The YM-YWCA will move its 16-space daycare program from Vic West to downtown at the end of June 2010.

Other programs, such as adult fitness classes and youth activities, will no longer be offered by the Vic West location. The organization will not renew its lease after 30 years at the facility at 521 Craigflower Rd.

However, the Y's out-of-school program, which has 40 spaces, will continue to operate there, YM-YWCA executive director Jennie Edgecombe said yesterday.

"We really feel that over a long period of time, the needs of the community have changed significantly," Edgecombe said in an interview.

Vic West has a new daycare at the High Point Community Church "so for people who want to stay in the community, there's another day care centre there," said Edgecombe.

Another daycare centre, proposed to have 24 spaces, will be created at the downtown Y at 851 Broughton St. Families enrolled in the Vic West facility will be guaranteed spots in the new one.

The Y's out-of-school program serving Vic West elementary school is "a definite need" for the community, she said.

The Y's shifting priorities are behind the change. The community needs access to computers and a food-box program: "It's broader than just daycare and recreation," said Edgecombe.

"To have the community itself involved in that will better serve the needs of that community."

It's difficult to use a daycare space for other programming because of the amount of toys and equipment, she said.

"The space is good for the current programming, and a lot of it's for the city and community association to look at."

smcculloch@tc.canwest.com