunities to deliver social outcomes.

  3. When will the Northside Community Centre open?Construction is underway and we expect the facility to open by July 1.
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After 15 years as a TV reporter with Global and CBC and as news director of RDTV in Red Deer, Duane set out on his own 2008 as a visual storyteller. During this period, he became fascinated with a burgeoning online world and how it could better serve local communities. This fascination led to Todayville, launched in 2016.

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Community

100+ Women Who Care Red Deer celebrates 10th season in 2025 with new leadership

Published on November 27, 2024

By

L to R: Cindy Jefferies, Susan Knopp, Lane Tomalty, Bre Fitzpatrick
Photo credit: The SnapHappy Photographer

After a decade of leadership under Cindy Jefferies and Susan Knopp, 100+ Women Who Care Red Deer (100+ WWCRD) is proud to celebrate 10 years of supporting local charities and the announcement of Bre Fitzpatrick and Lane Tomalty as its new co-leaders. This marks an exciting new chapter for the group, which has made a significant impact on not-for-profit organizations in Central Alberta.

Cindy and Susan have led 100+ WWCRD with vision, dedication, and a commitment to empowering women to lead and inspire change. Under their stewardship, the organization has raised over $630,000 for local charities by hosting 4 annual 1-hour meetings. Since 2015, more than 36 local charities have received funding through the group.

Reflecting on their tenure, Cindy and Susan stated:

“Leading 100 Women has been an honour and a privilege. When we began this journey, we didn’t know where it would go – we simply loved the simple, elegant, and fun ‘100 Who Care’ concept and thought it was a great fit for our community. We are grateful to the many women who have stood with us. They are the magic of the organization! We are confident Bre and Lane will steward this leadership role well and we look forward to supporting it – just not from behind the microphone!”

Bre and Lane bring a dynamic energy and fresh perspective to the organization. Both have been involved with the group and have been mentored by Susan and Cindy over the past year. They are eager to continue the collaboration, connection, and local support this team of women have established in Red Deer.

In their joint statement, Bre and Lane shared:

“We are humbled to step into this role and build on the incredible foundation Cindy and Susan have laid. Many needs are at the doorstep of our community and in the hearts and minds of our members. We know a powerful, caring, and united group of individuals can play a huge role in driving change and breaking barriers.

To celebrate this milestone and leadership transition, the 100+ WWCRD hosted the final meeting of 2024 on November 25th at the Red Deer Golf and Country Club. The evening featured reflections from Cindy and Susan, the selection of the Salvation Army as the charity of choice, an opportunity for members to connect with Bre and Lane as they outline their vision for the organization’s next chapter, and a toast to 10 years.

For more information, please visit www.100womenreddeer.ca

About 100+ Women Who Care Red Deer

100+ Women Who Care Red Deer is a network of compassionate, empowered, and dedicated women who make a direct, immediate, and positive impact in Red Deer and area. We support local non-profit and charitable organizations that work every day to make our community a better place to live. 100% of funds donated go to the selected charities – there are no
administration fees, and all costs are covered by the generosity of sponsors. Collectively, we make a difference.

The group meets 4 times annually for 1 hour. Non-profit and charitable organizations are nominated by members. After hearing 3 randomly drawn pitches, the members vote to select their top choice. The group with the highest number of votes receives the members’ donations. Each member or team commits to donating $100 at each meeting. Since 2015, the average raised has been more than $15,000 per meeting.

Membership is open to all women In Red Deer and area. We invite you to join us! The first meeting of 2025 will be on Monday, February 3, 2025.

Founded in February 2015, the organization currently has about 150 members. We are committed to uniting this powerful group of 100+ women who care and lifting the amazing non-profits and charitable groups they support.

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Community

Festival of Trees tickets on sale! Update from the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation

Published on October 28, 2024

By

Festival of Trees tickets are on sale now! Get ’em while they’re hot!
If you want to taste all the flavors at Festival of Wines & Spirits, experience the enchantment of Mistletoe Magic, or treat your family to a morning of fun at Festival Pajama Breakfast, it’s time to buy your tickets!

Learn all about Festival of Trees and purchase your tickets at reddeerfestivaloftrees.ca!

