Former mayoral candidate hopes to bring after school recreation program to Edmonton

Former Edmonton city councillor Michael Walters is trying to change the way rec centres operate to help kids be more active.

While Michael Walters may not have won the race for mayor, he’s still looking to make a difference in his community with an after school care program he hopes to bring to Edmonton.

All in for Kids would look to shift the operating model of the city’s recreation centres to be more inclusive of youth engagement and activities during after school hours and on weekends.

The program would also provide free transit for youths in highest-needs communities and schools to recreation centres.

Walters says that with mental health challenges, homelessness and addiction facing youths, it’s important to have a community to support them and guide them away from trouble.

“The most important thing we need to do as a community … is make far more substantial investments in preventions and asking ourselves what we can do to prevent kids from falling into some of those challenges they may see later in life,” Walters told CTV News Edmonton.

He said that for every dollar invested into prevention, government often saves six times that down the road.

“It just makes financial sense and it helps save kids’ lives and gives them better futures.”

Walters has brought the idea to Mayor Andrew Knack and is hopeful a formal motion will be made, particularly ahead of budget talks.

“I think it’s a phenomenal idea,” said Knack. “That type of programming is something we should continue to support and expand. It only stands to benefit the safety of our city.”

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Marek Tkach