The History of the Youth Space

This page is a work in progress! More stories and photos to come.

The Youth Space project was initiated in 2012, when Alex Neighbourhood House youth workers and over 100 youth came together to form the Youth Collective to advocate for a community space to connect with friends, have fun, create art and music, and get youth the support they need.

In our community of South Surrey and White Rock, many youth have expressed not having a safe place to go. They might not have the money, or someone to drive them to after school programs or fun things to do, and they can’t get there by transit: their only choice is to hang out in local parks, or on the street with their friends. Youth also felt that they had no way to make their voice heard in the community. They have a tremendous amount to offer to their community, but instead of being seen as a community asset to be supported, youth will continue to be marginalized and most often viewed as a community problem. The Youth Collective set out to — by creating a safe, sober, and inclusive Youth Space for all youth, regardless of their lived experiences, identity, or financial situation.

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The Youth Space project has made a major impact on my life by giving me hope and helping me get back onto my feet. This project has helped many youth and I am glad to be a part of something so community based with healthy happy friends to help on this amazing journey. I do believe we will manage to find a way of making this exhausting yet beautiful journey into making a space for youth to be exactly who they want to be as well as save a few lives.”

—- Youth Collective member, 17

In recognition of the Youth Collective’s persistence, the City of Surrey offered designated time in Sunnyside Hall, in Bakerview Park, to run a ‘pilot’ Youth Space three days a week.

We officially opened in 2017, with our Youth Space Launch Party!