The ThunderBlogs

False Creek Community Centre’s subsidized youth programs create access for youth with diverse economic circumstances, said youth worker Nathan Pope on Friday night.

“There’s like a horseshoe of BC Housing around Granville Island and you know there’s also multi-million dollar units in the same area, so having kids next door to each other with different economic status is challenging,” said Pope, who wore a brimmed cap and black-rimmed glasses.

Tension would possibly exist if the youth programs were not subsidized by the non-profit centre from profit made through areas such as the gym, and sometimes government grants, said the 25-year-old.

“You might see discrimination based on the cost of the program,” said Pope. He said there wouldn’t be many kids from low-income families in a costly program if this was the case.

“So thankfully for the subsidization we’re able to mingle both groups together so there is no distinction,” said Pope

A free youth open house took place in the games room next to the office where Pope sat. Loud voices and music played like a steady soundtrack in the office.

Pope said the centre’s focus on social and active recreation is difficult because of the neighbourhood diversity.

In the games room, one boy concentrated on the task that was literally in front of him‒ playing the drums for the video game Rock Band. Other boys assembled on the couch behind him. A video game guitar player sat off to one side.

 A projection of Wii Fit, a physical activity video game, covered a section of a wall in the room. A group of kids huddled around a foosball table at the back of the room. Around ten boys and girls and a few adults stood outside by the BBQ area.

According to the centre’s website, youth can use the games room Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.The centre offers various youth programs including a popular Friday night program that takes youth off the island, said Pope. The website shows the Friday events range from being free to $29.

Travis Hayes, a youth worker at the centre, said most kids come from False Creek Elementary School and Henry Hudson Elementary School.

Pope said when there’s conflict it’s usually because of something that happened at one school during the day.

Hayes said if a kid is banned from the centre, there’s always a chance they can come back. However, Hayes said the kids are proud of the centre and don’t want to have to leave.

“The kids want their relationship with the community centre to be a good one,” said Hayes.