People will be grabbing their clubs and playing a round at the Links of GlenEagles to kick off fundraising for a future multi-million dollar centre on 5th Ave.

Today, Mayor Jeff Genung and Dan Kroffat announced a Mayor's Invitational is being held July 26 to complete some groundwork for a new seniors centre, Boys and Girls Club, and Cochrane Lions Event Centre. 

"It was something that has been on my mind for several years now, and with the restrictions easing off, we're able to jump on that opportunity and provide a chance for people to get out and have some fun and make an impact on fundraising in our community."

While more details are expected leading up to the event, including the participation of some celebrity golfers, registration is expected to open shortly. Sponsorships and prizes are also being sought.

The 5th Avenue site is the largest project outlined in the town's tri-site concept plan, prepared by a community task force chaired by town councillor Susan Flowers.

Mayor Genung says there need for a central, main-level seniors centre and a better facility for our youth.

What brought home the need dates back to when his grandmother attended a 2017 candidates forum upstairs at the Seniors on the Bow. Getting upstairs wore her out, and she had to leave early.

"The impacts of that has been wearing on me the whole time I have been mayor, and we need to something about it. So action is what this golf tournament is all about. It's about bringing the community together, and we have all of the major community groups pitching in to support this great cause."

Genung says funding is not currently available from the town, but he felt the need to get the ball rolling. While no financial targets have been set for the charity event, it's hoped enough is raised to help complete concept drawings and blueprints to map out the exact needs of all three groups.

"We can then go out and access some other levels of government, and hopefully, fingers crossed, pay for this without any real budget impacts on the town."