YMCA in the Sault ceasing operations next month
The YMCA of Sault Ste. Marie is selling its building and ceasing operations in May.
The YMCA announced the news on its website Tuesday.
“As you may know, like many charities, the YMCA of Sault Ste. Marie has continued to work toward post-pandemic recovery, including critical assessments of the strengths and challenges of our organization,” said the post, signed by interim CEO John Haddock.
“Unfortunately, increased operational costs, coupled with inflation and a slow return to pre-COVID levels of participation, mean that our charity is in a difficult financial position, and we are exploring options to address the challenges we face.”
The organization has hired legal and financial advisers to “assist in next steps including assessing a path forward and we have had to make some operational decisions.”
“This is a tough time for the Y family,” Haddock told CTV News on Wednesday.
“The staff have been remarkable. Remarkably resilient and have been really stellar in managing this whole situation themselves, but also helping others.”
“The City of Sault Ste. Marie and the YMCA are forming a working group. Our first meeting is April 23, as we’re starting to talk about the future together,” he added.
In addition to selling the McNabb Street property, all programs will cease no later than May 15.
“In terms of our eight YMCA childcare sites, we can say that our funding partners are working on a plan for continuation of service,” the post said.
“Parents and staff will receive frequent updates.”
Childcare sites
The YMCA operates eight childcare sites in the city, with around 140 individual spots. Sault Social Services is working on a plan to absorb those spots.
“Currently, the DSSAB is looking for ways to transition those children into other spots within the system,” said chair Stephanie Hopkin.
“Now, currently, we can’t guarantee to the parents that there will be spots, but we’re working diligently to try to bring those spaces into existing infrastructure in the system right now.”
Attempts will be made to transfer children at the McNabb Street centre to other spaces.
“It is expected that this transition will happen over several weeks. Parents and staff will receive frequent updates,” the post said.
Mayor Matthew Shoemaker said the city likely won't step in.
“We have just been through a process where we’ve gotten rid of the McMeeken Centre, which was built in 1965 or so and was over 50 years old,” said Shoemaker.
“We are reticent, I think, to pick up another 60- or 65-year-old building.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Unruly passenger' forces WestJet flight to make emergency landing in B.C.
A WestJet flight heading to Calgary had to make an emergency landing in northern B.C. Monday due to an incident involving an 'unruly passenger,' Mounties say.
The double-level airplane seat is back. This time, there’s a first-class version
It’s the airplane seat design that launched a thousand memes and kickstarted a media storm. And now the double-level seat is back – only this time, with a twist.
Former South Dakota mayor charged with triple homicide
Three people were shot to death in a small South Dakota town, and a former law officer who once served as the town's mayor is charged in the killings.
Debunking the 'anti-sunscreen' movement: Doctors say TikTok trend is dangerous
Dermatologists are sounding the alarm about misinformation from the anti-sunscreen movement, saying not wearing sunscreen can cause cancer and other problems.
New COVID-19 subvariants become the dominant strains in Canada
More than four years after COVID-19 effectively shut down the world, two new variants of COVID-19 have become the dominant strains of the novel coronavirus in Canada.
Ont. university says professor fired over 'unethical' sexual relationships with students
An associate professor at McMaster University has been fired after its board of governors found that he engaged in 'unethical, inappropriate and in some instances exploitative' sexual relationships with students.
Richard Dreyfuss' comments about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity lead venue to apologize
The actor Richard Dreyfuss showed up in a dress at a 'Jaws'-themed event in Massachusetts, where the blockbuster 1975 movie he starred in was shot, and then proceeded to make demeaning remarks about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity.
Poilievre Conservatives offer to help Trudeau Liberals pass foreign interference bill
Pierre Poilievre's Conservative Party is offering to help Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government pass a piece of legislation aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada.
BREAKING Teenager in critical condition after being hit by train in N.W. Calgary
A teenager is in critical condition after they were hit by a train in northwest Calgary on Tuesday afternoon.