The location of the Innisfail Seniors Drop-In Centre is currently under review and regulars are hopeful to remain at the current locale.
Starting May 8 at 7 p.m. an open house will be held at the Innisfail Library/Learning Centre to get feedback from the public on whether to transfer the centre to the new facility or leave it where it is, attached to the town office on 53 Street.
“Here we have memorabilia we can't move,” said Basil Dalton, president of the drop-in centre during a floor curling game at the centre Thursday morning. He said some of the memorabilia, which includes names of past presidents and members, as well as lists of people who played a 29 crib hand, won't be able to go up on the walls at the new facility.
Member Jean Bennett said the group wants to stay at the centre because it's a place that's theirs and they can keep their games and equipment where it is. The new facility would be a public space that can be rented out and the group would have to pack up and lock up their supplies when they aren't there, she said.
“We hope they put more weight into the people who actually use the centre,” said Bennett of council's decision.
Other concerns members voiced about the new facility include its location, the glass door which would require seniors to bend down to unlock the door from the bottom, heavy fridge doors in the kitchen and high counters as well as having to set up and lock tables for use.
“Some of our members walk from Autumn Glen to the centre,” said member Cecil Brook, who said the new facility is further away and would require busing.
The group would like to remain at the centre and renovate the area to allow more room for a shuffleboard and pool table.
Mayor Jim Romane said council is aware some of the seniors don't want to move but said the new area within the library/learning centre was built with the idea in mind of moving the centre over there.
“We want to have an open house for the whole community to have a voice. There will be a survey at that open house to fill out,” he said, explaining council wants to get a broader idea of what the public wants.
“Council is sitting neutral and saying, look, let's just see what the community wants. … We're just saying look, we just need more information before we proceed on anything.”
He said there currently aren't any plans for what to do with the current centre if the group does move to the library/learning centre.
“There's no specific plans for it yet. Part of the master plan of things was if we needed more space at the town office we would expand into those areas and it would give us more room to expand into. But I mean, the fire department is going to move out, and we're going to have that space.”
He said if the popular consensus is to stay, council will “look at whatever's necessary to accommodate them there.”
The open house is planned for Tuesday, May 8 between 7 and 8 p.m. at the Innisfail Library/Learning Centre. As well, an extended open house is being offered until May 5 at the Innisfail Seniors Drop-In Centre. Members of the public are invited to stop by the centre located at 4943 53 Street to check out the facilities and activities or to provide feedback on the possible move.
The drop-in centre provides activities for seniors during weekdays such as floor curling, carpet bowling, whist and bridge. Every second Wednesday of the month the group holds a birthday party for any members with a birthday that month. On weekends they have a jam session which members said brings 60 to 70 people to play or listen, with the highest turnout recorded at 97.
The group is also starting to offer board game days and lessons for people new to cards. Their next outing will be held during seniors' week with a trip to the wildlife museum in Sundre.
For more information on the centre or activities, call 403-227-3414.
