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The YMCA of Regina is permanently closing down some of the facilities at two of its three locations in Regina.
In a media release Monday, the Y announced it was eliminating the health, fitness and aquatics services at its locations in downtown Regina and in the east end of the city.
“We know that organizations and businesses continue to address the impact of COVID-19,” Jason Carlston, the YMCA’s board chair, said in the release. “While we have been steadfast in considering alternative solutions to address these negative impacts, our total membership has dropped to 53 per cent from previous levels due to cancellations as a direct result of the pandemic, while experiencing increased operational expense.
“We will continue to provide valuable programming and supports to the community through our Northwest health, fitness and aquatics facility; ongoing service to families through our numerous child-care centres, including Before and After School Program; and provide needed assistance through assisted membership and our charitable youth programs.”
The east location will close at the end of the day Friday, with the downtown Y to follow at the end of the day Nov. 23.
The YMCA on Rochdale Boulevard in the city’s northwest will keep providing those services. Child-care programs at all three locations will continue to operate.
According to the release, the YMCA has been “actively addressing ongoing financial challenges while maintaining aging infrastructure and challenging membership levels” for the past few years.
It made progress in those areas over the past year, but said the financial and operational issues — and the impact on them due to COVID-19 — put the association’s future in jeopardy.
The YMCA said it would be offering support and resources to those who will be losing their jobs as a result of the closures, including full-time and part-time employees. It’s unknown how many jobs are being lost.
“Despite the upcoming closures of the two health, fitness and aquatics facilities, the YMCA remains committed to continuing to serve the Regina and Moose Jaw communities and believes that making these difficult decisions now will help us look forward to the future,” the release added.
