The YMCA of Sault Ste. Marie announced today that it is in a difficult financial position, and is exploring options to address the challenges. The organization has engaged legal and financial advisors to assist in next steps and they are now assessing a path forward.
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 the organization. Unfortunately, increased operational costs, coupled with inflation and a slow return to pre-COVID levels of participation has meant that the charity has made the following decisions, following very careful consideration and exhaustive deliberation:
- The property at 235 McNabb Street is for sale.
- Unfortunately, the extremely difficult decision has been made that Health and Fitness, and all other operations will cease as of Wednesday, May 15, 2024.
The YMCA also shared that they are working together with the funding patterns for the 8 YMCA childcare sites for a continuation of service. With respect to the Y Childcare at 235 McNabb St., with support from funding partners and community providers and in collaboration with parents, will attempt to be transferred to another childcare site with available spaces. It is expected that this transition will happen over several weeks. All parents will receive frequent updates about next steps.
John Haddock, Interim CEO is focused on supporting the staff team and said, “These decisions were not made lightly and are in no way a reflection of our dedicated staff and volunteers. The impact of the YMCA of Sault Ste. Marie in our community and the positive experiences our members have had are a direct reflection of our outstanding staff and volunteers. We are going to do everything we can to support the entire team as we navigate through this process.”
The association also acknowledges the support received from the City of Sault Ste. Marie to date and looks forward to participating in a working group that is to be formed to explore the potential for future services.
The association also extended a heartfelt thank you to the members, past and present, as well as the volunteers, donors and community partners who have all been an integral part of the impact of the YMCA for so long. Contributions to the YMCA of Sault Ste. Marie have supported thousands of children, families and individuals to develop a healthy spirit, mind and body and built a legacy of caring in the community.
Haddock confirmed, “The YMCA exists purely to help make the community a better place, and it has been our honour to see the impacts of the organization in the community.”
People are really good at running things into the ground in ssm, the only person who ever made a proper go of the Y was Gord Saunders.
Mismanagement seems to be the order of the day in many businesses around this dying, shrinking city.
With the current useless part time overpaid mayor and useless city council that squander taxpayer money like drunken sailors on everything except the critical priorities, it will only continue to get worse and worse.
We need to remember all these things come next election … I can’t wait to vote