Sault YMCA, library team up to stimulate your body and mind
A trial of the YMCA's gym, weight room and pool is only a library card away for those in the Sault.
A new pilot project between the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library and the Y offers one-week free passes to those with a library card.
Library CEO Matthew MacDonald said there is one pass available at each of the James L McIntyre and North Branch facilities.
“You come to the library you stimulate your mind," MacDonald said.
"There’s lots to do with mental health and physical health, and it’s all kind of related and tied into the individual as a whole.”
Each pass can be used by up to five family members or friends at a time.
Natasha Collett with the YMCA said they noticed an overlap in people using the library and those who use the YMCA.
“Some of them do have financial barriers and are not able to access the YMCA," Collett said.
"So this is a great way for them to try the Y and not have the burden to pay for a membership. We also have financial assistance. So this is a way for them to come try the Y, see the programs, see what we can do here and then we can maybe work with them if they want to get a membership.”
So far, nine people have already used the one-week passes. MacDonald said the wait list currently sits at 14 and is growing.
“That would indicate to us that it is a service that is wanted and very valuable to the community,” he said.
Non-Profit organization ParticipACTION recently stated that children aren't getting enough physical activity and are spending too much time on screens.
Collett wants to remind people that their facility is for everyone in the family. They also have after-school programs for kids such as basketball and floor hockey.
“We have fitness classes for children as well, and there’s fitness classes that parents can do while the kids are in the gym playing. So it’s a way to get them out of the house and off the screens.”
The pilot program will run for at least a year and will be reassessed next summer.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Accused of burglary at stepmother's home, U.S. senator says she wanted her father's ashes: charges
A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmother's home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.
LGBTQ2S+ rallies to be held across Canada, billed as largest since marriage equality
Organizations across the country are gearing up for what they describe as the largest LGBTQ2S+ mobilization since the push for marriage equality.
Toronto Catholic school board trustees vote against flying 'pro-life' flag
Catholic public schools across Toronto will not be flying the "pro-life" flag in the month of May after school board trustees voted against it.