A series of red-tape and renovation hurdles have delayed the opening of the Community Resource Centre (CRC) and Family Place Resource Centre in their new space in Crossroads Village, Lift Community Services (Lift) has announced.
CRC's previous location at 4752 Joyce Avenue closed last month after Lift’s longtime lease expired under new building ownership. While Lift initially planned to open in its new location at 101-4871 Joyce Avenue at the beginning of April, it now anticipates at least several more weeks before occupancy, further delaying service provision to the dozens of individuals in the qathet region who access the CRC every day.
“Community members are really feeling the absence of the CRC right now,” stated Jessica Colasanto, Lift’s community resources manager, in a media release. “Between daily free meals, access to ministry support workers and public health nurses, support with documentation and applications, and simply a cost-free place to come connect with other people, we’re hearing the impact of the loss of this space.”
Lift leased the former Sheridan Dance Studio in Crossroads Village last summer and started renovations to modify the space to meet programming needs.
“During our renovations, we discovered a number of deficiencies that need addressing in order to obtain full occupancy of the space,” stated Colasanto. “We are nearing completion of renovations in our unit and are working with the landlord to support resolution in the neighbouring units.”
Until the issues in the adjoining units are addressed, Lift will only be granted reduced occupancy at the site, allowing the CRC to open its doors to a maximum of 30 people.
While awaiting occupancy, staff members are getting the space ready to welcome community members as soon as they can and are offering limited services at the door. Family Place continues to operate out of its location in Town Centre mall while it awaits the green light to move into Crossroads Village.
“It’s a hard time in community right now,” stated Colasanto. “It’s hard on staff, and it’s particularly hard on clients. We’re counting down the days until we can open our doors to welcome familiar and new faces into this beautiful new space.”
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