Ralph Thornton Community Centre

The Ralph Thornton Community Centre (RTCC) has been a cornerstone of the vibrant South Riverdale community for over 40 years. Over the years, RTCC has played a key role in bringing residents together to identify, discuss and address local issues and needs. The Centre enables citizens to connect with each other and access important resources, by providing youth programs, a computer resource centre, recreation and education.

Ralph Thornton Community Centre is one of 10 Association of Community Centres (AOCCs), which are volunteer board-run multi-purpose facilities providing a broad range of community, recreation and social service programs to residents in the local community.

The AOCC model is a hybrid between a City agency and an independent not-for-profit community-based organization. The core administration activities are funded by the City and treated like a City agency. The program component is funded through fees, donations, and grants and treated like an independent not-for-profit community-based organization.

Currently Seeking Board Members

Are you interested in making a difference in the Riverside/Leslieville Community? Do you have experience in legal, finance, HR and/or change management? Learn more and apply by April 24 at Ralph Thornton Community Centre's website. For more information, please contact John Campey at johnc@ralphthornton.org or call (416) 392-6810 ext. 221.

Board responsibilities

The responsibilities of the board include the following specific matters:

• the overall management, operation and maintenance of the Community Centre ensuring compliance with the relevant by-laws, applicable laws and applicable City policies
• the overall development, funding and management of all Community Centre programs
• the approval of the annual administrative budget for recommendation to City Council
• the approval of the annual report for submission to City Council
• the approval of all programs including fees for the use of the facilities and programs if applicable
• the development of resources to support activities, programs and services of the Community Centre
• the hiring and evaluation of the Community Centre's Executive Director
• the approval of the Community Centre's Annual Financial Statements for audit purposes and receiving the report of the Auditor

Term of office

The term of office is set by the board but cannot exceed four years.

Composition

• City Councillor for Ward 14
• 12 public members

Qualifications

The majority of board members must be live or work in the center's catchment area (Don Valley to Coxwell Ave & Eastern Ave to Danforth Ave).

In addition to the general eligibility requirements set out in the Public Appointments Policy, community members are encouraged to elect board members who possess:

• an understanding of diverse neighbourhoods and communities within their catchment area
• reflect the cultural and social diversity of the community
• have knowledge and understanding of community and public service
• possess good communication and decision making skills

Meetings

Monthly Board meetings take place on the 4th Wednesday evening of the month. Board and committee meetings are conducted in English. Board meetings are currently taking place primarily online, with a quarterly in-person (hybrid) meeting.

Remuneration

No remuneration is paid to board members.

Nomination process

Potential board members are elected at the Annual General Meeting of members of the Community Centre (contact the Ralph Thornton Community Centre directly for more information). The names of selected nominees are then forwarded to the Toronto and East York Community Council for appointment.

Related links

• Ralph Thornton Community Centre website
• Relationship Framework between the City and the AOCCs