President's speech for 2012 AGM Hank Heerema ... - Kerby Centre

President’s speech for 2012 AGM
Hank Heerema
The question I am asked most is: Is Kerby moving? There is not an easy
answer to be sure!
Here is some context about the process and rationale for the past 2 year
process we engaged in.
1. The 3 key challenges that will have profound long‐term impact on our
ability to provide essential programs and services for older adults are:
the rapidly growing population, the West LRT expansion and limited
building and site flexibility to accommodate the long‐term changes
that are needed.
2. While we have a lease for another 4 years with Alberta Infrastructure
for the Kerby building, we have only an 18 months lease at a time with
Alberta Housing and Urban Affairs for the north parking lot – and we
know that there are active bids on that land. With 72% of our visitors
still driving here, that really compromises access.
3. Once the LRT construction is complete, there will be a never ending
construction zone around us with redevelopment of the old Science
Centre at 11 th and 7 th and the doctor’s office at 10 th and 7 th – as well,
the unannounced development on our north parking lot means that
for the next 7 years or so we will live in a construction zone.
4. This building needs over $20 million dollars to retrofit and bring it to
code.
With this in mind, the Board hired Brandon Powell, Strategic Planning
Consultant, to guide us through a process of due diligence. Brandon
completed a Functional Analysis, Business Plan and Business Case.
The Board of Directors are currently engaged in the process to answer the
question: Do we stay or do we move? Also, if we move what are our
options? We are still in that process and we will be calling a General
Meeting when we have made that decision to engage with our membership.

The Board is working very hard to make the best decision for Kerby and
older adults – it is a challenge that the Board is ready for no matter the
outcome.
Thanks to all of the Board Members this past year for their hard work. And,
thanks to the staff team for their dedication and support. The cohesive team
work and commitment to engage and support older adults has not waivered
again this year. We are the flagship organization that is called upon to
teach, partner, share and model for others. Kerby provides safety, services,
programs, events and space for older adults and other agencies and groups
in the sector.
2012 will be an exciting year for Kerby! The Board has many decisions to
make and we will continue to communicate with you all.
At the end of this meeting there is an opportunity for questions.
I move approval of this report.