The National Capital Region YMCA-YWCA announced plans today for a $17-million makeover of its downtown flagship facility.
The project, funded partially by the grants from the provincial and federal governments, entails expansion and redevelopment of the Metro Central Y on Argyle Street, now nearly four decades old.
“With aging facilities and growing demand for our programs and services, we must modernize, refurbish, and expand” said YMCA-YWCA president Tony Pacheco.
Redevelopment plans include enhancing programs, refurbishing and expanding the facilities. The pool, cardio and weight areas, locker rooms and child-care centre will be expanded in hopes of serving an additional 35,000 people each year. Renovations to the sports courts, recreation space and exercise facilities, will aim to accommodate more individual conditioning space and additional child-friendly spaces.
Apart from enhancing the recreational facilities, a major portion of the redevelopment funds will be devoted to the housing and accommodations services.
“We have been in the business of providing affordable housing for over 140 years and we will continue to do so,” said Deirdre Speers, vice-president of children and community services.
The Residential tower refurbishing will include upgrades to second-stage housing and the emergency shelter. Speers said accommodations will be available for all current tenants.
The project is scheduled to begin this spring and is expected to be completed by summer 2011.