AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today November 1, 2026
The Transformation of a Derelict Basement
What was once an abandoned, rumour-filled basement has been given a new lease on life thanks to local youth and the support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Battlefords. The Shared Spaces Project, based in North Battleford, started welcoming youth in 2023, providing a safe, welcoming environment for teens and tweens in the community.
Youth at the Center of Change
Grade 11 student Sam Woodrow recalls the basement's evolution from a place whispered about as haunted to a hangout where youth feel at home. "I came down and immediately looked for the red door, but it was gone. So, I was like, 'oh, it can't be haunted, it's a good place to be in.' So, I started hanging down here more," Woodrow said. For Woodrow and others, the emergence of the Shared Spaces Project marked a turning point in how local teens spent their free time.
Listening to Youth Voices
The catalyst for the project came after concerning trends among local youth. Renee Sperling, program lead and co-ordinating adult ally, recalled the struggle to capture youth engagement in 2017, followed by the loss of six youth in early 2018. Sperling and her team realized there was a crucial gap: "After the age of 12, there's nothing for us here in this community. We're basically left to our own devices. There's no place for us to actually hang out. There's nowhere that we know that's specific for youth to be able to get access to safe, caring adults," Sperling recounted from youth consultations.
Youth-Led Design and Programming
From the beginning, the Shared Spaces Project embodied a youth-led philosophy. "Everything in this space, right from the way that my office is laid out to the colours on the walls, the furniture, the programming that happens in here, it's all, we call it 'youth-initiated.' So, they made the choices. I just paid for it, made sure that it was delivered," said Sperling. The space — now featuring handwritten posters, encouraging notes, a colorful chalkboard wall, a snack bar, a television, and free laundry machines — offers its programming at no cost.
Regular events include a biweekly teen meet-up and a monthly 'tween takeover,' with activities ranging from guided discussions to field trips and creative arts and crafts. This focus on youth programming ensures activities remain relevant and meaningful to participants.
Personal Impact and Growing Interest
Natalie Voigt, one of the space's earliest participants and now a Grade 12 student, notes how the Shared Spaces Project has grown more popular over the past year. "It's always great to come back here to a space where I'm not in charge. There's no expectations of what I do. I just have to come and hang out," she said, emphasizing the relief and support the space provides as she plans for life after high school.
For Woodrow, Sperling's guidance has been particularly valuable. "She basically became like one of those aunties you have that aren't related, but they're always there. She helped me through hard times like moving out or even just school drama."
Inspiring Wider Change
Sperling has fielded inquiries from other Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies nationwide, interested in replicating the successful approach of youth led initiatives in their own communities. She believes the project owes its success to placing youth in the lead. "We never have true ownership over it, because it's shared with our youth and the different youth who have been in and out of the project, a piece of them is within this space. They will always live within this space. This will always be part of home for them."
Source: cbc.ca.
