Together, New Dawn and Undercurrent Youth Society have undertaken the design and construction of a new 25,000 square foot Youth and Family Centre in downtown Glace Bay. Located on the former Devco Machine Shop site, the building – opening in late 2026/early 2027 – will feature an indoor skatepark, gymnasium (designed to also serve as a performance space), programming spaces for arts, technology, and community events, cafeteria, learning kitchen, and 49-seat licensed childcare centre.  

The Centre aims to provide a beautiful, accessible, safe place for youth of all ages and their families. It will be a place where youth and families can spend time together and where there is a regular diversity of programming for different ages and interests. 

Learn more about the New Dawn Youth Centre here.

The Icelandic Prevention Model (IPM) is a data-driven community-based approach designed to address youth substance use by reducing risk factors and enhancing protective factors around young people. Originating in Iceland in the early 1990s, the model fosters collaboration among parents, schools, recreational clubs, and local organizations to create positive, engaging activities and supportive environments. By promoting healthy lifestyles and providing structured opportunities, the IPM has successfully lowered youth drug and alcohol use, improved wellbeing, and built stronger, more connected communities.

Undercurrent has received funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada to build a foundation for the IPM in Glace Bay.  

 Read more about the IPM here.

The Province of Nova Scotia is funding eight IYS sites across the province, including Anchor Youth Space Sydney, set to open this summer at the New Dawn Centre, and another site in Eskasoni that serves the five Mi’kmaw communities in Unama’ki. We are optimistic that, soon, this service will be extended to other parts of the CBRM.

Integrated Youth Services sites are hubs where young people (ages 12-25) and their caregivers can access a range of services without the need for appointments or fees, including mental health and substance use support, primary healthcare and sexual health services, peer support and mentorship, recreational programming and more. This model is built by youth, for youth, ensuring it truly reflects what young people need and want.

Anchor Youth Space Sydney is being led by New Dawn in collaboration with local organizations including Undercurrent Youth Society, BGC Cape Breton, and the Cape Breton Youth Project.

Learn more about Anchor Youth Space Sydney here and the province-wide IYS initiative here.

Although unique, the Icelandic Prevention Model, Integrated Youth Services, and the New Dawn Youth and Family Centre all work together. Think of the three strands of a braid being woven into one.  

At the heart of each of these initiatives lies a simple but powerful belief: Young people deserve the best possible start in life, supported by their communities, guided by evidence, and surrounded by care.

Individually and collectively, these initiatives aim to:

• Create safer, more connected communities

• Offer engaging, inclusive programming

• Build resilience and belonging

• Improve mental health outcomes

• Break cycles of poverty, addiction, and disconnection

By combining proven prevention strategies, accessible mental health services, and a welcoming new community centre, we will change outcomes and transform the future for generations to come. Together, it’s a movement—built hand-in-hand with youth, families, and the communities that love them.