City of Kitchener is looking for volunteers to form a neighbourhood advisory board in Forest Heights
FOREST HEIGHTS COMMUNITY CENTRE OPEN HOUSE - About 1,400 came through an open house held at the Forest Heights Community Centre on September 9. Submitted Photo
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by Helen HallKitchener Citizen
October 12, 2023
The City of Kitchener has taken over the responsibility of providing programs at the Forest Heights Community Centre.
The Forest Heights Community Association (FHCA), a registered non-profit that has been operating for almost 50 years, did not re-sign its affiliation agreement with the City of Kitchener this summer.
The president of the FHCA did not respond to the Kitchener Citizen when asked for a comment.
“We want to express our immense gratitude for all the contributions they and their dedicated volunteers have made to the Forest Heights Community Centre and the surrounding community throughout the years,” said Mark Hildebrand, Director, Neighbourhood Programs and Services at the City of Kitchener.
“This change at Forest Heights does not alter the City’s unwavering commitment to working closely and collaboratively with all affiliated Neighbourhood Associations that operate out of various city-owned community centres across Kitchener. We remain dedicated to fostering positive partnerships and continuing to enhance
our community programs together.”
Because the FHCA is not affiliated with the city, it cannot operate out the the Forest Heights
Community Centre.
Hildebrand said the FHCA was the only community
association in the city that did not re-sign its affiliation agreement this summer.
Programs are up and running this fall at the Forest Heights Community Centre. Hildebrand said the city was able to bring back programs that have been offered in the past, as well as some new programs for “newcomer youth.”
“The community has shown incredible enthusiasm, and we’ve received a fantastic response to our programming,” Hildebrand said. “In fact, we saw nearly double the number of registrants this fall compared to the same period last year, which is a testament to the enthusiasm of Forest Heights residents.”
On September 9, the city hosted a public open house at the Forest Heights Community Centre. Hildebrand said about 1,400 visitors attended.
“We’re actively seeking interested volunteers to join us in establishing a Neighbourhood Advisory Board to be started at the end of this year or first thing next year,” he said.
“This board will include residents from the surrounding neighbourhoods, staff, and other partners who will collaborate closely to provide feedback on current and future programming and events at the centre. Our commitment extends to ensuring that the board reflects the demographic diversity of our surrounding neighbourhoods, ensuring that a wide range of voices are represented.”
For more information, visit kitchener.ca and search Forest Heights Community Centre.