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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, July 3, 2015 | 6 Youth centre a bonus A youth centre in Glen Abbey is good news. Questions from residents that have cropped up about its move -- from near the Oakville GO station at 177 Cross Ave. to a Glen Abbey plaza at 1131 Nottinghill Gate -- are more likely due to the fact that news of the relocation came as something of a surprise rather than opposition to the centre. The Town of Oakville's agreement in signing the new lease came up at the committee level in late June and was unanimously supported by Council Monday. Ward 4 Councillor Allan Elgar made it clear, that though he led the charge at Monday's council meeting in pressing for answers to public questions, he supports the youth centre. We do, too. There was a day not too long ago -- the early 2000s -- when the Town was stymied as to where to put a youth centre. Kids were hanging around and there were complaints they had nothing to do, but many residents balked at having a youth centre in their community. At the ingenuity of Ward 5 Councillor Jeff Knoll, Oakville's rst youth centre was eventually established on Cross Avenue -- where it had no residential neighbours to speak of. The centre has quietly existed since with no word of any trouble surfacing, but many success stories. Youth centres have since been established in Bronte (2296 Lakeshore Rd. W.) and the Queen Elizabeth Park Community Cultural Centre (QEPCCC) (2302 Bridge Rd.). There are also outdoor skateparks and an indoor venue at Kinoak Arena. In fact, The Town of Oakville was recognized as a Youth-Friendly Community and received Play Works' gold designation for outstanding commitment to providing young people with opportunities to play, participate in and contribute to their community. Play Works is an independent group committed to encouraging and promoting a greater investment in youth play. It celebrates Ontario communities that provide those aged 13-19 with opportunities in arts, recreation or civic leadership. Town staffers have said public information meetings will be held to answer residents' questions about the Glen Abbey location's operation. According to Commissioner of Community Services Colleen Bell, the centre, which should be open in Glen Abbey in January 2016, is for those aged 12 and older. It will be open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3-8 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 3-10 p.m. Currently, the 1,500-square-foot centre is operated and staffed by the Town. It features a large, open multiuse area, computer lab, small kitchen and staff of ce. It offers a variety of programming that allows youths to develop skills, build positive social skills with other youths, and feel a sense of belonging. Town staff say the Nottinghill Gate location offers a 2,400-square-foot facility, in a large residential area, and close to three elementary schools, two high schools and an Oakville Transit route. There was a day in Oakville when youths often complained that there was nothing to do. Thankfully, those days are gone. For those who are not involved in sports or other activities, and for those who are and want something more, there is lots for youths to do in Oakville -- and at youth centres in or near their home neighbourhoods. Right where they should be. Editorial H O W T H E I R G A R D E N "Connected to your Community" G R O W S 5046 Mainway, Unit 2, Burlington ON L7L 5Z1 General Inquiries: (905) 845-3824 Classi ed Advertising: (905) 632-4440 Circulation: 5300 Harvester Rd., Burlington (905) 631-6095 Volume 53 | Number 53 The Oakville Beaver is a division of Editorial and advertising content of the Oakville Beaver is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Vice ­President and Group Publisher of Metroland West Regional General Manager Halton Region Editor in Chief Advertising Director NEIL OLIVER DAVID HARVEY JILL DAVIS DANIEL BAIRD Managing Editor A co-operative community vegetable garden has been added to the grounds of the Anglican Church of the Incarnation on Old Abbey Lane. The garden features a trio of raised beds and is the work of 20 people, including the church's community garden co-ordinator Nadine Asmis. Pictured are some of the 20, gathering by one of the raised garden beds, including: from left, Gary Chambers, Zach Boulert, Chloe Chambers, Beth Morrison and her husband Mac, while Asmis waters some of the tomato plants. | photo by Graham Paine ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog or facebook.com/HaltonPhotog) ANGELA BLACKBURN RIZIERO VERTOLLI Photography Director Business Manager Director of Production SANDY PARE MARK DILLS MANUEL GARCIA Reader dislikes all Cultural Hub options Re: Downtown Cultural Hub, Oakville Beaver, Friday, June 26, 2015 I would have thought that the entire Oakville Centennial complex (library, pool, etc.) was an historic, heritage structure. It should be protected from destruction because it is a symbol of our relationship to Canada, is lovely just the way it is and has architectural and historical signi cance. It is ridiculous to suggest that "once a pool is built at the future community centre, to be created at the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hos- Letter to the Editor Production Manager Director of Distribution CHARLENE HALL KIM MOSSMAN Circulation Manager pital (OTMH) property, the downtown pool will no longer be needed and will be demolished." Why not build all the new amenities they want to builds at the OTMH site, rather than tear lovely things down? I think all three options are terrible. One photo used in the presentation materials, pictures an amphitheatre surrounded by mountains... I ask you? A student would get a failing grade on this submission, it is ridiculous. What about the injured workers memorial? Seeing red. Rachel Couban, Oakville Proud Official Media Sponsor For: Canadian Circulations Audit Board Member Recognized for Excellence by Ontario Community Newspapers Association Canadian Community Newspapers Association Three cheers for Rotarians at rainy Ribfest Rain or shine, Rotarians are always there for our community. The rain came, but it didn't dampen spirits of the hardworking Rotarians and energetic volunteers at the Co-operators Oakville Family Ribfest. Despite cool rainy weather, Ribfest was alive with local bands, delicious ribs and, of course, laughter and smiles from the proud Oakvillians who were not going to let rain ruin a great party. The wet weekend is another example of how Oakvillians always come together with great spirit and pride for their community. Thank you, Oakville Trafalgar Rotary Club for your leadership and dedication to our community. Barbara Ferrone, Oakville Proud Official Media Sponsor For: The Oakville Beaver welcomes letters from its readers. Letters will be edited for clarity, length, legal considerations and grammar. In order to be published all letters must contain the name, address and phone number of the author. Letters should be addressed to: The Editor, Oakville Beaver, 5046 Mainway, Unit 2, Burlington ON L7L 5Z1 or via email to ablackburn@oakvillebeaver.com. The Beaver reserves the right to refuse to publish a letter. The Oakville Beaver is a member of the Ontario Press Council. The council is located at 80 Gould St., Suite 206, Toronto, Ont., M5B 2M7. Phone 416-340-1981. Advertising is accepted on the condition that, in the event of a typographical error, that portion of advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with a reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged for, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the applicable rate. The publisher reserves the right to categorize advertisements or decline.