THUNDER BAY – The City of Thunder Bay has asked its 10 community centres to take greater responsibility, or have municipal government step in – with most choosing to preserve their independence.
Seven of the centres agreed to new accountability measures required by the city, while the West Arthur Community Centre handed over control to the city. Two other centres currently operate without a board.
A recent review by the city found a drastic reduction in volunteer capacity, inconsistent policies, and inadequate financial and governance controls across the centres, which have been owned by the city but controlled by independent boards. City council officially passed a new policy required boards to address those issues, or let the city take over.
The review found total volunteer hours at the centres had fallen from over 90,000 in 2003 to fewer than 28,000 in 2017, reducing operational capacity. It said centre boards struggle with proper financial controls and bookkeeping, as well as following the Incorporations Act and their own by-laws. It also pointed out that several boards were not incorporated, making them ineligible for charitable donations and many government grants.
The three city-run centres, which will include those at Jumbo Gardens, Vale, and West Arthur, will have advisory board to provide direction on recreational programming and capital projects, but day-to-day operations will be handled by the city. It’s expected the change will cost the city about $75,000 per year, mostly in staffing costs for West Arthur. The impact will be less in 2020 since the changes won't take effect until June.
The remaining boards will be required to incorporate as not-for-profits, if they have not already, and implement certain financial and governance controls. The boards will sign lease agreements with the city, and will be required to provide space free of charge for municipal elections and ward meetings.
