There might be a different look or even a different location in the Victoria Y’s future, but whatever happens, “we’re staying downtown” says its board chairwoman.
The recreational centre on Broughton Street is 52 years old and, in an update to members this week, Jennie Edgecombe said the best option for the future given the cost of seismic upgrading is a new building.
She added that nothing is expected to change on site for five years or even longer.
Opportunities for consideration include partnering with another organization to offer supported housing as part of a new Y, she said. But “it’s still very early days,” Edgecombe said.
The Y has 62,000 square feet on three floors and 8,000 members who make about 650,000 annual visits.
But facilities are not completely accessible to people with disabilities and do not offer universal change rooms. “As such, they do not reflect some of the key social values that define our community,” the notice to members said.
Renovating the Y would “trigger very costly seismic upgrade requirements” in a space configuration deemed “very inefficient,” the update said. “In consideration of all of these factors, we have come to the realization that a new building with new facilities is the most desirable option.”
The YMCA-YWCA has engaged Colliers International to help explore options and interested parties are expected to respond to its Request for Proposals by the end of the year.
“Potential proposals may allow us to redevelop our facility as part of a larger development on our existing property, or, alternatively, a sale agreement that includes a viable relocation and new building opportunity in the downtown area.”
