Grandmother's Bay Coun. Gerald McKenzie says building a youth centre is a priority for the community. (Submitted photo/Gerald McKenzie)

By Derek Cornet

new project

Construction begins on Grandmother’s Bay youth drop-in centre

Jun 7, 2022 | 11:09 AM

Some of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band’s (LLRIB) youngest members will benefit from a youth drop-in centre set to open in Grandmother’s Bay this fall.

A ground-breaking ceremony was held in the community on Monday at the future location of the drop-in centre near Nihithow Awasis School. The event was attended by Coun. Gerald McKenzie, who explained the idea for the facility was identified as priority in past comprehensive planning.

“It’s been much needed for the last 30 years,” he said. “We finally worked out a project with Lac La Ronge Indian Band Family and Child Services. They are fully funding it, so now it is time to get it done and get our children a place for them to come and have fun, enjoy themselves and learn at the same time.”

The project has a budget of $300,000 and it will include a single-storey building approximately 900 square-feet. McKenzie noted the design will involve the construction of a kitchen, a computer and tv area, and an office. Outside there will be a gazebo and picnic tables.

McKenzie mentioned the drop-in centre will be in an ideal location with the school close by, as well as a soccer field, baseball diamond and a playground. Staff will also be hired to do programming and ensure the centre is a safe space for everyone.

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“We’ll ask our youth what they would like to see in there and we will purchase that equipment and replace it as need as technology changes,” he said. “They can come and go and do what they need to do.”

Grandmother’s Bay has a population of approximately 400 people.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno