Flipside Teen Centre won’t reopen this fall; Saanich ponders options

Saanich has delayed the reopening of the Flipside Teen Centre at G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre, even as the centre welcomes the rest of the community.

Part of the centre — including the area that hosted the teen centre — was taken over by the Saanich Fire Department in spring to ensure firefighters could observe appropriate physical distancing due to COVID-19.

One fire crew from Saanich’s Vernon Avenue fire station currently operates out of the recreational centre.

The District of Saanich said it hopes to work with community partners to offer alternate services for youth in the Tillicum neighbourhood in the fall.

“We are well aware of the impact the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent social and physical isolation has had on youth in the community,” said Chris Filler, youth programmer for the municipality. “Teens are disproportionately affected by the social impact of COVID-19 and as a result of the disruption to school, social connections, music, art and sport routines, youth have had a hard time connecting with each other as well as meeting their own needs of selfcare and well-being.”

Other recreation centres offering youth programs include the Upside Teen Centre at Saanich Commonwealth Place and the Backdoor Teen Centre at Gordon Head Recreation Centre.

Programs including Red Cross babysitting, judo, pottery, home alone, Aikido and some organized sports. In addition, the Backdoor Teen Centre offers specialty programming such as an outdoor club, LGBTQ2+ social program and crafters club.

For more information, go to saanich. ca.