RathEastLink Community Center Year in Review
The Rath Eastlink Community Centre has just entered its fifth year of operations, and each year has welcomed new milestones for the facility. The following is an overview of the past year.
Early in 2016, our Board of Directors implemented a Strategic Plan committing our RECC to concentrate on areas of Accessibility, Healthy Living, Financial Stability, and Economic Development.
With the development of our internal financial assistance program, RECC Life, (Leisure Inclusion for Everyone) was launched. Our goal was to ensure all people have the same opportunity to be active in our communities. The thrust of this initiative is that it offers membership discount assistance to families facing financial barriers. To date, this program supports approximately 250 individuals, representing nearly 10% of our overall membership base. It has been a very successful venture which we fully expect, will continue to grow.
Because of a strong RECC, there is a sense of trust and connection growing in our communities. We continually receive positive comments and feedback. Individuals and families feel engaged by coming together to create an inclusive and healthy community. Youth are more confident, adults experience an improved quality of life, and older adults are socially connected.
The foregoing statement helps remind us that all of the programs, events, and healthy living activities that are happening at the RECC need to be done with purpose and intent, mainly,to build a stronger and more vibrant Colchester County.
The impact of a facility such as ours may at times be best expressed in numbers.
As example, we currentlyhave over 2900 members actively using our facility. As well, more than 50,000 people have attended various events at the RECC this year. And further, we can confirm that in excess of 30,000 have used our free walking track.
With respect to employment at the RECC, we have had anywhere between 100 and 150 workers on hand at any one time, depending on the occasion/event. The economic spinoff to our communities, as a result of hosting shows, concerts, and sporting events is figured at approximately $3,000,000.
We are happy to report, that in terms of financial stability, we have been able to come in under budget these past 2 years. And so far, we are on track for a third year in a row.
Looking ahead……
The RECC continues to be a leader, unifying the region in its planning and implementation of recreational events and activities. Through our partnerships, collaboration, and cooperation, we continue to enhance the efforts of the broader community to ensure that everyone is reached with an invitation to become more active and participate in the recreational and leisure opportunities available.
The RECC is proud to be the host of the 2017 World Junior A Challenge from December 10 – 16. The WJAC features two Canadian teams, representing East and West, as well as four international teams - all vying for a gold medal in a 13 game tournament. The event is expected to generate upwards of 3 million dollars in economic activity in the region.
2017 will also represent a new chapter in our history, as we bring the RECC to new levels of health promotion, event attraction, and increased financial stability.
We have weathered the start up challenges of the early years. Today the RECC has clearly demonstrated its ability to achieve financial sustainability. It has become the central destination it was originally designed to be.
Truly, it is a source of great community pride!
Board Chair
John Kelderman