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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, April 29, 2016 | 22 Nottinghill Youth Centre officially opens in Glen Abbey by Julia Le Oakville Beaver Staff Matt Beattie says he'd probably be cycling around bored if there wasn't a space like Nottinghill Youth Centre where he could go to hang out and play guitar. The St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Secondary School Grade 9 student, and his friends Alex Richard and Gabriel Lepore, said they've been at the centre daily since it unofficially opened in March. They became better friends because they started spending more time together at the centre located at 1131 Nottinghill Gate, just down the street from their school. While strumming chords on the guitar, Lepore said they spend about three hours a day playing pool and guitar and other activities the centre offers before going home for dinner. "It's a lot of fun," said Richard, noting the centre's manager Jim Black, often teaches them to play guitar. "We come out, hang out and eat food," said Richard. Nottinghill is the reincarnated version of Oakville's very first youth centre, that opened on Cross Avenue in 2002. It moved to the new location, as the former saw a decline in attendance at the same time as the facility's lease was set to expire and the property owner was expressing interest in redeveloping. The youth centre serves teens aged 13-19 and is one of three Town-managed youth centres. Nottinghill officially opened Tuesday (April 26), with Town of Oakville recreation and culture staff, Town councillors and Rotary Club of Oakville West representatives on-hand. The 2,400-square-foot space is in a commercial plaza and within walking distance of three elementary schools and two secondary schools. It boasts computers and iPads with Wi-Fi, video and board games, an on-site library, pool and foosball tables, couches and a kitchen that's fully stocked with snacks. It also offers homework Matt Beattie, 14, and Gabriel Lepore, 15, shred while waiting for the official ceremony to start at the grand opening of the Nottinghill Youth Centre. | photo by Nikki Wesley ­ Oakville Beaver help, resume writing and job search resources, as well as volunteer opportunities. Tricia Lewis, the Town of Oakville's senior manager of recreation services, thanked numerous Town departments, as well as community groups, for helping bring the project to fruition. Since the end of March Break, the centre has seen about 30 youths dropping in nightly and more on weekends. Speaking on behalf of Rotary Club of Oakville West, David Angus, a past-president, commended the Town on recognizing the need for youth centres and following through. "Rotary is involved in a lot of international work, including our student exchange and ambassadorial scholarship program, but we're also deeply involved in youth initiatives like this here in our own community, here in Oakville," he said. "In fact, this is why this program is so important to us." Angus and other Rotarians presented the Town with a $5,000 cheque to be used for equipment and programming. Officials also heard from Beattie, who volunteered to speak at the event as a youth impacted by the centre. "There are so many things to do here, which attracts a variety of individuals," he said. "This allows everyone to meet new people and build lasting friendships." He said he always knew he was lucky to live in such a great community, but having this centre gives him a "greater sense of community." Mayor Rob Burton credited a group of teens from Iroquois Ridge High School (IRHS) for tirelessly lobbying for youth centres years ago. "When I grew up, my dad was in the military and there was always a teen club on the base for us teenagers to hang out and be supervised," he said, noting there was a basketball net out front, ping pong tables and board games. "I hope everyone enjoys it. We loved ours," Burton said. The mayor also took a moment to ask Beattie if he knew what the requirements are to be eligible to run for mayor? "I think about that every day," Beattie replied with a mischievous smile. "It's really easy. You only have to be a resident, check. Out of jail, check. And 18 -- and thank God, you're not 18," Burton joked, just as mischievously. The Nottinghill Youth Centre is open Tuesday to Thursday from 3-8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 3-10 p.m. For more information, visit www.oakville.ca. Forever r e m Sum Authentic Montessori at its Best - For Ages 18 mo.-12 yrs. · An empowering curriculum that engages children · Individual focus to learning your child's Swimsuits & Beachwear · Community atmosphere that makes students feel included and valued Anniversary Sale! Regular price Sale ends May 8th 389 Brant St., Unit 4, Burlington 905.333.8300 4th · Creative expression allows your child to explore their own interests and talents 30% - 50% off OPEN HOUSE Thursday, May 12th 9:00am to 7:00pm Join Us For Our FAIRVIEW GLEN 905.634.0781 · fairviewglen.com MONTESSORI SCHOOL