FAQs

Kerby Centre is a not-for-profit and registered charity with more than 45 years of experience in service and supporting seniors through educational and recreational programming.

Kerby’s mission is to assist older people to live as well as possible, for as long as possible, as residents in the community. They are committed to providing an extensive suite of services and programs which will better serve our growing seniors demographic and allow the City to maximize the value of its financial contribution. Their proposed program plan includes the continuation of all existing programs and services, as well as new programs and services focused on wellness, lifelong learning and transitional supports for stages of life.

In August 2016, staff were directed by City Council to examine alternative models, along with associated operating costs, as part of the Seniors Centre Development Project.

The City embarked on an extensive community consultation in late 2019 to better understand the services desired by current and future seniors. During this process, the City listened and learned about shape six priority program areas to drive the future activity of the Seniors Centre. 

In 2020, a Request for Proposal was issued to determine if there were alternate service providers capable of delivering the same services and programs in a more effective and efficient manner. Council voted to award the contract to Kerby Centre at an Open Council meeting in February 2021.

The City is looking at Kerby Centre to assume full operation of both the Veiner Centre and  Strathcona Centre by the middle of 2021. This transition will include a two-month period to negotiate a contract, and an approximate three-month transition period, where the City will ensure Kerby Centre is set to be successful in operating the Veiner and the Strathcona Centers.

Kerby Centre has committed to ensuring that the needs of aging adults in Medicine Hat will be met through a variety of programs, activities and services. 

Kerby Centre has committed to providing all of the programs and services that are currently offered at the Seniors Centre. We do not yet know what the schedule of activities looks like, but we are confident and excited about the opportunity to expand the existing services in our community.  

Kerby Centre has committed to setting up a local advisory committee, as well as having Medicine Hat representation on their board of directors. Kerby Centre also plans to gain input and feedback from members and seniors in the community, through surveys, informal discussions and other mechanisms.

Over the transition period, the City of Medicine Hat will refund any prorated portion of your existing Veiner Centre membership. 

Kerby Centre will communicate their fees for services when that has been determined. The goal of this transition is to better serve our growing seniors demographic, and both Kerby and the City will work to ensure a smooth transition of membership.

Working within Public Health Measures, Kerby Centre intends to open the Bistro/dining area, as well as assume the operation of the Meals on Wheels program, with no interruption in service.

Fees for Meals on Wheels have not yet been determined.

The staffing model will be determined by Kerby Centre. Please note that a different operator will choose staff according to their specific mission and vision. Kerby Centre has committed to employing staff to work in the Veiner and Strathcona Centres who live in Medicine Hat. Kerby Centre has also committed to volunteerism as a key operating strategy moving forward.

We value the work of our volunteers and our employees. At this time, the staffing model and  volunteer model have been determined. We hope that all our volunteers will be patient and assist us through this transition time, and as soon as we know what the volunteer model and opportunities look like, we will communicate that with you. Kerby Centre has indicated that they will provide many opportunities for volunteers to share their skills and passion with others.

In the coming weeks or months, the Veiner Centre may open if current public health restrictions are lifted. The City will re-open the Veiner Centre if it is safe to do so, when there is a demonstrated need, and when it is financially viable.