The topic of a YMCA for Smiths Falls has hit the surface again. This was an issue in the 2010 campaign after the previous council and our surrounding municipalities had initiated the Y market study in December, 2009. The assessment, which was based largely on a statistically valid survey of area residents, an analysis of comparable YMCAs and an extensive community consultation process determined there was a high level of support for and anticipated use of a YM/YWCA. It suggested market penetration of 10-12 % of the area population, or 3,000 to 3,600 members. It also indicated a capital cost of approximately $20M and operating deficits the first few years of over $200,000 annually. The opportunity was discussed and investigated by the current council, but no progress was made. Although the study suggested a partnership with the Ottawa Y was a possibility, that door closed. I, along with Director St. Dennis met with a representative from the Brockville Y and although there appeared to be some mild interest in a co-operative venture, nothing ever materialized. Had it been a real priority of the current council, and it was willing to wait some years to make it a reality, then money could have been placed into reserves each year and a fundraising campaign could have been launched. However, despite my steadfast opposition, council decided to invest $1.4M in a new aerial fire truck and another $2.7 in a new police station eating up any opportunity for additions to reserves and tying up about $300,000 annually in loan repayments for the next 20 years. Having been involved in the capital campaign for the renewal and expansion of our hospital a number of years ago, I know how challenging fundraising can be. Dozens of volunteers worked diligently for years and still fell short of the fundraising goal leaving the hospital with ongoing debt for the redevelopment. That fundraising occurred before all the job losses and challenges to our economy. If the next council decides the Y is a priority and believes it is potentially feasible and realistic, it can complete a business plan, form a fundraising committee, and get the ball rolling. It would also have to commit to money into reserves annually to give this a chance. There will be no chance of federal or provincial support unless we can ante up our share and with the debt load the town currently carries, we cant borrow any more. I believe a Y would be a tremendous addition to our town but am concerned about the possibility. Other Ys rely on grants, donations and childcare revenue to cover expenses and I dont know if the Smiths Falls area can support one, yet. It costs the Brockville over $4M annually to operate and about 40% of its revenue comes from childcare fees. Would Smiths Falls merge its Child Development Centre into a Y? Would enough people be willing to pay the fees? Would it receive enough annual donations to make up the shortfall and ensure there is sufficient money to provide the financial assistance needed to ensure anyone and everyone can benefit? I would love to see a Y in town but we have so many financial challenges to face head on. I look forward to it being an election issue and if elected, will carry the ball on this opportunity to see if, and when, it could be a realistic possibility. According to the Y Study, a few steps need to happen first: 1) We would need to confirm a partnership with a neighbouring Y. 2) We would need to complete a detailed design, capital cost and business plan. 3) We would need to identify the framework for a successful financial and management agreement with another Y. 4) We would need to prepare a detailed implementation strategy. There are many steps and obstacles to overcome. However, every journey has to begin with the first step.
Posted on: Mon, 08 Sep 2014 16:26:29 +0000
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