The Walker Family YMCA building and property located in St. Catharines has closed its doors and will go up for sale as a result of financial pressures that have escalated with dwindling membership and the affects of the pandemic.
The 27 year old building has most recently been shut down to in person visits since December 26, 2020.
“We take great pride in the legacy of our Walker Family YMCA and the lives that have been affected in so many positive ways over the past 27 years through this facility,” said Mike Watt, Board Chair. “We truly believe that the sale of the Walker Family YMCA is a step we must take to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the Association helping to ensure we can continue serving the community of St. Catharines and the Niagara Region for many years to come. We have no plans to close any other YMCA facilities at this time.”
Full membership programs will not resume at the Walker YMCA Centre, however, the YMCA is considering offering programs such as summer Day Camp, EarlyON and some pre-registered health and fitness programs when it is safe to do so.
Licensed Child Care operations have continued without interruption as well as a range of virtual programs for EarlyON, community outreach, health and fitness and children’s programs which can be accessed through the website.
“We take our responsibility to steward the current and future resources of the YMCA of Niagara very seriously,” said Mike Watt, Board Chair. “As we welcome a new incoming CEO to the organization, we look forward to the creation of a new strategic plan that will guide the YMCA to meet the changing needs of the community for many years to come.”
In January it was announced that the YMCA in Niagara Falls was closing its doors permanently at the MacBain Community Centre.
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