Gordon R. Snow Community Centre Update

The first six months of operations at the new Gordon R. Snow Community Centre are now complete and we are pleased to report the programs and services offered have been well received by the community. This is due in part to the input and energy of the terrific staff and their desire to have this facility succeed.

With the operations at the Centre growing and developing, Community Recreation Services will transition to a Community Board Operation on or about September 1, 2010. This transition is in keeping with Halifax Regional Municipality’s Community Facility Master Plan approved by Regional Council in June 2008. The Centre will operate under the Facility Lease Agreement Program, but will remain an HRM asset. HRM will provide support such as Board development and training, core funding and capital resources. Fire Station 45 and it operations will remain under the management of HRM Fire Services and will not be affected by the transtition of the Community Centre.

Members of the community will be invited to apply to participate on the Steering Committee and Board early in the new year – 2010. The Steering Committee will be selected first and this group will work with HRM staff to develop criteria, recruit and select the initial members of the Community Operational Board.

HRM currently operates many facilities under the Facility Lease Agreement Program. The Dartmouth Sportsplex, St. Margaret’s Centre and the Springfield Lake Recreation Centre are prime examples. The new Canada Games Centre in Clayton Park West and the Prospect Community Centre will both be owned by HRM and operated by a Community Board. There are currently more than 40 facility lease agreements in place within HRM.
The Municipality wants this Community Centre to thrive, so at the request of the Board, HRM will provide the resources, tools and support it requires to ensure the successful operation of the facility. The local municipal Community Recreation Coordinator will serve as a liaison between the Community Board and HRM. The Municipality acknowledges there are water issues at the facility and will maintain responsibility for the water until those issues are satisfactorily resolved. HRM looks forward to a solid working relationship with the Board and a long, prosperous life for this important community asset.

If you have inquires or are looking for more information please contact Ivy Warren, Area Coordinator, Community Recreation Services, at 869-4208 or warreni@halifax.ca.