Dear Friends of the YMCA:
As we approach re-opening day on September 1, I am reaching out to bring you up-to-date on our plans and to address some concerns that a few have shared with me directly and through the member survey.
I have been encouraged by the many expressions of anticipation to return to the Y – not only for the sake of fitness but also for the social connections that the Y provides. Our team is very excited to see you as well.
As the pandemic has evolved, we have all had to navigate an unknown reality. Here at the YMCA, we established foundational principles for decision-making – safety, fiscal responsibility and transparency. We have stayed true to these principles during closures and re-openings.
You will, no doubt be wondering about our new hours and which programs will be available.
For this, we have to consider three key factors that drive our program schedules: staff availability, membership levels and program demand. As you have likely heard in the news, organizations across Canada are facing staff shortages; the Y is not immune to this. We must also gauge membership return rates and which programs have highest demand. When we open, we will be offering programs based on available staff and anticipated membership levels. (At our last re-opening, the membership return rate was 56 per cent association-wide.) Programming will be augmented as quickly as is feasible.
With this in mind, we are planning for a return to programs and services as quickly as possible. Squash, pickleball, group fitness classes, the fitness centre and TLC will launch on September 1. The pools will open on September 7, and youth programs and swim classes are planned for September 20. It is probable, however, that we will run fewer programs or classes than we would under normal circumstances and will add more as we bring staff onboard. This is not a cost-saving measure. It is a reality of the job market at this moment in time.
Staff are working on group fitness schedules and will have them posted later today. Pool schedules will follow next week. Information on swim lessons and other programs will be available in early September. As always, you can find all the information you need about hours, registration and programs on the
“what we offer” page of our website. Schedules and program guides are in the Quick Links bar on the right.
Our staff – some of whom will be new to the Y – will provide the same helpful and friendly service to which you are accustomed. As they become familiar with our systems, I hope that you will help them to meet new challenges with patience and understanding. You have my assurance that we will be doing everything possible to provide excellent service and the programs you enjoy.
In preparation for its re-opening on September 1, the YMCA of Eastern Ontario has put a
new vaccination policy in place that requires all members, visitors and staff – with the exception of those who are medically exempt or not eligible – to be fully vaccinated to access its facilities and programs.
Upon entering Y facilities in Kingston or Brockville, individuals are required to self-screen. The questionnaire includes a declaration of full vaccination or a recent negative Covid test. For anyone not vaccinated or who are exempt from vaccinations, weekly negative Covid tests are required until further notice. The declaration further requires individuals to be able to show proof of vaccination or test results, if requested.
For almost 18 months, we have navigated the Covid storm in a way that has allowed your Y to succeed while others have closed. Your support has been instrumental in allowing us to continue serving our communities and I would like to express my thanks for your continued trust in us.
I look forward to seeing you next week! Until then, I wish you a happy rest-of-summer.
