a place of your own
A Place to Belong
For more than 25 years, the Rayside-Balfour Youth Centre has been a place where local youth can connect, grow, have fun and feel like they belong.
Located at Côté Park in Chelmsford, the Centre provides youth ages 10–17 with a safe, welcoming and supervised environment to spend time with friends, discover new interests and become more involved in their community.
But the Youth Centre has always been about more than simply having a place to go.
It’s about giving young people a place of their own — and a voice in what happens there.
Our trained staff are here to listen, encourage and support. While the Centre does not provide counselling services, our team can help connect youth and families with community programs and resources when additional support is needed.
our story
It Started With an Idea
The story of the Rayside-Balfour Youth Centre began in the fall of 1993, when planning for local youth programming and youth visioning initiatives first got underway.
In January 1994, a dedicated group of community members came together with a shared goal: to better understand the needs of local youth and create something specifically for them.
The committee studied the programs and services already available, examined local youth demographics, connected with organizations providing youth services and completed a comprehensive youth needs and lifestyle assessment.
Most importantly, they listened to what young people in the community needed.
Their work led to a final report and recommendations to Municipal Council — and laid the groundwork for what would eventually become the Rayside-Balfour Youth Centre.
1993
The Vision Begins
Planning begins for new youth programs and community youth initiatives.
1994
The Community Gets to Work
A dedicated committee begins researching the needs of Rayside-Balfour youth and developing a vision for a permanent Youth Centre.
1997
A Place of Our Own
Construction of the new Youth Centre is completed at Côté Park in Chelmsford.
1998
The Doors Open!
In June 1998, the Rayside-Balfour Youth Centre officially opens its doors.
a place of your own
The Vision Continues
What started as an idea more than three decades ago has become a lasting part of the Rayside-Balfour community.
Generations of local youth have walked through our doors — to meet friends, participate in activities, try something new or simply have somewhere they feel comfortable spending time.
The programs and activities may continue to change, but the reason we’re here hasn’t.
To give youth a safe place, a strong voice and a community where they belong.
Our Mission
To empower youth and help improve the quality of life for young people throughout Rayside-Balfour.
Our mission is built around four important commitments:
Connect
Encourage friendships, positive relationships and collaborative problem solving.
Live Well
Promote active, healthy lifestyles and positive choices.
Feel Safe
Maintain a welcoming, supervised and inclusive space where youth can be themselves.
Have a Voice
Listen to young people, advocate on their behalf and challenge misconceptions about today’s youth.
Built for Youth. Shaped by Youth.
We believe the best Youth Centre is one that listens to the young people who use it.
That’s why youth are encouraged to share ideas, suggest new programs and activities, get involved in events and help shape what’s happening at the Centre.
Because this isn’t just a Youth Centre for our community’s young people.
It’s their Youth Centre.
Rayside-Balfour Youth Action Network
Phone Number
(705) 855-5230
Location
Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 4pm - 8pm
Wednesday: 4pm - 8pm
Thursday: 4pm - 8pm
Friday/Saturday/Sunday: Closed
Summer (July-Aug)
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 1pm - 7:30pm
Wednesday: 1pm - 7:30pm
Thursday: 1pm - 7:30pm
Friday/Saturday/Sunday: Closed