By Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Chatham teens are getting a hand up thanks to a new municipal pilot project.
The initiative will freeze rent at the W.I.S.H. Centre for a five-year period to allow for expanded programming, with a special focus on supporting youth aged 14 to 18.
The J.G. Taylor Community Centre, also referred to as the Woodstock Institute Sertoma Help Centre (W.I.S.H.), has been providing programming for children and youth since 1996. Officials have been running a successful afterschool program for younger school-age children for years.
Now they want to fill a gap for older students.
Chatham Coun. Amy Finn agrees that school and weekend programming for teens is “desperately needed.
“One thing we don’t have here in Chatham is a youth centre, and if you’re not into organized sports, there’s not a lot to do,” Finn said. “We need programming to catch those who might otherwise fall through the cracks.”
Chatham Coun. Marjorie Crew agreed.
“By forgiving the rental costs, we provide the W.I.S.H Centre with the tools to allow them to commit to investing in our youth and the community,” Crew said. “We are removing a barrier.”
Although nothing has been confirmed, the W.I.S.H team is looking to offer expanded hours to create a safe space for all on weekdays and weekends. Some of the programs currently being examined include open gym time; Sunday youth recreational activities, such a pickleball and basketball; a gaming room; high-speed Internet access and specialized events such as movie nights and dances.
Expanded summer camp programs and PA Day programming may also be part of the plan.
The pilot project will see the W.I.S.H. Centre’s rent frozen from 2026 to 2030 to allow the facility to re-direct its resources. The initiative also includes forgiveness of outstanding past rent of $31,000 owed to the municipality, as well as $25,000 in rent and $2,781 in interest that’s also owed to the municipality.
The loss of revenue will be accommodated in the 2025 municipal variance
According to a report from the staff, the W.I.S.H. Centre initiative is part of Chatham-Kent’s diversity, equity, inclusion and justice mandate, as it directly influences marginalized children and youth of lower socio-economic status.
As part of a municipal staff report recommending the freeze, C-K director of parks, recreation and facilities Rob Pollock said expanding programs at the W.I.S.H. Centre will give older youth “refuge and a place to engage appropriately in activities and social relationships.
“When the W.I.S.H. Centre is not open, children and youth often have nowhere to go and may be left in undesirable situations,” Pollock wrote. “The W.I.S.H Centre has indicated that the monthly rent charges for the building along with increased expenses in other areas is threatening to close the facility. If the building was closed and the programs ceased, this would have a negative impact on youth in this area of Chatham and for vulnerable children and families.”
Municipal council made the decision after receiving a request from the W.I.S.H. Centre officials in January.
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