Eau Claire YMCA to permanently close its doors

CALGARY (660 NEWS) — Sad news from the YMCA in Calgary, as a long-running location in the downtown core will be permanently shut down.

YMCA Calgary announced on Thursday that the Gray Family location in Eau Claire will be closed.

YMCA Calgary Board Chair Pat White said in a video posted to Youtube that the process has begun to close it down.

“We know this is very difficult news to hear. Please know this is a decision we did not undertake lightly. This YMCA has been in our family for more than 30 years, and it’s contributed to both the vibrancy and the wellness of the people it has served, and our whole Calgary community,” she said.

 

There’s no specific timeline on when it will officially shut down, and YMCAs in Calgary remain closed even with the latest changes to COVID-19 restrictions from the provincial government.

White said they have experienced several issues over recent years, and the operation is no longer viable.

“For a number of years, the facility has seen rising costs, diminishing membership base, extensive capital requirements, and the challenges in the downtown environment. Our experience during COVID-19 has heightened these impacts, but these challenges existed well before the pandemic arrived.”

Shannon Doram, president and CEO of YMCA Calgary, said they will be reaching out to staff, stakeholders and donors to provide some more details and hopes people can share their experiences at the YMCA to remember what it was like.

“We know that the Gray Family Eau Claire YMCA holds a special place in the hearts of so many, as it does in ours. I want to thank all of you for being a part of this community,” she said. “We will find a time to safely celebrate the many contributions of the Gray Family Eau Claire YMCA with you.”