Youth centre in Hay River, N.W.T., demolished after years of disrepair

The youth centre in Hay River, N.W.T., has been demolished after years of disrepair.

The drop-in centre, which didn't even have basic plumbing, closed in July 2014. It had been a popular hangout for young people since opening its doors in 1996.

"It's where we used to go all the time," says 14-year-old Jaden King, who used to go to the centre every day. "Now it's gone."

"I always liked playing pool and there were big tournaments and stuff when we used to play," King says.

"It was pretty much the only place to go."

The town put the property up for sale this summer and the owners of the Kingland Ford car dealership bought it.

Kevin Wallington, chair of the youth centre board, says the town supported the centre for years, giving it a prime spot in downtown Hay River, but that changed.

"I definitely think there was a lot of discussion and frustration, not seeming to feel that the town was really supporting because [the town] had a priority to move us."

Wallington says there was a possibility that a youth drop-in centre might be included in the $24 million renovations to Hay River's recreation centre, but it's not currently part of the plan.

"Ultimately, yes, we want to have a place for the kids," Wallington says.

"At the end of the day, there are a lot of kids that came through this door that benefited from having a safe environment and we see them actively engaged in building our community now as adults."

King agrees that the facility kept kids like him out of trouble.

"I think people need a place to go so they don't get in trouble as much or they don't break the law or anything, and they can stay good and active."