Runners take off from the Downtown YMCA for the 35th annual River Run last June. Despite a leaked document suggesting the facility will close in August for good, senior officials said Monday that it will remain open for the 'foreseeable future.'--NEWS FILE PHOTO
cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant
The Medicine Hat YMCA says that a leaked report detailing a potential closure of its downtown location was only a “scenario” discussed briefly at a recent meeting, and no decision has been made.
The document, which made the rounds on social media this weekend, described potential costs and actions needed close the Ash Avenue facility, but doesn’t describe the reasons behind why it was commissioned.
On Monday, senior staff at the YMCA issued a statement saying the item was one of several items included on a recent agenda of a board meeting, but not voted on. It did not expand, while stating the facility will remain open for the “foreseeable future,” though closed during the ongoing pandemic response.
“The board discussed this scenario and others at the meeting,” read the statement. “However, further discussion on the matter was tabled for review later this year.”
It says that such reviews are a matter of general governance.
“From time to time, the board may consider challenges necessitating tough changes to ensure we remain a vibrant and essential contributor to our (community),” it read.
The undated document, a one-page memo, was published on social media this weekend by local web-based journalism outlet, Community TV.
The YMCA of Medicine Hat reiterated that the facility, like all its recreation facilities, is “temporarily closed in support of public health requirements relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, the downtown branch will remain open for the foreseeable future,” read the statement.
It described a “scenario” in overview of the facility closing at the end of August 2020, described legal requirements, costs and the potential effects on membership.
It also discusses challenges and changes to other units, including changes to the province’s $25 per day daycare program, as well as other changes that would apparently affect cash flow.
It also reveals that a “sale” of the Downtown YMCA building would not result in cash proceeds for the organization.
The land belongs to the city, though the building to the YMCA – a common scenario for several non-profit agencies, golf and curling clubs that operate in Medicine Hat. The “keys” would simply be turned over, the document assumes.
Elected officials at the City of Medicine Hat told the News that the controversy caught them off guard and they hadn’t been apprised of any potential changes to the land or facility near River Road.
That area was slated for redevelopment last summer when the city reached a conditional agreement with local developer NewRock for the potential demolition of the nearby Medicine Hat Arena. That deal, involving property tax breaks to help pay removal costs and spur redevelopment, would see a major medium-density residential housing complex built on the rink’s footprint.
The city is currently accepting bids for utility and road work related to the sale and future use, but the status of the deal is not known.