Red Deer Regional Health Foundation Announces Cath Lab Opening 5 Years Ahead of Schedule
The Red Deer Regional Health Foundation, in collaboration with AHS, is proud to announce the fast-tracked opening of a Cardiac Catheterization Lab (Cath Lab) at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. With a permanent facility scheduled for completion in five years, this critical fixture will allow for care on an accelerated timeline, offering life-saving cardiac care to the residents of Central Alberta.

Manon Therriault, CEO of the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation, emphasized the significance of this development. “In cardiac care, time isn’t just money—it’s muscle. The earlier patients receive treatment, the better their chances of recovery. This Cath Lab, coming approximately five years earlier than expected, could save up to 160 lives.”

The Cath Lab, which will be housed in a retrofitted space within the current hospital, will allow local cardiac patients to receive urgent care in Red Deer instead of requiring transfers to hospitals in Calgary or Edmonton. In the future, the lab will be transformed into a cutting-edge Vascular and Neurology Lab, going above and beyond the broader Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre Redevelopment Project, which represents a $1.8 billion investment—the largest hospital expansion in Alberta’s history. The ability to support projects of this importance would not be possible without our donors.

The Red Deer Regional Health Foundation is providing financial support for the essential architectural, mechanical, and electrical upgrades. “This Cath Lab represents an immediate leap forward in improving local healthcare. We’re not waiting to make a difference in the lives of Central Albertans,” said Therriault.

“Through this Memorandum of Understanding with our Foundation partners, we’re underscoring our commitment to enhancing the cardiac care available at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre,” says Karen Foudy, AHS Senior Operating Officer for Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. “By establishing an interim catheterization laboratory, we will be able to provide a new service to patient’s years ahead of the completion of the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre Redevelopment Project which will help reduce the need for cardiac patients to travel to other facilities.

This will also support our efforts to recruit and retain the talented healthcare professionals needed to provide care every day to our patients.”

Women Leading Philanthropy Event Supports Mothers Through the EMBRACE Program
On October 9th, Women Leading Philanthropy (WLP) hosted an invigorating gathering of 60

attendees, all coming together for a meaningful evening in support of the EMBRACE program.

The event highlighted WLP’s dedication to empowering women and making a difference in the

lives of those who need it most.

The EMBRACE program is a vital initiative aimed at supporting women with a history of

substance use during pregnancy. EMBRACE stands for Empowering Mothers and Families,

Mentorship, Building Healthy Relationships, Respect, Actively Listening and Learning,

Collaboration, and Engagement. At the heart of the program is a collaborative care approach,

ensuring that mothers receive comprehensive support throughout pregnancy and into the

postpartum period. The ultimate goal is to empower these mothers to be the primary caregivers

for their babies, equipping them with the tools and confidence they need to thrive.

During the evening, a guest speaker moved the audience with personal stories of her own

journey and that of another mother’s experience with EMBRACE. She shared how the program

had been a source of strength and guidance during some of the most difficult moments in their

lives, underscoring the powerful impact of community support.

As part of the fundraising efforts, EMBRACE totes—special bags given to mothers during their

stay in the hospital—were auctioned off. Each tote is filled with approximately $100 worth of

essential items for both mother and baby, including personal hygiene and comfort items, snacks,

things to pass the time in the hospital, and baby necessities like sleepers, sleep sacks, and

soothers.

Looking ahead, WLP is excited to grow its membership and continue selecting impactful causes

to support. The energy and passion shared at events like this are a testament to the power of

collective philanthropy.

Reflecting on the event, WLP member Sara Gerrard shared, “Being part of a group that

empowers women through philanthropy is incredibly rewarding. Events like ‘Connect for a

Cause’ in support of the EMBRACE program not only showcase the collective impact we can

have but also inspire us to strive for even greater change. Together, we’re making a difference,

one initiative at a time.”

With such a strong start, WLP is eager to see what the future holds as they continue to engage

in meaningful causes and strengthen their impact on the community.

VIEW OUR IMPACT REPORT

Red Deer Regional Health Foundation raises and disburses funds for programs, services, and the purchase of medical equipment for the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre and other health centres in Central Alberta.

Click here to view a list of some of the equipment recently funded by our generous donors.
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