The YMCA of Northern Alberta has announced that the Westwood Family YMCA, located within Westwood Community High School, is closed permanently.
While the facility has been closed since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, President and CEO Nick Parkinson explained that seven childcare centres, nine community outreach and housing programs, and the Eagle Ridge Community Centre are currently not at risk of closing.
“As a charity that is dedicated to serving the community of Wood Buffalo, we cannot afford to operate and lose money.”
The centre has been experiencing decreased membership and revenue, while seeing increased competition from municipal and private facilities, as well as increased building, repair and labour costs since 2013.
“I think with the prior challenges in the Westwood operation now overlaid with the pandemic, and the consumer not returning to a magnitude has also contributed to the challenge in our decision today.”
Over the past several years, the YMCA of Northern Alberta has been receiving about $225,000 in annual subsidy through municipality’s Community Investment Program – about 10 per cent of expenses.
In order for the Westwood Family YMCA to have remained open in 2021, Parkinson said it would have needed about $1-million in support from the municipality to be sustainable.
“After extensive discussions with city administration, the YMCA did not submit a final application for the grant funding for 2021.”
Parkinson also noted the age of the facility would have required building improvements at an investment of $2 to $4-million.
Projects that were in the works for Abraham’s Landing have been postponed, but Parkinson said they welcome the opportunity for new and future partnerships to expand their program and service delivery.
YMCA is working with 18 full-time and 80 part-time staff to find alternative roles within the organization where possible.
The spaced that housed the pool and fitness facility will be reverted back to the Fort McMurray Public School Division for usage.
Members of the YMCA have three options:
- Free access to the fitness and lifestyle programs delivered at the Eagle Ridge Community Centre until Dec. 31.
- One month free at MacDonald Island Park until Feb. 1, 2021.
- Request a refund
Grande Prairie, Red Deer and in the Edmonton region are also facing challenges.
